Stratocaster (Slight Return)

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For some reason I want a PC type called "Warpwolves." and I've no idea where that name came from.
Sounds more appropriate for an enemy type. Warp is a good word, but it's too close to 40k unfortunately as Warp is such a central component.
 
The Cathode Cathedral is the great media religion led by the Broadcast Pope. A billion screens across the known worlds. Each paying tribute to the Cathedral in return for access. Endless broadcasts of war exploits and the chance to see the Video Valkyries in action. They will rescue people - for a price. In return the Teleclessiarchy profits and ratings explode. They simply have to deal with signal thieves known as Tape Raiders.

The Synthetic God, Moog Ra, was forged from a synthesis of Doom cult science and high technology. The result is neither a Heavy Elemental, nor an Amplifier Dragon, nor mortal. It is simply Moog Ra. Following his creation he set about cleansing the galaxy of imperfection before his defeat by the Stratocaster fleet. Subsequently bound in Sonic Sekhem his tomb resides in the desert sands of Ankh Acheron. Here his techno-dreams call to the faithful who hear his call through fringe science and technology.

May replace Doomhunters with Agents of Fortune and bring the Tape Raider type in as a sort of hacker/broadcaster/rockerboy type.
 
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The Electric Ether exists because of the Amplifier Cores; hewn by the Metal Gods from the very essence of untamed creation: raw Doom itself. Given form and purpose they became transmitters for their power: the Electric Ether. Around them were fashioned constructs of living machines. Engines of justice and might: the Amplifier Dragons. They would do battle against the forces of Discord that sought to unmake the universe, resistant to the control of the Gods. These beings were the Heavy Elementals, led by Chrome Cruach who took the First Dragon, Tiamatic, and twisted it into Endwolf. Herald of destruction and eater of suns.

The Cores exist still, bound into the subsequent Stratocasters. Should they be lost, however, the power of the Electric Ether would disappear. But with the Metal Wars and the subsequent amsbuhing of the Stratocaster fleet, engineered by the Heavy Elementals, the Electric Ether is in grave danger. The Black Metal Market, populated by many powerful competing interests, chases these Cores. A single one can raise an empire, or smash a rival. The Pandemonium weaponry, inspired by the cultists of Chrome Cruach, used a Core, enabling the Metal Wars and the destruction of the greatest galactic empire.
 
The Heavy Elementals

The untamed force of creation is known as Doom. Agitated into order by the Metal Gods, the universe was made. But some of those mighty beings grew too attached to its pounding beat. They became the Heavy Elementals, and Chrome Cruach, the Lord of Doom, is the greatest. He is the father of the Endwolf, a being created from tainted Amplifier Cores; the eater of stars.

They are inimical to the vibrancy of life, endlessly corrupting. Their power has always been sought by the ambitious and the greedy. Cults of Doom exist to that end. In defiance of the Metal Gods that created the universe and, according to Hurlant propaganda, blessed the Empire.

It was a Cult that experimented using Doom powered technology. They plundered the ancient places and found traces of the power of the Heavy Elementals and merged with Technoscience, the power forbidden by Imperial Hurlant. Their creation was the machine immortal, Moog Ra; the Techno God. He is not strictly a Heavy Elemental. Instead a unique force, but no less powerful or threatening to galactic society.
 
Some changes. I don't want the mythology fo the setitng to get too dense. Crazy, yes.

Song of the Electric Ether


This cosmic force is broadcast from the heart of a legendary Amplifier Dragon. Amplifier Cores have been instrumental in galactic affairs since the Maiden of Irons created them during the Age of Genesis.

The Mariners of old bound them into the hearts of their fabulous starships, the Stratocaster fleet.

Lord Hurlant himself forged an empire with the power of a Core, bdining it into the Screaming Throne. From there, he and his genetic descendants ruled for thousands of years.

The Pandemonium Weaponry, first omen of the Last War of Ragnarok, came from the same technology. Tainted by the influence of Chrome Cruach. The dark god whose rise will determine the fate of the Last War.

Amplifier Dragons and Stratocasters are the icons of the Age of Ragnarok.

Ballad of the Powers Three

The creator gods of the cosmos: Volt Votan, his wife, the Maiden of Irons, and his brother Chrome Cruach. The latter turned corrupt and murdered his brother. The Maiden weeps still; her tears are the resource that has shaped the galaxy: Ragnarok. Yet their story is incomplete: Volt Votan is fated to return. The Last Wars will be decided by the conflict between brothers. With whom will mortals side?
 
The Ultramagus

A mysterious figure. Always present throughout history. Some believe he is living backwards through time. Others can find no trace of him physically aging, but enough credible reports place the same figure, a man otherwise known as Dr Dee, at the scene of important events. He was present to witness the crowning of Lord Hurlant as the first emperor, and he was present as the last emperor’s flagship crashed and burned over the Imperial capital, Megagard.

Dr Dee controls a network of operatives and agents. They are the Agents of Fortune. Using his astrology techniques, they study the legends of Ragnarok, with a view to saving the galaxy from destruction. The forces of Chrome Cruach are actively opposed to his work, and many believe Dee is himself an incarnation of the Raven God: Volt Votan himself.
 
The Omens of Ragnarok

The reverse recordings, imprinted on Sci-Vinyl, of the Ultramagus, Dr Dee, as he lives backwards through time. To the untrained ear they can be dangerous. To his followers, the Agents of Fortune, they are secrets to decipher in the battle ahead. The Ultramagus was last seen in the presence of the Hurlant Emperor before his demise. Many indeed blame him, if he can be found. Some believe his ominous presence is an aspect of Volt Votan himself.
 
Revising the background part 1:

Before Imperial Hurlant would rule, the Ancient Mariners fought the Amplifier Dragons across the galaxy. They built a powerful fleet using the Cores of defeated Dragons. Able to channel the cosmic ur-power known as the Electric Ether, these ships became icons for freedom throughout the galaxy: the Stratocasters.

Centuries later, the House of Hurlant faced destruction during the fire of the Age of Steel, until it’s heir met the Ultramagus, the mysterious traveller Dr Dee. This enigmatic wizard revealed to him the Core of the long-ago defeated Dragon Marshall; Chrome Cruach. Together, and with the Core, the Questing Wars to unify the mortal Houses gave rise to the Hurlant Empire. The Core became the Screaming Throne.

Ragnarok was created from the tears of the forge goddess, the Maiden of Irons. Shed for the death of her beloved, Volt Votan the Metal God, who was killed by the Marshall of the Dragons. It would be Hurlant’s downfall: the Omen of Ragnarok (as recorded by the Ultramagus). This mighty resource would help Hurlant fuel a genetic dynasty that would last thousands of years. The Ultramagus warned him not to use Ragnarok, but Emperor Hurlant would not listen - just as the Ultramagus had foreseen. Thus, Ragnarok, ever dwindling while rising in power, would seal the doom of the great Hurlant Empire. A fuel and an elixir, so powerful it would shape the fate of the cosmos.
 
So It Shall Be Written...

Before the rule of Imperial Hurlant, the Ancient Mariners fought the Amplifier Dragons across the galaxy. They built a powerful fleet using the Cores of defeated Dragons. Like the Dragons they can channel the Electric Ether, the power cosmic - electric!. Stratocasters became synonymous with freedom throughout the galaxy.

Centuries later, the House of Hurlant faced destruction during the fire of the Age of Steel, until it’s heir met the Ultramagus, the mysterious traveller Dr Dee. This enigmatic wizard revealed to him the Core of the long-ago defeated Dragon Marshall; Chrome Cruach. Together, and with the Core, the Questing Wars to unify the mortal Houses gave rise to the Hurlant Empire. The Core became the Screaming Throne.

Ragnarok was created from the tears of the forge goddess, the Maiden of Irons. Shed for the death of her beloved, Volt Votan the Metal God, who was killed by the Marshall of the Dragons. It would be Hurlant’s downfall: the Omen of Ragnarok (as recorded by the Ultramagus). Ragnarok, though diminishing over time, fuelled the vast reign of Imperial Hurlant. The Ultramagus warned him not to use Ragnarok, but Emperor Hurlant would not listen - just as the Ultramagus had foreseen. Thus, Ragnarok, ever dwindling while rising in power, would seal the doom of the great Hurlant Empire. A fuel and an elixir, so powerful it would shape the fate of the cosmos.

...So It Shall Be Done

The Hurlant dynasty controlled the Screaming Throne, doomed to end in fire at the fall of the Seventh Metal Millenium. Present at the end, the Ultramagus, sealing the doom he warned the First Emperor of. These were the Metal Wars; factions rising to pick over the dwindling supply of Ragnarok among the remains of a decadent empire. The remains of Hurlant space became a region of Discord. The Overlöde, corrupted by darkness and power. Here the fate of the universe will be decided.
 
Factions: The Vox Pope

The Screaming Faith was instituted to bolster Imperial Hurlant, early on, during a troubled phase. The purpose was to condition society with everyone knowing their place, all venerating, as their superior, the Emperor. The chosen of Ragnarok whose endless wars were fought for their benefit. To secure the diminishing supplies of that vital fuel.

The Vox Pope leads the Screaming Faith. Master of an intergalactic broadcast church, controlled from the vast Cathode Cathedral. A city starship whose Votivator Drives are powered by faith. Its arrival heralded doom: the Vox Pope could send the Death Angels of the Warchestra. Under the Articles of Ragnarok; he had the power to destroy heretical worlds. Or salvation: broadcasting the exploits of the Video Valkyries accompanying Hurlant Crusaders on quests and purges. This vast engine is the source of imperial propaganda and the subject of many prayers and petitions - all powering the machine. Praise be. Now it is one of the few intact imperial institutions and its leader, drunk on power (and Sheola Cola) sees himself as the master of a new order. Free from the tedium of court and the misbegotten rule of the sons of Hurlant. Now the faith can be restored, along with the Cathode Cathedral.

All with a word from our sponsors: Sheola Cola.
 
So the Stratocaster is the player's ship. It is the focus of the game. A legendary space vehicle that's their ticket to adventure. Each has a unique power core that determines how it functions which the players will decide. Moreimportantly, it accrues Doom. This is because these ships are cursed. For defying the dark god Chrome Cruach they are all cursed; fated to bring misfortune with them. This is represented with Doom. As the players sail around having adventures they bring the metal with them, and also the curse. They must deal with this, in order to bleed off Doom points. Of course this mechanic shouldn't be burdensome or limiting. Think of them like ravens.

Fun note: the language of the Hurlant Emperors is something that the low orders aren't allowed to learn. It's called Umlaut.
 
Am considering a shift to a more obvious science fantasy route. Partly inspired by finally acquiring Warp Riders by The Sword. But also because setting it on one planet might well be easier. I do like the sci fi angle. But this is obviously a mix of sci fi fantasy and Brutal Legend and umlauts.
 
Rethinking the character classes into something more reasonable.
Ragnarok Smuggler - vital to imperial survival, yet dwindling in supply, Ragnarok is the most precious material in the universe. It underpins the economy. Smuggling it is highly illegal, dangerous, lucrative, and sometimes the only way communities can survive.

Doomcaster Prophet - you are cursed by Doom! This doesn’t make you evil. Quite the opposite: casting the power of the Cursed Tarot, you are able to warn others of evil - of Doom’s coming. Unfortunately most regard you as hopelessly mad. Others think you are of Doom itself. Certainly you can wield some of its powers, but intended as a weapon against greater evil.

Stack Marshall - imperial settlements are often known as Stacks; vast hives of urban decay and intensity; layer upon layer. Marshalls are those that police them. Connected to the empire-wide Lawgrid, they are always aware of crime and suspects upon whom they may directly pass sentence.

Ampsmith - Hurlant rose from primitive to galaxy spanning empire following its discovery of the ruins of Amplifier Dragons (and even Stratocasters, lost during the war against Doom) across its world. Those who study this are Amplifier Technicians. (This needs refinement)

Ragnarok Priest - from the last remaining temple, safely ensconced amid the feedback storms that rage from close proximity to a nexus of Discordant Space and the Electric Ether. This is the planet Sonic Acheron. The temple here endured imperial pogrom, though worship of Ragnarok (as opposed to the Emperor, of course) is heresy sublime. It was built from the ruins of the ancient Amplifier Dragon, Chrome Cruach. Its core is still active and priests learn to connect with it, receiving visions and prophecies. Cruach was the brother to Volt Votan, slain by the first emperor who used his core, against the wishes of the Ultramagus, to build the Screaming Throne of Hurlant.

Agent of Fortune - acolyte of the teachings of the enigmatic Dr Dee, also known as the Ultramagus. A being who has appeared throughout time, at vital points in history. Said to have formed the Agents to serve him when the time comes. That has yet to be, but it doesn’t stop the Agents from gathering knowledge and studying the powers active in the universe.

Ancient Mariner - genetically bred to bond with and thus pilot a Stratocaster, most now are bereft. The fleet is broken and so most are left aimless. Many spend their time hiring their skills as peerless pilots out. Others are found in Blaster Ghettoes, high on Riffsmoke (a popular narcotic known to induce visions in the Mariners, sometimes helpful; it’s a byproduct of Ragnarok production).
 
I have not given up on this!

But I'm going to narrow the pitch and focus it otherwise nothing will ever appear! You get to play a Stratocaster crew having adventures in the vicinity of the Eye of Doom. You can find new sources of Ragnarok, lost treasures of the Ancient Mariners, or battle the Cult of Doom. Nearby is Stormbringer Station, the main port of call and 'home base'. This poorly written brief explains a bit more:

On worlds now lost to the increasing influence of the Eye of Doom, Ragnarok is found. Vital to the survival of a dying Empire, it is the most precious material in the universe. Only one place is capable of refining it: Stormbringer Station, at the edge of the Eye’s discordant influence.

Many come to the Station hoping to find a new lode, living fat off the profits retiring to the Twilight Worlds of Astralhalla. Most die, robbed blind before they ever step back off the Station. It’s the loudest and most dangerous city in space, controlled by the mysterious Guild of Ragnarok and policed by the Neon Knights. The latter were seconded to the Station’s defence from their duty as royal guards.

Only the Guild, under their Robes of Toil, can operate the arcane machinery used to refine Ragnarok. This knowledge has been theirs for thousands of years and they pay the price through the Sacred Mutations they bear. They have more power than the decadent Emperor in far off Megagard. But they must contend with the Houses of the city, below, whom they play off against each other.

On the surface, the constant threat from the cyber zombie Deadbanger horde keeps the Neon Knights busy. Amplifier Dragons appear, drawn by the raw Ragnarok shipped in. They feed on it, broadcasting the Electric Ether from their cores. This power is studied by the Guild through the Deck of Omens; this mystical tool is their means of control. It was produced by the Ultramagus whose wayward acolytes are the Agents of Fortune. Through it the Guild sees the future. The Agents would love to emancipate that knowledge as well as free the station.

Many come to the station aboard their battered tramp freighters, hoping to survive the vicissitudes of Discordant space, hiring a Ragnarok crew and selling a claim. But there are few ships that can survive the influence of the Eye of Doom, or the Broadcast Storms induced by an Amplifier Dragon manifestation. Of them none are more powerful, more auspicious, than a legendary Stratocaster; ship of the gods - of the Ancient Mariners.

Stratocasters were built to fight the forces of Doom, using the core of an Amplifier Dragon as its engine. Most were lost during the Metal Wars, the conflict from which came Imperial Hurlant. Some survived, seeking out new heroes on Stormbringer Station. Most drawn from Ragnarok crews, they now fly out into Discordant space seeking fame, adventure and profit.
 
Some Notes:

The Eye of Doom is the prison built to contain Chrome Cruach; the Doomgod. He is immortal and bound. His restless dreaming issues forth the Discordant Space slowly spreading beyond. Worlds so touched become twisted and deviant; demons spawn and evil grows. But so does the terrible weed on which civilisation has grown dependent: Ragnarok. Only the Guild of Ragnarok, and the Cult worshipping the Doomgod, know this truth.

On Stormbringer Station business is done in slips and slivers of Ragarnok. Other currencies exist as well as barter. Imperial Megarands are taken.

There are many cultures operating aboard. The dominant language is the imperial high speech of Umlaut. It' snot meant to be spoken by the proles, but...

The Neon Knights are well known. They once guarded the Emperor. But the need to defend Stormbringer Station transcends the needs of a single mortal sovereign. The Guild compelled their service and they have defended the station ever since. Mainly fighting back the endless waves of Deadbangers. They also oversee the Station's policing; largely by recruiting mercenaries into the offices of the Stormbringer Sheriffs.
 
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The Guild are barely human anymore. Their mutations are worn with pride and hidden. Outsiders do not see them unless invited and that is rare - and disturbing. The machinery has twisted them. They are served by an industrial genetically engineered labour class, built to withstand the machinery's arcane influence (where they have not). These are the Genomes of Ragnarok.

It is said the Guild is led by a powerful seer know as the Cailieach - the Maiden of Iron. They say she is immortal, drinking raw Ragnarok from the Galaxy Grail.

Discordant Space is radiation spewing from the Eye of Doom. It is spreading, The Guild knows it will, one day, reach Stormbringer Station. They hope the power of the Electric Ether will protect it. Where Discordant Space manifests it corrupts and warps breeding Demons of Discord, Sonic Terrors, and fell mutants: Heavy Elementals
 
Stratocasters

Built in the Progressive Age by the Ancient Mariners. They use the cores of Amplifier Dragons to build the most powerful starships in existence. Powered by Ragnarok these cores emit the Electric Ether, causing a Broadcast Storm in the depths of space through which they travel at speeds unmatched by modern imperial shipping. Conventional superluminal travel makes use of Warp-engineered Black Holes, shaped into Warpgates.

It was the Mariners who encountered the Doomgod, lurking at the edge of the Wyrd of Worlds. The resulting conflict, the Metal War, led to the Doomgod’s defeat, but also caused the Mariner’s downfall. They bound him within the Eye of Doom knowing they could not destroy a god. This they did with the help of a future visitor, Dr Dee, calling himself the Ultramagus. The Doomgod cursed them in defeat - the Stratocasters would be his ravens. Doom would evermore follow them.
 
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