It had it's moments, Zacha. While it wasn't supposed to be porn- and I think someone would be really hard pressed to label it as such- but it was a bit overly graphic in it's descriptions.
As has been mentioned before, this particular scenario has been dropped (for the time being- you never know). It is definately vital to pick and choose your battles, and consider your target audience. Interestingly, almost nobody said that we should not be dealing with themes on this order- no problems with "taboo". However, if we do, it needs to be for more than just atmosphere- it can't be a stand alone peice, it has to mean something. This was a very important fact to be gleaned, and will definately be kept in mind. We have other "mature" topics and themes that will be explored, but we will be sure that each event has a meaning, or at least some continuity.
A few of you recommended muggings, and that is a very good idea- already on the drawing board, in fact. Other "random" crimes that can happen to you include Identity Theft, fraudulent sales (Want to buy a bridge?), and some others that I can't remember. A major goal for this project will be to enhance the RPG aspects, and make you think twice about going into bad places unless you know what you're doing. Hopefully, we will be able to show your character as vulnerable both in and out of your ship, and make the character realize it. The Drop Bears are a perfect example- I think it would have been much better if there was a chance that the darn thing kills you. Game over man. It would make you think twice about going to Aurora space during mating season, and make you read the news. And although I know people are going to hate us for it, we aren't going to be pulling any punches. You'll never be killed without a reason or at least an option, but basically it comes down to the fact that long life and happiness is not assured- be smart, or be dead. Pick your enemies wisely- and your friends. I have no qualms about sending the player, in a freighter, against a pirate fleet and instant death if he happens to have pissed off those pirates enough. There are things you could do to avoid it- you have options. Hire escorts! Wait in the bar for things to blow over (a possibility)! Run the hell away! Arm yourself! Work it out! Give them what they want! Options!
Of course, this is a two way street- you should be able to play smart and see rewards. Also, your life IS a glamorous one- indy ship captains, even of rusting hulks, are the the heros and villains of the day. Larger than life, and most definately rich compared to the average Arcoslave. Your character can have fantasies about blasting people with your ship's laser batteries, you have resources at your disposal. This includes the ship's crew. While not as developed as Uncle Twitchy's "crew" outfits, having NPC crewmembers has been in there since the very beginning. Also, your assumed crew is a resource- for some missions planet-side, you might take your crew with you. Boom. Instant gang. Your ship itself has RPG-relevant facilities onboard. Unused cargo holds, kitchens/mess halls, sick bays. If your character goes to the hospital, he/she probably recovers onboard your ship.
OK. I've ranted incoherrently long enough. I'm not sure what any of this has to do with anything, really, so take it all with a grain of salt.
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~Charlie
Sephil Saga Homepage: (url="http://"http://www.cwssoftware.com")www.cwssoftware.com(/url)