conversations.from: system
conversations.value: This game uses space opera to tell an Age of Sail story about the crew of an Earth System ship on a cruise hunting for prizes.  Here's why we use space opera to tell Age of Sail stories:  "cruise" and "prize" in the first sentence have very specific naval meanings.  Hopefully by using space opera, those are the only two nautical words you'll need to learn.  
  
  *Cruise*:  A long deployment of about 6 months, typically to patrol a large section of sea with a good deal of autonomy.
  
  *Prize*:  In the Age of Sail, if your crew captured an enemy ship, the Navy might buy it from you, or sell it and give you the profit.  
  
  Using space opera, we don't need to learn what futtock shrouds are or why it's important to have them.  But there need to be a few conventions.
  
  Go here to see them (copy paste the link):  
  
  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wZcbuIAB7-a6MR4RLp2qvP8O59heYmerh_5TSOpTjD8/pub
  
  
  ---
  
  **Rambling Plot**
  
  As for plot, I think each chapter will work like an episode of a television show.  (Let's hope it's not a Fox show.)
  
  I'll start off with a general problem, and produce outcome guidelines that develop things in a TV three-act structure, but generally I'll be looking for hooks in your characters, and following your lead.
  
  Part of this is because on a cruise, your crew will have plenty of things to do.  A star system in the middle of a war is awash with opportunities for adventure.
  
  Part of this is to see what you become.  Will you go rogue and become space pirates?  Will you focus on the war and try to defeat Libra Corporation?  Will you focus on prize hunting and go after bigger and bigger targets, growing your wealth and personal fleet?  Will you become involved in politics or espionage?
  
  ---
  
  **Rank**
  
  The PCs take the role of the captain and lieutenants (of unspecified pecking order) of a small prize hunting warship in the Dorado system, looking for Libran merchant vessels, packet sloops, supply ships, and damaged warships to pick on and hopefully capture for Earth.
  
  Anyone who plays the captain of the ship has to agree to play a captain who, realistically or not, greatly respects his lieutenants and treats them as equals, only stepping in to settle disputes.  The captain of this ship has to be OK with their orders being questions, or with lieutenants speaking out of turn.
  
  In short, choosing to play the captain limits your character's personality options.  Sorry, but if you want to play a selfish ass, a dictator, a lead-from-the-front sort, an impulsive bravo, or a take-charge kind of guy, *play a lieutenant.*  The only way an RPG about the command crew  of a starship can possibly work is if the person playing the captain plays them as a consensus builder.
  
  **Crew**
  
  The Sophie (named for Jack Aubrey's cruising sloop in the Master and Commander books) is a small corvette.  It has a small crew of indeterminate number.  Email me the name and a 300-character or less description of a crew member under your command - an NCO, marine, pseudo-AI, ensign, or whatever.  I'll give you a 5-card asset for them to use to your benefit.  When you play that character out, I'll give you a new one.  As a perk for the captain, to make up for the limited personality options, she or he can have two.
  
  **Rivalry**
  
  I included a few subplots for players who want to have hidden agendas.  Don't make a character who is genuinely loyal to Libra Corporation, though.  That's too much PvP for this game.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Event Gate in the Gliese Systen
conversations.prefix: Gliese System Event Gate:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You want to go down in history as a hero of the war.  A quiet, diplomatic solution is not for you; you need to crush your enemy, and be leading the charge when it happens.
conversations.prefix: Glory Hound:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You signed onto a cruise because like so many others, you saw ways to funnel the Navy's funds into your family's coffers. Prize money, embezzling, theft, and extortion are all paths to prosperity.
conversations.prefix: Profiteer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The event gate in the Sol system.
conversations.prefix: Sol System Event Gate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Dr. Locke is a middle-aged woman who knows how to look and act professionally at all times. She is kind to her patients and ship-mates but but prefers to be open and direct about any medical issues. She demonstrates very little tolerance for other people's nonsense. Beyond that though she rarely talks about herself and is adept at shifting the subject of conversation.
conversations.prefix: Emilia Locke, Ship's Physician:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Dayv Mukwelle is Allsn's government case worker who went native. He now follows as her invisible guardian angel.
conversations.prefix: Dayv Mukwelle:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: PO Fisher is a computer analyst, specializing in research and analytics. He finds patterns hidden in data, and examines current trends to extrapolate future events. This will be useful not only in naval combat, but in determining which trade routes to prowl and where best to auction our prizes. Not too mention the occasional side deal.
conversations.prefix: Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Fisher:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This is a general card for the crew doing something cool.  They are loyal to Raymond and support him when he needs it.  They appreciate his softness as it gives them a little extra room.
conversations.prefix: The Crew:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: She does all the things that Raymond can't.  She keeps discipline with the crew.  She carefully edits what gets to Raymond's ears so that his tender stomach doesn't turn.  She is also in love with Raymond.  She hides it as best she can, but she suspect that a few of the crew may suspect.  Thankfully, Raymond has never mentioned it, and she hopes he doesn't know.
conversations.prefix: First Officer Samantha Yin:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You never miss your mark.
conversations.prefix: Precise:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your reflexes have never let you down.
conversations.prefix: Quick Witted:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your character and pride define your existence.  You refuse to participate in crime, exploitation, and treachery.  This might impress others, or just annoy them.
conversations.prefix: Honorable:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your image is everything.  You won't take actions that make you look weak, cowardly, or dishonorable unless nobody will ever know, then you're an underhanded coward.  You aim to rise in rank by any means necessary.
conversations.prefix: Politician:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The navy's finest and most expensive ship-to-ship weapon.
conversations.prefix: Atomic Missile:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This AI program can sometimes identify a vessel's origin shipyard, likely system of origin, and allegiance from only its silhouette, mass and energy signature.
conversations.prefix: Starship Recognition AI:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This simple AI program helps you find firing solutions for the ship's cannon.
conversations.prefix: Targeting Assist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A microdrone used by spies to eavesdrop.  Can be flown remotely or planted like a "bug."
conversations.prefix: Fly on the Wall:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The ship's computer automatically slows its thrust to prevent it from causing injury to the crew or strain on its own structure.  It's *possible* to turn that program off.
conversations.prefix: Force Limiter Overrinde:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A one time pad that can decrypt encrypted enemy broadband communications.
conversations.prefix: Stolen OTP:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This is a big freakin' gun.  It takes two hands, and costs more than most civvies make in ten years salary.  When you point it at someone, they gonna die.
conversations.prefix: BFG:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lift assist, armor plating, EVA seals, and a tactical HUD.  No space marine would be caught dead without power armor.
conversations.prefix: Power Armor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Prevents all outgoing communication (tight beam or broadband) within a kilometer.
conversations.prefix: Wide Area Signal Jammer:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Recognition codes from a neutral system.  Use them to fool the enemy into thinking you're a neutral.
conversations.prefix: Neutral Colors:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Liquid funds on a numbered account at a Neutral bank that you can use to bribe others, live richly, or invest in risky schemes.
conversations.prefix: Excess Funds:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You never miss an opportunity to hurt people or kick them while they're down.  You're a black-tongued hypocrite.  Sometimes you're blind to the consequences of your own meanness.
conversations.prefix: Cruel:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You fall for tricks and deceptions and trust liars and con men.  You get sucker punched more often than you're willing to admit.
conversations.prefix: Gullible:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're dedicated to making as much profit as you can.  Maybe it's a spouse you spoil, a bookie you owe, a blackmailer, a failing business, a lush retirement fund, or a rich lifestyle to uphold.
conversations.prefix: Make Money:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Libra Corporation has you blackmailed.  You've been feeding them intel, but you want to get out from under their thumb.  You got onto a prize hunting ship to be out of easy comm range for a time while you figure it out.
conversations.prefix: Double Agent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: That's not your real name.  Your real identity gives you hidden motives. Maybe you're a criminal fleeing the law, or a spy for a neutral power. (Take Double Agent if you work for Libra Corporation.)
conversations.prefix: Incognito:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're the sort of sailor who blows his pay in port on partying, gluttony, booze and sex.  On the ship, you take any opportunity for sport, pleasure, or revelry.
conversations.prefix: Hedonist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You believe Dorado needs to unite as a free planet.  You are a socialist (or anarchist, etc.) agitator.  You oppose oppression, slavery, indenture, and capitalistic exploitation.
conversations.prefix: Free Dorado:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Those Libra scum think they can get away with threatening the Cradle of Humanity?  Crush those scum!  You're a glory hound or a zealous hawk.
conversations.prefix: Jingoistic Patriot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The war is immaterial for you.  You're more passionate about being the first to make xenological discoveries among alien stars.
conversations.prefix: Explorer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know that in war, death is unavoidable, but you cringe at the thought of anyone dying unnecessarily.  You'll avoid killing at all costs, especially just for expediency or profit.
conversations.prefix: Lifesaver:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are orbiting Dorado 3.  This is a war zone.  Occasionally, a ship will make a sortie, launch some missiles, take some return fire, and flee to cover again.
conversations.prefix: In Orbit, Dorado 3:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Asteroids lurk every few thousand kilometers.  Danger and opportunity could be just behind the next rock.
conversations.prefix: Dorado Asteroid Belt:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are in open space, 3 AU from the red dwarf at the center of the system.
conversations.prefix: Dorado Exit Distance:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Librans use non-FTL ships to send resources to Exit Distance, where military FTL ships carry them back to their home systems.
conversations.prefix: Libran Merchant Shuttle:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This is an escort destroyer without FTL capacity.  It guards a convoy of merchantman.  They rarely have missiles, but that doesn't mean they don't have teeth.  Or value...
conversations.prefix: Libran Destroyer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This FTL-capable destroyer is armed with a missile battery, giving it real teeth.
conversations.prefix: Libran Missile Cruiser:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This capital ship could smash you to atoms.  It's armed with multiple missile batteries, redundant thruster systems, and a main beam cannon that puts your teeth on edge.
conversations.prefix: Libran Man-o-War:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're a civilian contractor aboard the ship.  The captain has instructed the lieutenants to treat you as an equal.  Describe your role in your character description.
conversations.prefix: Contractor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You excel at being sneaky, deceptive, and manipulative.
conversations.prefix: Cunning:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your character is in love with an NPC.  The most interesting choice is Admiral Miranda Vasquez, the Admiral for the Dorado theater, who is the direct authority over the Sophie's captain.
conversations.prefix: Love:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your role is command, leadership, discipline, logistics and management.  Typically the highest ranking Command officer can veto other officers' decisions.
  
  Maximum: 2
conversations.prefix: Command Officer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your role is boarding, repelling boarders, capturing enemy soldiers, imprisonment, interrogation, and planetary exploration.
  
  Maximum: 2
conversations.prefix: Marine Officer:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your role is politics, internal security, espionage, conduct of the ongoing interstellar war, and military science.
  
  Maximum: 2
conversations.prefix: Political Officer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your role is piloting, targeting, radar, sensors, missiles, cannons, lasers, battle tactics, and maneuvers.
  
  Maximum: 2
conversations.prefix: Tactical Officer:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your role is repairs, upgrades, astronomy, navigation, mechanics, FTL drives, life support, and scientific analysis.
  
  Maximum: 2
conversations.prefix: Engineering Officer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your focus and cool allow you to work hard and achieve good results even under tight deadlines.
conversations.prefix: Cool Under Pressure:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Others are afraid to disappoint you and are at their best because you maintain order and discipline.
conversations.prefix: Intimidating:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You excel at rigging unconventional solutions to solve complex problems, taking risks, and coming out on top.
conversations.prefix: Hacker:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Nothing gets past you.  In a tough situation, you often notice something that might help.
conversations.prefix: Alert:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Others are eager to please you and do their best when acting in your support.
conversations.prefix: Inspirational:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have an anecdote or fact that might help out in just about every situation.
conversations.prefix: Worldly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are resilient under hardship, and handle pain, discomfort, and setback better than others.
conversations.prefix: Tough:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether your notoriety is earned or unearned, others have heard of your misdeeds, and know not to trust you.
conversations.prefix: Notorious:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Upper-class living has made you soft to the wicked world.  Your mind recoils at human suffering and your body can't handle pain and hardship.
conversations.prefix: Soft:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You miss important details because you're distracted, lost in thought, or hyper-focused.  Maybe you're too big-picture oriented, or just half-blind.  Maybe you've got personal problems distracting you.
conversations.prefix: Oblivious:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't work well with authority, and don't excel at teamwork or leadership.  You go rogue and trip up your own team, even if you mean well.
conversations.prefix: Not a Team Player:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You always overreach.  You want more than you can actually achieve.  You ignore rational consequences in the pursuit of personal profit.
conversations.prefix: Greedy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You cut too many corners, and that comes back to bite you in the ass.  Sometimes you only do the job halfway and don't even realize it.
conversations.prefix: Hasty:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It takes you too long to make decisions.  You hesitate, ruminate, over-analyze or simply can't think quickly.
conversations.prefix: Slow:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your substance abuse causes you to screw up, but you hide it from everyone, and won't admit you have a problem.
conversations.prefix: Drunk:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Behind the captain, memories surge to the surface.  
  
  "That's right... the Ortegas..." is all Allsyn has time to say before a sudden mental pressure comes over her, and she starts hallucinating.  The microbes in her body are metabolizing something in the air here...
  
conversations.prefix: A Scorpion Sting:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What message does *Sophie* send?  Does she pretend to be a Scorpion or Tau Ceti scout corvette or courier ship?  A large tug?  A small merchantman?    Does she forsake identification and try some other ploy instead?  Quarantine vessel?  Distress call?  Challenge?  Demand for surrender?
conversations.prefix: Choose your Approach:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The fusion thrusters are under massive strain in the conflicting gravity wells of Dorado 1 and the star itself.  The Libra Corporation ship has the weather gage as she can use the planet and star to aid her acceleration.  All 4 engines are all red-lining.  Suddenly, the C engine starts to sputter as the temperature sensors start tripping the Safety Override Compensator.  You can still just barely keep up, but won't have the power to maneuver as well!
conversations.prefix: Engine Trouble:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The merchant ship sends out a broadband warning call.  To whom?  Why?  The message is encoded, but our agents have some experience with Libran codecs.
conversations.prefix: Warning Call:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: "Fire as they bear!"  This challenge includes tight evasive maneuvers, careful targeting to weaken/disable the ship, and crew running to and fro.  Merchant ships are as well armed as corvettes, but don't carry missiles (they're too much mass to lug around).  You don't want to use missiles, because a direct hit will destroy your prize.  So it's a cannon fight, and that makes it an even match!
conversations.prefix: Space Battle:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This is a small operation consisting of a cramped heat-shielded barracks and a somewhat less cramped (and significantly hotter) quarantined storage area and launchpad.  It overlooks a heat-sealed mine shaft.
conversations.prefix: Scorpio Mining Base, Dorado 1:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Scorpius is a parliament, but really it's an oligarchy.  The dome cities are ruled by a wealthy aristocracy that controls most aspects of commerce, each dome with a ruling cartel.  The Ortegas are very influential.  Is the Ortega family bought and paid for by Libra Corporation or was this just a *very* expensive high-risk mining contract?  You players get to invent the details!
conversations.prefix: How Deep Does It Go?:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Play this goal when you're getting involved in Allsyn's subplot - and that can include narrating additional problems for her (feel free to write NPC actions).  She's a genetic freak - a unique survivor and host for a deadly Scorpion parasite.  Many, especially her own countrymen, would pay vast sums for her as a research subject.  Meanwhile she is hoping she can trust the crew of the *Sophie* and make it her new home.
conversations.prefix: A Nose in Allsyn's Business:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This card represents space marines guarding the command staff.  Naturally they wear red EVA suits.
conversations.prefix: Redshirts:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: One of the two shipping containers is labelled as containing samarium isotope 144, which is about three times as valuable as the more common isotope 152.  It would piss off the Ortegas if the *Sophie* confiscated a shipping container of theirs, but this is one of the most valuable trade goods in modern industry...
conversations.prefix: 144Sm:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This card represents space marines guarding the command staff.  Naturally they wear red EVA suits.
conversations.prefix: Redshirts:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Life on a virulent world has left its mark on your mind and body.  Both are prone to sudden shifts as either symptoms or memories lapse to the surface.
conversations.prefix: Frail:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There is nowhere you fit in and no one you can turn to.  Somewhere there has to be a place that you can call home.
conversations.prefix: Belonging:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Though gentle in manner, Francis is a colossus with the strength of several men. In an emergency he can be counted on to lift or move almost impossible weights.
conversations.prefix: Brute Strength: