Heavy RP SG idea

With the upcoming launch of Going Rogue and Shades of Gray, I feel that now is the appropriate time to propose something I've wanted to do since the earliest days of City of Heroes. I will warn you now, this post contains a lot of reading, so if you have no interest in that, you've been warned. However, those of you who may be interested in a long-term, heavy RP group with a rich background and well-established theme, read on and I hope this interests you.

When I was 13 and playing on forum RPGs (shout out to any old members of the Axalon Underground who may be here) I created an alien race called Pharians. I have since spent the past 12 years refining, developing, and writing for the Pharian Empire. Ever since I first came to City of Heroes, I've always thought it would be a lot of fun to find like-minded roleplayers and have a Pharian-themed SG. My intention here is to put out feelers and see how many, if any, people would be interested in creating a Pharian character to play in this SG. The idea is to wait until GR comes out and create Praetorians so people can play whatever AT they like, and then take the hero route, as this will be a heroic SG.

If you are interested in being a part of this group, please post to let me know, or you can contact me in-game on my global @Ave Imperator, or via email/IM at aveimperator85@yahoo.com. In the next section, I will post information about the Pharian people and the Empire so people know what they're getting into. If you have any questions or I left something important out, please ask and I will include whatever information you may desire.

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~Pharus

The homeworld of the Pharian Empire is an arctic wasteland located on the near rim of the galaxy adjacent to the Milky Way. Pharus is a world almost completely devoid of any natural resources save the extremely rare mineral the Pharians call obsidium. Obsidium is a black metal found only beneath the volcanic poles of Pharus. It is extremely durable and light, capable of being molded into nearly any shape without losing strength. Pharian society developed by building massive city-states around these polar volcanoes for heat and access to the valuable obsidium.

~The Pharian People

Pharians themselves are a felinoid species that stand, on average, about 7 ft. tall. They very closely resemble humans with a few key differences. Namely, their bodies are covered with fur of varying thickness, color, and patterns; they have long, articulate tails, claws, and fangs. Color schemes vary, but Pharians born of the homeworld almost always have white fur.

(Disclaimer: I created the Pharians when I was 13, long before I knew what "furries" were on the internet. My inspiration mainly came from Rei, the weretiger character from the PS1 game, Breath of Fire 3. If you have a problem with this, piss off. This is a group for mature roleplayers, not cyber-seeking perverts or judgemental pricks. This is not a haven for "catgirls.")

~The Pharian Empire

Over the centuries, Pharians have expanded to become a galactic superpower. Coming from a barren world with almost no resources, this has made them a very proud people. The Pharian Empire is generally considered the "good guys" in their neck of the galaxy. They are a fair and just people, governed by law and honor. Nearly every planet within the Pharian Empire has become a member through their own choice. The Empire offers technology, medicine, education, and the protection afforded by their massive fleets in exchange for fealty. Planets who do not wish to join the Empire are often allies or neutral parties on friendly terms. These planets are allowed self-governance with a Pharian diplomat present to educate the planetary leadership on the bylaws of the Empire and to help the planet integrate into the Empire as smoothly as possible. These alien cultures are not suppressed and the people remain their own, so long as they agree to uphold the laws of the Empire and answer should they be called upon.

Many worlds seek to join the Empire for many reasons, but none so common as protection against the Karaken Hordes. Since the dawn of time, no galactic power has been able to stand against the Karakens until the Empire rose to power. Because of this, hundreds of planets who had long-since formed coalitions to defend against the Hordes have willfully joined under the banner of the Pharian Empire, enjoying the peace and security it provides.

~The Karaken Hordes

Hailing from the galactic core, the Karakens are a species of savage reptillian creatures hell-bent on burning, slaughtering, and devouring their way throughout the galaxy. What they lack in creativity, they more than make up for in brutality, cunning, and overwhelming numbers. The Karakens have spread through the galaxy like a plague of locusts, killing or enslaving all in their path. Lacking the intellect to create much of anything themselves, most of their technology is stolen and modified, but even their crude ships and weapons are effective en masse. Karakens represent all that is evil in the galaxy; cannibalism, slavery, demonic worship and sorcery, ritual sacrifice of sapient life, and habitual genocide.

~Pharian Government

Pharus itself is divided into 12 regions. Each region elects a ruler for itself, called the Overlord, in a democratic republic vote. These 12 Overlords make up the Council of 12, who answer only to the Monarch. The Monarch is the single ruler of the Pharian Empire and casts off any old identity when he is crowned. No Monarch bears a name, title, or any distinguishing feature. This is done to prevent egos from becoming dangerous. No Monarch will ever be remembered by name or deed in the annals of history, making him into a true civil servant. Most of the time, the Monarch is chosen by royal succession; the crown passed down to the firstborn son, but the Monarch can reserve the right to choose his successor among his sons, should he feel the oldest would not be the best choice. If there is no heir, the Council of 12 will elect a new Monarch from among their own, and then the entire Council is disbanded and new Overlords are elected. This is done to prevent favors from exchanging hands under the table and to ensure the Council remains pure.

In the event that a Monarch does act in such a way that is detrimental to the Empire, the Council of 12 can vote unanimously to remove the Monarch from power. If the Monarch has an heir, he ascends to the throne. Once this is done, again, the entire Council is disbanded to prevent a coup to seize the throne.

~Pharian Military

The armed forces of the Empire are divided into five branches. While originally only Pharians were allowed to serve, over the decades, races from any Empire-member species were allowed to serve and now proudly fight shoulder-to-shoulder, regardless of race.

-The Imperial Army

The backbone of the Empire's military might, the Imperial Army boasts the most sophisticated technology and rigorous training in the galaxy. It is this technology and discipline, coupled with the natural courage and ferocity of the Pharian people, that has allowed them to stem the Karaken tide.

-The Imperial Fleet

Just as the army maintains Imperial superiority planetside, so do the fleets of mighty warships maintain Imperial superiority in space. Incorporating technology and designs from all worlds and peoples across the Empire, Imperial warships are second to none in defenses, firepower, and agility.

-Imperial Psionics Corps

Every 20 generations, the Pharian species undergoes a radical evolution. Recently, this evolutionary process has gifted many Pharian youths with psionic abilities, ranging from telepathy and telekinesis to matter manipulation and more. Not all Pharians have these gifts, and each Pharian's gift is different. Currently, only 17% of the entire Pharian population are psionics. Those who choose to serve in the military do so in the Psionics Corps as a division of the Army.

-Titans

Having never developed tracked vehicles or hover-tech, the Empire's armor division is made up of gigantic, walking war machines. Ranging from 20 ft at the smallest to a mile at the largest, Titans tower over the battlefield on anywhere from two to eight mechanical legs, bristling with siege-breaking weaponry. Titans are usually deployed from orbit as the first wave of an invasion force.

-The Vengeful

When distinguished soldiers fall on the battlefield, if their bodies can be recovered before their lives are completely extinguished, they are cryogenically frozen and returned. Awakened in semi-stasis, they are offered the opportunity to be rebuilt and continue to serve the Empire. Some merely have limbs replaced, others have more extensive reconstruction, still others are encased in cybernetic walking sarcophogai. Armed with sophisticated weaponry and powerful personal shielding, they return to the field of battle as the Vengeful to exact harsh revenge of the enemies of the Empire who killed them. Should a soldier have second-thoughts after undergoing the process, they are shut down and dismantled. No Vengeful is ever brought online against his or her will. It is an honor and a noble sacrifice, not a punishment.

~Pharian Religion

While the Pharian Empire teaches and encourages their own beliefs, they do not impose those beliefs on the other member planets of the Empire. Laws are very strict regarding tolerance between religious groups. No one is forced to agree with another, but all will be held accountable for actions taken against other groups.

Pharians themselves worship the single deity of their ancestors. Daknafine (DAK-nah-FEEN) is a deity of balance, as depicted by his dual natures; Calyx, Lord of Life and Light, and Volkus, Lord of Death and Darkness. Pharians do not fear death, but rather view it as just another cycle of life. Rather than a god to feared and hated, Volkus is often depicted in murals as a gentle and kind shepherd, herding the souls of the departed to the paradise pastures. However, Volkus is also sometimes shown as a fearsome and terrible warrior, sowing death and despair among the enemies of the Pharian people, sweeping through enemy ranks with his scythe. Calyx, on the other hand, is a cheerful lord, often shown as a jovial, plump old man, surrounded by wine, good harvest, and laughing children. Just as his darker twin, however, Calyx also has a militant side, clad in shining gold armor and wielding a massive hammer with which to judge the wicked.

~The Templar

The finest men- and women-at-arms of the Pharian Empire are the Templar. Out of 100 candidates, 60 will quit within the first month of training. Of the remaining 40, half will fail their tests and be expelled. Of the remaining 20, 15 will die in the final rites of passage. Those five who remain will be Templar, sworn either to the Temple of Light or Darkness. Templar represent the military might and influence of the Temples. They are an army unto themselves; shock troopers, saboteurs, spies, assassins, leaders, diplomats, tacticians, chaplains, and protectors. Only 100 Templar exist at any given time; 50 to each temple. Five from each are assigned as personal bodyguard to the Monarch and his family.

~Pharian Society

In the earliest days of Pharian development, evolution favored the females of the Pharian species, making them taller, stronger, and more cunning. As it was, the Pharian people were a matriarchal society for centuries. This all changed, however, after the First Contact War. Unprepared for the ravages of interplanetary warfare, the Pharian people were devastated and nearly went extinct. With the majority of the female population having been killed in armed conflict, the Pharian males took up arms to defend what few women remained. As the centuries progressed, the gender roles balanced out, as did evolutionary genetics, first swinging to a male-dominated society, then becoming more equal. Though the Monarch is always male, the Queen's word carries authority second only to her husband and females in society are generally considered equals.

~Ghostware

High-level field officers, black ops teams, or any valuable military personnel that may be operating on unknown planetoids are often implanted with a Ghostware bio-computer. These devices are sentient AIs that integrate into the subject's brain. Capable of housing vast archives of data, the Ghostware AIs can download a near-limitless amount of information, store it, and feed it to the subject as needed. For example: a Ghostware AI could access an database on an alien language and integrate it into the soldier's experience, allowing him or her to understand and speak that language as fluently as a native. Ghostware AIs also micromanage various biological and cybernetic systems within the subject, such as near-instant blood clotting, adrenaline on demand, anti-viral systems, and so on. Each AI has it's own personality and is capable of communicating directly with the subject. This is intended to reduce risk of isolation trauma for soldiers and operatives stranded behind enemy lines or other such situation, as well as having someone to bounce ideas and strategies off of if said operative is alone. Ghostware AIs are programmed to self-destruct and melt down if their host dies to prevent capture by enemy forces.

I can certainly tell that you’ve put a lot of thought and time in the creation of your alien civilization! Thanks for posting and allowing us a view of your creation. I have always been a huge fan of “themed-based” supergroups (especially alien and/or tech themed) and think that it would be great fun playing the world you’ve developed. So, in that regard, if I’m still playing when you create your supergroup, please save a spot for me.

I do have a couple of questions though:

1. Will all players need to be a Pharian or can they be of other Empire-Member species?

If so, how much control will you have over the creation of these other species? As this is your baby so to speak will you limit what “races” can be part of the Empire or will you allow whatever players can create (with limited oversight from you of course so as not to break the theme you’ve created).

2. What about the Karaken Hordes?

Is there / will there be a chance to make a villain group of these savage reptilian nasties? Sounds like a lot of fun, but I understand how hard it is to get one group up and running, not to mention two at the same time.

3. Will there be any archetypes, power combinations that don’t fit in your concept?

Or will it be as long as you can provide a plausible explanation for the ability (i.e. tech, psionic, etc.) they’ll be good to go?

4. Will there be any limitations on how characters will be named?

Should we use alien sounding names based on the language of the Pharian / Karaken / whatever species you allow or will “super hero” type names (i.e. Sunstorm, Shadowcrawler, Mr. Superguy, etc.) be allowed? (I’m voting for alien sounding names )

Again, thanks for sharing your creation and I look forward to hearing more and engaging in a conversation with you and the forum community about it.

Sincere Regards,
Reinmar (forum handle)
@Sentinel - Prime

Hey, thank you for the reply and questions. I'm glad you're interested.

1: Players are encouraged to create Pharians, but member-species are welcome as well, as they *do* serve in the Imperial forces, although in far fewer numbers.

2: As for the Karakens, I would love nothing more than for this group to take off so well that we can spin off a nemesis group, but for the meantime, I'm more concerned with just generating enough interest for the core group. Maybe in the future, if this takes off.

3: As for AT/powerset combos, part of the whole reason I'm waiting until Going Rogue is so people can play whatever AT they would like. Naturally, some elements won't fit, although the only ones I can really think of at the moment would be any non-Robot MM. Powersets *should* try to match by concept, favoring things like, say Ice/Ice over Fire/Thorns. All origins will be Natural (troops/training/etc), Technology (Robot MM, power armor, Vengeful characters), or Mutant (Psionics Corps). Psionics Corps can cover most anything that might not be explained by tech, such as Energy/Kin perhaps. It all depends on how you explain it. Remember, each Psionic is different. Exceptions might be if you were playing a non-Pharian who's species has such abilities Naturally.

4: Alien names would be best, as most characters will be of military origin (although I'm certainly open to other ideas that people might have). An exception to this might be a Vengeful character. The Vengeful are the "terror weapon" of the Empire, so upon their reconstruction, they may take an alias suitable to their new status.

Sounds well thought out, though I do have a few questions. Please correct me if I'm wrong in any of my assumptions in the questions, or if I just missed something in the exposition post.

Most important: Why are they on Earth?

Being lawful, are they here as cultural ambassadors of sorts, or more as scouts?

Why fight our crime? It sounds as if they would have at least a little real concern for Earth's problems, as they seem kind and all, but would they do it because they actually care, or because it's a simple method to show the world's population that they come here only with the best of intentions?

I have been planning the something of the same idea for an all natural human supergroup when going rogue comes out. I might just join your theme based SG instead. Listed below are the powers that I felt fit the concept:









Does this fit your concept?

Good questions, Viseur. Truth be told, there could be any number of reasons they would be here on Earth. This is my first attempt at putting together a Pharian SG, but I've made Pharian characters before. I've always taken the traditional, if a little cliche, route of them having survived a space battle and their escape pod fell through a wormhole. A little weak, perhaps, but there it is. I deliberately put Pharus very, VERY far away from Earth because in the series of short-stories I've been writing over the last 12 years, Pharians have yet to make contact with Humans. I'm certainly open to any ideas you guys might have as to how/why they're here. I don't want anyone to come into this feeling that this is MY show. Technically, as Reinmar said, this is my baby, yeah, but I don't want anyone feeling that they don't have a say in anything. I welcome questions, ideas, and suggestions.

As for why they would fight Earth's crime, again, could be any number of reasons. Could be a small force demonstrating good will and the security the Empire can provide. Could be that they're isolated and simply trying to survive on an alien world and getting drawn into things. (not actually doing petty radio missions ICly). Alternatively, being a lawful and honorable society, they might go out of their way, on their off-time (if they're ambassadors or something), to just put down some vermin. They would act within Earth law, as they would be respectful of the native customs (when in Rome...), but if they see evil being committed, they won't just stand by idly, regardless of what capacity they're here in.

Mod_Noc, I'm glad that you're interested in this and that you clearly took the time to think through your concepts. You've got the right idea, to be sure, but this SG will have less restrictions. Your powerset matchups are limited by Human ability/technology. The Pharian Empire has technology that vastly outstrips Earth, as well as Psionics. Between the Mutant (Psionic), Tech, and Natural origins, I think people can reasonably explain any AT/powerset combo they would like to play. The only ones I can think of that wouldn't fly would be Kheldians and any MM except Robots. Example, if you want to play an Energy/Kinetics Corruptor, you can just say you're a Pharian Psionic whose gift is absorbing and redirecting energy. Or a Broadsword/Invuln Scrapper is a CQC soldier in armor(or power armor, if you prefer). An Electric/Electric Brute could be one of the Vengeful with integrated weapons and defensive systems, or again, a soldier in power armor designed to release powerful electrical charges. It all comes down to "can you make it plausible?" Of course, that's not to say you can't use the sets you came up with, but not everyone will be limited to those.

Of the many options available to justify why the Pharians are on Earth, I think the cultural ambassador option might provide the most opportunity.

If they are here via wormhole, crashed ship, or some other reason along that vein, the group will be, in a fashion, limited to the technology and personnel who survived the event. If however, they are still in contact, possibly limited contact due to some reason or another, with the Empire then any and all of the culture, peoples and technology that you have created will be available for player use.

Perhaps something along these lines using Viseur’s suggestions...

Earth, wary of alien species after the encounters with the Rikti, has tentatively extended its hand in friendship to the Pharian Empire. There is hope on Earth that it will lead to a technology exchange, thereby allowing the non-superpowered militaries to better assist Vanguard against the Rikti, when next they show up. For the Pharian’s, they are intrigued by the overwhelming number of superpowered beings that exist on Earth; something they have never encountered in all their travels across the galaxy. There is excitement in the Pharian scientific community that, with proper study, this condition can be incorporated into Pharian culture.

This situation is not without its complications though. There are groups within the humans that are adamantly against the Pharians. Chanting such familiar Vanguard slogans such as, “Earth is for Humans” and “They are still among us”, they protest against any involvement with extra-terrestrial powers. Pointing to the fact that the Pharian’s are an “Empire”, they claim it is but a matter of time before they attempt to enslave all of Earth’s people.

The Pharians, understanding of the hardships faced on Earth during the series of Rikti invasions and not wanting to cause a panic, have limited the number of Pharians and other Empire races being sent to Earth. Those that are sent are instructed to help create a rapport with the people and governments of Earth and to that end assist them with whatever they can to show that the Pharians are not aggressive, nor do they seek to forcibly add Earth to the Empire.

@Sentinel - Prime

That's actually a really great idea, Reinmar! The SG can be a small task force sent to improve relations with Earth. This also opens the door for people to play diplomatic characters rather than strictly military personnel. Those who are military can have two purposes: safeguard the diplomatic representatives and demonstrate the technological and martial benefits the Empire can offer. The Empire would absolutely be interested in the myriad superpowered beings on Earth and no doubt seek to welcome Earth into the Empire. However, as always, that is Earth's choice. If Earth wishes to remain independant, the Empire would seek to keep Humans as allies.

Glad you like it. However, I saw a post on the thread that literally disappeared as I was reading it that offered another idea involving time travel and several other really cool ideas. I promise I haven’t been drinking….yet . It was there and then it was gone…hehe. As best I can recall, the poster (and I didn’t catch who it was) offered the following:

The Pharians are from the far future and some disastrous event forced them to travel back through time to their homeworld (Earth) to protect it.

That in no way does their idea justice, it was much better thought out and written than what I’ve been able to reproduce, but I only saw it for just a sec before it disappeared. I hope that it is just a bug on my system and its still there for others to see or the original poster will put it back up. Either way, it seemed like good stuff to me.

In other matters, I was bored and messing around with the character creator and tried to make a Pharian. I was going for some kind of military (templar?) sword using sort and tried to combine some tech looking armor with the feline head features. Not my best for sure but I figured I’d throw it up here for ya’ll to look at and maybe help me improve it. I tried to keep the majority of the metal in the costume black in the spirit of the obsidium you described.

Very cool look, Reinmar! I should have said this earlier so everyone knew, but the Empire's colors are white, blue, black, and gold, in that order. So white armor with blue trim, black joints, and gold details. Things like that. I would make a Pharian myself and post the image, but I'm stranded at my relatives' place due to my car breaking down, so I don't have access to the game right now.

As for the mystery post you're referring to, no, I haven't seen it, and I've been anxiously watching this thread like a neurotic hawk. I hope whoever it was decides to come back and be a part of this.

As to Templar...I'm not going to disallow people from playing one, but Templar character will face much stricter guidelines, as there are so few of them and they're held as such an ideal.

Of the other species in the empire, who are the most notable?

Truth be told, Viseur, I never really developed much in that regard, as most of my stories have revolved around Pharian characters. The only other member-race I think I ever really included as a character were the Grenix, one of the first civilizations to form a coalition against the Karakens. Most of their people were wiped out by the Karakens, but since joining the Empire, they've repopulated almost to their original numbers.

Grenix are massive brutes that often serve as shock troopers in the Imperial army. Against cliches, they're no less intelligent than any other sapient being, on average, but their bulk *does* impede their agility. The Grenix have extremely tough, almost stony hides; a natural defense and camoflauge against early predators of their mountainous homeworld. Broad shoulders, steam-shovel jaws, and giant ham-fists, Grenix soldiers are often given heavy weapons, as in the kind that usually have to be set up and anchored by normal troops, and told "go that way."

As ever, AT/powerset combos are left up to you guys, but a Crab Spider would be a good replica for a Grenix Heavy. It's not uncommon to see Grenix Assault Teams with specialized armor, bristling with suit-mounted weaponry. Generally, this is done because only the Grenix can support the weight of such hardware and not be blown off their feet by the massive recoil.

That's a really good depiction, Reinmar. Only thing I think I might change for the costume is the belt to...I think it's called Ampules, and try the plain Valkyrie boots instead of the Justice w/Pad. As for the face, I think the actual Stone mask/face would be more appropriate, or the alien can work if you can find a pattern to give it a rougher texture. I need to work on designing a uniform armor/helmet outfit for this. My car is being fixed so I should be home either tomorrow night or Wednesday...I hope.

Nice idea! I have to admit, I am very intrigued by the concept for the Vengeful. Reminds me of Warhammer.

Tbh, I think that the idea Reinmar gave is an awesome idea for the reason of the Pharians coming to Earth. Not only that, but perhaps the Rikti have allied with the Karaken Hordes, making the Pharians seek new allies against the greater threat?

I did not get a chance to see the post about time travel, but the reason might make a bit more sense, since evolution would probably point towards humans and Pharians having a common ancestry. Then again, that's getting a bit in-depth.

Btw, Ave, it's Soleshot. Awesome idea, I'd be glad to join your SG when GR comes out.

Hey Soleshot! Glad you found your way here! I was gonna contact you as soon as I got home to tell you about this, but it looks like you found it on your own! Glad you're interested, man, 'cause I really want you to join.

As for the Karakens + Rikti, the Karakens don't have allies. They have slaves. They don't make nice with anyone for any reason. They're not dumb, but they don't really grasp the nuances of diplomacy. Why talk when you can plunder? Why play nice to get what you want when you can shoot them and take it? Karakens have a massive superiority complex. It doesn't matter how many times you beat them; they think they're better, stronger, tougher, and faster than you.

As for the Vengeful, yeah, I can see how you can think "Warhammer" from them. In extreme cases, yeah, you can end up in something like a Dreadnought or a Dragoon, for you Starcraft fans, but those are extreme cases. Most have limbs and organs and such replaced, weapons mounted in/on them, things like that. Think the Borg, only with individuality and without the stiff joints.

Well, you can definitely expect me to play some sort of character for this SG. I'm really interested in the Vengeful, though I probably won't go as far as making a Dreadnought-esque one. As for why a Vengeful is going to Earth, well, a powerful, technogically "improved" Pharian soldier would probably make a good bodyguard. =P

And even without the Rikti/Karaken alliance, well, I'm pretty sure Reinmar's idea is a good enough reason. Thought I'd throw that out there, but making Rikti the slaves of the Karaken doesn't seem like a great idea.

No, but the Pharian Empire is always seeking new allies in the war against the Karakens. Perhaps the Hordes are drawing close to our solar system and the Pharians arrive first, hoping to warn and prepare them. The Pharians would understand how Humans feel about the Rikti, because the entire galactic community views the Karakens in the same light. They're a greater threat, but the Rikti are the more immediate problem...a problem the Empire can help with.

Well, yet another reason to look forward to August 17th.

Over the next week, until the 17th, I'll put together a small forum we can use for the SG to include a roster, uniforms, guidelines for races/branches/etc, and any other important info that would be significant.

I have a question. What is the average life span of the Pharians?