An Oqthcalian Tragedy

The Oqthcalian world was one of four linked planets orbiting Soal — a now-vanquished star — alongside the planets Umi, Olliara, and Zeget.
While the other planets were rich in resources, they warred among themselves. However, the inhabitants of Oqthcali unified ‘peacefully’. Their natural life spans lasting the equivalent of twenty-four rotations around their star, the people of Oqthcali were reluctant to wage wars. Even more, their short life-spans limited population growth and engendered a natural focus on the continual transfer of knowledge among the generations.
Given their proximity to Soal, and the natural qualities of that star, all citizens of Oqthcali are born with a unique ‘ability’, ‘blessing’, or ‘gift’ — depending on the social class of their birth (i.e. 25 points worth of powers).
Socially, the Oqthcali formed small compacts with representation among the primary classes (Kazars, Wells, and Abrils) which were then represented by continental senates with a balance of power and freedoms that endured. In this respect, Oqthcali remained the seat of power in the four-planetary linked system, perpetually.

Inevitable Destruction

The inevitable death of their star put events into motion that would preserve Oqthcalian knowledge and the history of their planetary system well beyond their eventual destruction.
The Oqthcalian civilization knew well in advance of its demise that their star was dying. However they were unable to locate a habitable planet within the reach of their technology, so for several millennia they harvested portions of their dying star to empower capsules containing the main knowledge and achievements of their civilization.
Even though they attempted to build a star-powered space vehicle, they couldn’t survive the journey’s duration. Hibernation technologies existed, but would not sustain for the duration necessary to reach habitable planets. So they hoped their knowledge would live on, even when they would perish.

The Game and The Story

Current and future players in the “New Champions Universe” are invited to submit characters using Campaign Ground Rules for use in this game.
The only addition to the typical Campaign Ground Rules shared above is that each player (and every inhabitant of Oqthcali) has 25 points worth of powers. The players will have to explain why they have 425 points of powers as part of their backstory - e.g. wealth, technology, extended Soalar exposure, etc.

Story Tone

The world is dark because the planet’s destruction is imminent, though not expected within the current generation.
There are two hemispheres on the planet, which does not rotate. The hemisphere facing Sol is pleasant and luscious. The opposite hemisphere is terrifyingly cold - a disastrous wasteland, though some of the poorest on Oqthcali do manage to survive in this hemisphere.

Recurring Themes

1. The balance of power is upset by newfound abilities among the poor.
2. Wars among the rich and powerful change the ranks of the elite.
3. Randomness of Soal’s eruptions wipe away the rich and the poor alike.

Character Agency

Players have extensive agency to change the world: their actions may create uprisings and overthrow powerful leaders, but Sol’s eruptions are likely to destroy or change what they have created. Uncertainty and fear make the world feel transitory.