Of Servers and Storylines....

I now have an Ubuntu server running the server program. It is still inside my firewall, but I have tested it for a full 10 seconds and it worked perfectly! Next step is moving the starfieldAI program to the server and running it there as well. Once that is operational, I may wait for 1.7.0, or I may find a way to distribute a patched version of the development code along with the client for external pre-alpha testing.

So, storyline:

I have a new basic premise for the game. During the height of the Galactic Empire, many colonization ships were sent off to far flung star systems to expand the controlled territory. Colonists were put into cryogenic hibernation during the light speed transport to the new system, with supplies and instructions to establish a colony and activate a intergalactic jump node to link the new colony into the empire.

Expansionism, however, created a strain on the empires economy, and during the unrest and eventual revolt, the Emperor was assassinated. The fight for succession that followed ended in a five way split of the systems in the empire, with several systems cut off from all others. As you awaken to begin a new colony for the glory of the Empire, you discover that not only is there no empire to swear your allegiance to, there are no empirical support ships following you. You may be able to align yourself to one of the new kingdoms that control most of the old empirical star systems. You may be able to become self sustaining, with no need of royal "protection". Or maybe there is room for a new kingdom... Perhaps even a new Emperor.


It needs work, but I think it works. There are many stories that could be told within this framework that can add some depth. It gives a plausible explanation for the multitude of players starting in there own star system. It allows for purely individual play, or bonding to an NPC kingdom for support. Or, you can trade with independent systems in a more rogue/pirate state arrangement.

Thoughts? Let me know....