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Can't get this story out of my head.

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SuperSeaOtter Since: Dec, 1969
#1: Nov 15th 2010 at 7:00:14 PM

I have this idea for a sci-fi story, that I've had in my head floating around like a bad migraine for years now. Basically, what I've got is:

- Gliese, sort of like Pandora being a bit of a deathworld and all. Cold all year around with permafrost covering most of the planet, however there is a three month cycle each year in which the area around it's equator gets much warmer and frost dissipates, known to the Zetan Reticulan Consortium as the Harvest. Very sacred to them, wars not allowed during this period. (Of course, the Terrans choose to invade during this period.)

- The Zetan Reticulan Consortium. Basically, the United States except much smaller, about 7 states including the Royal House and the states are called Houses. Ruled by a King or Queen depending on circumstance.

- Houses are groups of Reticulans similar to city-states. Reticulans are identified by capes worn over their left shoulder. Each cape is handsown by the House Matriarch, and because of the little differences between Reticulans, it is common practice to decorate the capes with their own touches. Destroying a cape or otherwise desecrating it is a serious offense likable to burning a flag with a child on it. Notable Houses include Tylyria, Rokara, and Illara. Other houses are unnamed for now.

- Zetans and Reticulans are basically Greys. The only way to really tell them apart would be the height. Reticulans, when they mature grow up to at least 6 feet. Zetans rarely grow past 5 (A major Zetan character is 5'2, considered extremely tall.) A third race includes the Maidens, who are basically the females of the Zetans and Reticulans. The Maidens are distinguished by their grey-green skin and their varying height. All three can be grouped together to be simply called Greys.

- In the Consortium's military, the Commisioned Officer role is always carried to the Reticulans while grunt work is the Zetans job.

- The story takes place during a war between the Terran Nations Federation (Will elaborate on TNF later) and the Zetan Reticulan Consortium. For about 20 years, the TNF have actually actively colonized Gliese, but at the same time shown little regard for the planet, using up non-renewable energy, wiping a species, and being complete assholes in general. ZRC proceeds to declare war and try to drive them off.

- Notably, the ZRC doesn't possess the advanced technology of the TNF. Their military still uses Line tactics of the 19th century and they had just recently discovered the Corps system. Meanwhile, the TNF boast highly advanced technology, well-trained troops, and a rather dehumanizing asymmetric warfare doctrine.

- Violence ensues. The ZRC gets its ass kicked in the first few months, but manages to actually get its shit together and win a few victories whether by possessing something the TNF doesn't (The ZRC is very adept at fighting at night due to the Grey's excellent nightvision whereas Terrans require nightvision aid) or hiding in sheer audacity (Charging, roaring at the Terran lines in a tight disciplined formation. Works by scaring them with sheer numbers and total craziness.)

- Then the war effort for the ZRC goes back to the dump when the King gets sick and his son takes over efforts as commander in chief. Suddenly, the ZRC loses all competence because of his son refusing to adapt tactics to meet the TNF.

- TNF meanwhile sparks a Zetan Revolution (Forgot to mention that Zetans were sort of a slave race.) and helps establish the Independent Zetan State. Not only does this open a new front for the ZRC, it begins to deplete their manpower. Suddenly, the once expendable Zetans could not just be replaced.

That's all I have for now. I'll probably post more tomorrow.

Slan Since: Nov, 2010
#2: Nov 18th 2010 at 6:01:16 PM

This is pretty solid world-building, but I don't see much of a plot.

SuperSeaOtter Since: Dec, 1969
#3: Nov 21st 2010 at 7:59:03 AM

That's my problem, I can't build plots. At least, plots that actually work for certain settings.

Slan Since: Nov, 2010
#4: Nov 22nd 2010 at 11:17:00 AM

Look through the War Tropes for some ideas, then?

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