Banner of the Stars RPG

Work had been another boring, uninspired day. Then again, that was life when you worked on planetary space port. All day was organizing shipments, moving boxes around and dealing with people who had no idea just how fucking annoying it was to deal with the extensive Abh bureaucracy. But hey, it paid well and at least it was mostly an efficient process.. mostly.

That said, whatever else you were planning on doing is cut short by a sudden new announcement on the wide screen on one of the buildings. The President of the planet had something to say, and he looked like he was going to shit himself about whatever it was.

"My fellow citizens.. It is with deepest upset, that I must inform you. That as of 16:00 hours our time. The United Mankind and its allies, have declared war on the Humankind Empire of Abh, and declared their goal as the total annihilation and destruction of the Abh, and 'Liberation' of our people from the clutches of Imperial rule".

"Right now, the space forces are mobilizing to defend the frontiers of the Empire, and are looking for any brave volunteers willing to enlist, or seek a commission. Too help turn away this sudden and vicious aggression by the alliance.". Taking a moment longer to pause, he adds.

"I would ask, that you keep your fellow countrymen in your prayers, and that as we enter into these trying times. Never forget that we are all humans. Flaws and all".

All around you, various servants were moving about. A sudden rush caused by the fact that the Empire had been attacked, and while your domains were safe. There was a great deal that had to be done to prepare for the sudden movements by the Labule across the space lines that ran through your territory.

One of your vassals, who handled a great deal of the administrative affairs, and is clearly stressed at the moment, comes up to you. "Preparations are still being made, but the fact remains we are deeply concerned about a sudden attack by the Triple Alliance. They've been making rapid progress, and there is the chance that they are aware this system has been marked as a muster zone for the Imperial Star Forces".

"If they were to suddenly show up, the damage they could cause is.. immense and I would strongly suggest preparations begin to evacuate key civilian personal from the sector as to limit the loss of life".

Normally, High-School graduation was supposed to mark a momentous occasion. The start of your adult life and the end to childhood. However, right now, the ceremony was anything but joyous. As half your classmates were already missing. Off to join the Space Forces of the Sovereign Union in the war against the Abh.

Your teachers looked just as dour.. as you can already see there are a half dozen recruiters waiting outside. Eager to snatch up anybody willing to meet Abh aggression, as you can hear one girl crying as she's trying to convince her boyfriend not to sign up. "Please.. Davy.. you don't have to do this hic .. we. we can go to college, just like we planned and..".

Whatever else she was about to say was cut off. As he waved a hand. "Jessica.. listen. I'm sorry. But those Abh bastards need to be stopped. What happens if they win? What kind of world would I be with you in, if I don't fight to drive those bastards back? I promise to write.. to keep in touch, but once this ceremony is over, I'm going out there.. and signing up to fight for humanity.. for our right to be free".

The Empire had been shaken by the sudden attack. And a dozen border systems along the frontier were falling one by one as the forces of the Triple Alliance were making swift progress along the frontier. That said, the Imperial Space Force was mobilizing, and eager to find new blood. So they were offering plenty of incentives for people to enlist or undergo officer training. And college students like you were a prime target.

Between classes, one of your fellow classmates came up to you. "Hey, you heard about the latest series of incentives being offered to join the Space Force?"

They didn't wait for you to ask. Just continued on in a rushed, excited tone. "They're offering a sign on bonus of 25,000 Skarr up front if you sign up, that bonus goes up to 125,000 Skarr if you fill into frontline roles that they really need. That's enough money that you could easily pay off any student loans and get a jump start after words! Not to mention the noble title you'd get for signing up by default!"

News spread fast across the United Mankind. The sudden Abh attack on your peaceful scouting fleet had sent ripples across the galaxy. And the calls for war just as quickly followed. Every major news channel, podcast and politician was talking about. And the current new segment was no different.

That said, most expected it was going to take a bit longer for any sort of formal declaration of war to come.. but the sudden emergency broadcast had other ideas.

Stepping onto the screen, was one of the United Mankind's parliament members, and he had the gravest expression a man could have. "People of this glorious nation.. this bastion of freedom.. It is with greatest sadness that I report. That the renegade biological machines. Known as the Abh, have revealed their intentions most plainly. That they do not desire peace, but only war.. only the subjugation of every last human they can find".

"Their attack upon our scouting fleet.. and the subsequent attempts to attack us across all fronts. Have bene turned back by our loyal and dedicated armed forces. However, with heavy hearts, and God as our witness, we have decided upon a course of action. For so long as the Abh exists, they will threaten humanity. They will come for us.. our children, and our very way of life. And thus, with our allies in the Sovereign Union of Planets and the Greater Republic of Alcnot. We have decided to declare war upon the Empire of the Abh. To liberate the billions of people under their heavy handed, and archaic rule, and to preserve for our children, a better galaxy.. without the threat of the Abh".

Its funny how life works out. Your home system was isolated; had been for the better part of a century. Just another small portion of humanity trying to make their way in the galaxy. A simple, prosperous republic, with perhaps a few local terrestrial problems, but nothing beyond that. Then the Abh came.

A whole fleet, suddenly at the edge of your system, and issuing a demand to surrender and join the Empire, or face annihilation. The government was paralyzed, and the people were in a panic, and yet somehow. Your family was the one that came to be the deciding vote.. and you voted in favor of surrender.

It didn't matter that your family was one of many to vote for it, only that it was the last one. It didn't matter that prior tot hat point, most people were panicking or crying out for a solution. All that mattered was that your parents were the deciding vote.

And suddenly, you were receiving death threats, hate mail and everything else under the sun. But for the Abh. You were standouts, and they rewarded your family with a noble title, a position within their empire and while that certainly saved you from the angry mob. It also made sure that stepping foot on your home wasn't a great option any more either.

And now, as the heir of your family title, you are being called up to serve in the Space Force. To do your duty to the Empire.. Weather you like it or not.

The sirens of various police cars wailed futility as the sky's darkened with the shape of warships.. and not the usual ones of the Imperial Merchant Marine or Space Force. But the those of the United Mankind. They had overwhelmed and killed the local defenders with relative ease, given the sudden surprise attack. And had now started landing more than a few marines on planet to help oversee your 'liberation'.

The local president was being dragged out of his home by a few Mankind soldiers, while one of their officers was looking to the crowd that had gathered around and the news crews. "People of this fair planet! Worry not, we of the United Mankind are not here to impose or will upon you, but to free you from the clutches of the Abh's tyranny. This traitor to humanity, despite his severe crimes, will be given a fair trial. Before a jury of his peers, for siding with the Abh. Though we do consider, that in all likelihood, he was unfairly coerced into the role, by the genocidal monsters".

"Who so freely arrive to planets that had been minding their own business and demand their submission, or destruction. It is my promise to you, that we shall be even handed, as we help you transition back to enjoying the freedom, that all humans should have. The freedom to determine for yourselves, your course among the stars!"

The Galaxy is alight with the fires of war, as the Triple Alliance has fully declared war upon the Humankind Empire of Abh, and launched several immediate invasions of its territory. After declaring that the Abh had fired the first shots. Attacking a peaceful scouting fleet that was merely conducting routine operations.

In turn, the Empire has declared the attack a false flag operation and is determined to not only defend itself. But put an end to all this petty squabbling once and for all. Uniting all of humanity under its single banner.

And in all of this turmoil, there is you. A loan figure ready to either survive in these turbulent times, or finally make your own mark.