Storyline

Overview

In the wake of global turmoil and environmental collapse during the 21st century, humanity faced its darkest hour. Nations faltered, ecosystems crumbled, and a bleak desolation blanketed the Earth. Amidst this chaos, salvation emerged from the icy depths of Europa, Jupiter’s moon. Explorers unearthed the ancient ruins of the Elyndari civilization—a race believed to have been extinct for millennia.

The Revelation

The Elyndari ruins revealed astounding advancements in technology, architecture, and cosmic understanding. Artifacts uncovered hinted at interstellar travel, energy manipulation, and an intricate grasp of multiple dimensions. The Elyndari’s legacy provided a blueprint for humanity’s resurgence. This new era, known as the Second Renaissance, ushered humanity into a period of unprecedented growth. The Sol system was transformed, and humanity’s hopes were rekindled.

The Second Renaissance

During the Second Renaissance, humanity united under the Terra Alliance. Nations pooled resources and knowledge to reverse-engineer Elyndari technology. This collaborative effort led to groundbreaking scientific advancements:

• Sustainable Energy: New energy sources emerged, dramatically improving living conditions and reducing reliance on dwindling resources.
• Advanced Medical Treatments: Breakthroughs in medicine eradicated many diseases and extended human lifespans.
• Exploration Beyond Earth: Enhanced space travel capabilities allowed for the colonization of other planets and moons.

Elysium, a monumental mega-city built upon the ruins of New York, became humanity’s new center of power. The city’s neon-lit skyline contrasted sharply with the poverty-stricken lower levels. It was governed by a council representing all surviving nations, tasked with maintaining order and security.

The Cataclysm

Prosperity was short-lived. Prophetic visions, believed to be echoes of the Elyndari’s warning, forewarned of a looming cosmic threat. On December 31, 2200, the Cataclysm began. Humanity accidentally activated a fail-safe embedded in their technology from The Precursors, alerting them to the existence of another highly advanced race. This fail-safe unleashed a catastrophic chain reaction, causing the Precursors to re-activate the Singularity leading to:

• Technological Collapse: Advanced systems across the globe were dismantled, causing widespread chaos.
• Cosmic/Galactic Havoc: Celestial collisions and solar upheavals ravaged worlds and any star-bound entities.
• Environmental Ruin: Mutated wildlife, environmental degradation, and alien invasions plagued Earth.

By January 1, 2212, humanity was reduced to three remaining cities:

• London: A fortress city focused on survival and isolation. Heavily fortified, it operates under a strict regime that controls resource distribution. Its inhabitants live under constant surveillance, with a divided society where the elite enjoy relative comfort while the masses struggle to survive.
• Elysium: A sprawling mega-city with a neon-lit facade and internal strife. The city is divided into sectors controlled by various factions. The lower levels are rife with poverty and crime, while the elite reside in fortified towers above the chaos.
• The Boneyard (formerly Los Angeles): A sprawling urban jungle struggling against external threats. Surrounded by fortified walls, it is protected from rogue AI units and hostile raiders. Inside, it is a patchwork of high-tech zones and slums.

Colonies and Vaults

Colonies

Outside the mega-cities, isolated human colonies struggle to survive in the wasteland. Hidden and protected by makeshift defenses, these colonies rely on scavenging and face constant threats from rogue AI and raiders. Trust is rare, and survival is a daily challenge.

Secret Vaults on Colony Planets

Scattered throughout the solar system, these hidden vaults preserve the last remnants of humanity’s golden age. Containing invaluable knowledge and technology from the Second Renaissance, they remain dormant, awaiting discovery by those courageous enough to seek them out.

The Wasteland

The post-apocalyptic Earth is a stark juxtaposition of advanced technology and natural reclamation. Ruined skyscrapers, overgrown with vines, stand as silent sentinels over a desolate landscape. The remnants of advanced technology lay scattered and rusting, while the sky remains a perpetual gray, intermittently illuminated by flashes of lightning.

Present Day

Amid the chaos of the post-Cataclysm world, a new chapter begins. Those affected by the fail-safe—whose cybernetics malfunctioned and caused their deaths—are resurrected. These individuals, now imbued with special abilities akin to those found in Destiny 2 and rendered effectively immortal, are known as the Ascendant. They form the Eternal Order, a collective dedicated to helping humanity reclaim its lost glory.

Initially, the Ascendant have no memories of their past lives but can recover fragments through various experiences and interactions. As they navigate the fractured world, they strive to rebuild civilization and uncover the remnants of their former lives. Their mission marks the beginning of “Starlight,” a quest for redemption and restoration in a galaxy marred by cosmic strife and ancient enigmas.

Chapter One

Act 1: The Awakening

Setting: The Ruins of Chicago, a desolate part of the Wasteland

Opening Scene:

• Introduction: The game opens with a dramatic cinematic of a crumbling cityscape. Amidst the wreckage, you see scattered remnants of advanced technology and overgrown vegetation. The sky is a somber gray, punctuated by occasional flashes of distant lightning. Your character is shown in a partially reconstructed state, lying amidst the debris.
• Awakening: The player character awakens in a disoriented state, surrounded by the wreckage of what was once a bustling city. As they regain consciousness, they find themselves partially reconstructed by Nanites, with their body enhanced but with memories and sensations jumbled.

Gameplay Begins:

• Exploring the Ruins:

  • Objective: Navigate through the devastated remnants of Chicago. The player is guided by a small, holographic fragment of the Nanite swarm, called the “Nano-Guide,” which aids in explaining the character’s new situation and capabilities.
  • Details: The player discovers that they have been reconstructed with advanced technology but lack detailed memories of their past. The Nano-Guide provides basic instructions on movement, combat, and using new abilities.

• Understanding the Nanites:

  • Objective: Interact with the Nano-Guide to learn about the Nanites and their role in your resurrection. The Nano-Guide reveals that the player’s cybernetics malfunctioned during the Cataclysm, causing their death, and that the Nanites have brought them back to life, though with gaps in their memory.
  • Details: The Nano-Guide explains that the Nanites are remnants of a lost technology, originally intended to aid in rebuilding society. They provide the player with a basic understanding of their enhanced abilities and suggest that there might be others like them.

• Uncovering the Past:

  • Objective: As you explore the ruins, you find fragmented data logs and personal items that hint at your past life. These items include old photographs, personal diaries, and damaged data pads.
  • Details: Each discovery triggers a brief flashback or audio log that pieces together fragments of the character’s history, revealing clues about their life before the Cataclysm and their previous role in the world.

• Encountering Threats:

  • Objective: Defend yourself against mutated wildlife and rogue AI units that have become hostile due to the Cataclysm. The ruins are rife with dangers, and the player must use their new abilities to survive.
  • Details: The player encounters various enemies, including mutated creatures and remnants of rogue AI. Combat sequences help players get accustomed to their abilities and provide a challenge in a hostile environment.

• First Contact:

  • Objective: Meet a small group of survivors who have been scavenging the ruins. They provide information about the current state of the world and the major cities like London and Elysium, which have become central to the survival of humanity.
  • Details: These survivors have their own stories and motivations. They offer the player insights into the state of the world and the struggle to survive in the Wasteland. They might also hint at the existence of hidden vaults and technologies from the golden age.

• Revelation of the Eternal Order:

  • Objective: The chapter ends with the player being contacted by a mysterious figure or organization that introduces themselves as part of the Eternal Order, a group dedicated to uncovering lost knowledge and rebuilding civilization.
  • Details: This contact might offer the player a choice: join them in their mission or continue exploring the ruins on their own. This decision sets the stage for future missions and the overarching plot of the game.

Conclusion of Act 1:

• Transition: The chapter concludes with the player deciding whether to align with the Eternal Order or strike out on their own. This decision impacts the narrative direction and sets the stage for the unfolding story. The player’s journey through the Wasteland will now be shaped by their choice and the quests they undertake.

Act 2: Journey to Elysium

Opening Scene:

• Transition: Depending on the choice made at the end of Act 1, the player either meets a guide from the Eternal Order or begins their solitary journey.

If the Player Chose to Join the Eternal Order:

• Meeting the Guide:

  • Objective: Meet your Eternal Order contact, who introduces themselves and explains their role. They are equipped with advanced gear and offer to assist you on your journey to Elysium.
  • Details: The guide’s appearance is distinctive, marked by symbols or armor representing the Eternal Order. They share a brief overview of the current state of Elysium and what to expect.

• Traveling Together:

  • Objective: Follow the guide through the Wasteland, learning about the dangers and the terrain. The guide provides tips on surviving encounters with hostile factions and mutated wildlife.
  • Details: The player engages in a series of tutorial missions led by the guide, including navigating treacherous areas and securing temporary safe havens. The guide also shares insights into the Eternal Order’s goals and the importance of reaching Elysium.

• Encounter with Factions:

  • Objective: The player and guide encounter hostile factions or raiders. The guide helps in combat and demonstrates the use of advanced equipment.
  • Details: Combat encounters are designed to highlight the dangers of the Wasteland and teach players how to work with allies. The guide might share stories of past battles or offer tactical advice.

• Arriving at the Perimeter:

  • Objective: Reach the outskirts of Elysium, where the player encounters the city’s security measures and must prove their worth to gain entry.
  • Details: The player must complete a series of tasks or challenges to gain access to Elysium, such as providing identification or helping to fend off an attack. The guide facilitates the process and introduces the player to the city’s entry protocols.

• Entering Elysium:

  • Objective: The player enters Elysium and is briefed on its current state by the guide. They are given initial directions on where to go and what to do next.
  • Details: Elysium is shown as a sprawling, neon-lit metropolis with a stark contrast between its upper and lower levels. The player is introduced to key locations and potential allies within the city.

If the Player Chose to Explore Alone:

• Navigating the Wasteland:

  • Objective: Begin your solo journey through the Wasteland, using scattered maps and clues to find your way to Elysium.
  • Details: The player must navigate through hazardous environments, avoiding or confronting mutated wildlife and raiders. They might find hidden caches or landmarks that offer valuable resources or information.

• Surviving Encounters:

  • Objective: Engage in combat with various threats, including hostile factions and rogue AI units.
  • Details: The player relies on their newly acquired abilities and makes use of scavenged equipment. These encounters help build skills and prepare for future challenges in the Wasteland.

• Finding Safe Havens:

  • Objective: Locate temporary safe zones or hidden enclaves where the player can rest, trade, and gather information.
  • Details: These safe havens are scattered throughout the Wasteland and offer opportunities for side quests, trading, and gathering intel about Elysium. Interacting with NPCs in these areas provides hints and directions to the city.

• Discovering Lore and Allies:

  • Objective: Find lore tablets or data logs that reveal more about the Cataclysm, the Eternal Order, and the state of Elysium.
  • Details: The player encounters NPCs who provide background information and might offer assistance in exchange for completing tasks. This helps build the world and provides context for the journey.

• Reaching Elysium:

  • Objective: Arrive at the outskirts of Elysium and navigate its defenses to gain entry.
  • Details: The player must use their wits and acquired skills to bypass security measures or negotiate with gatekeepers. This may involve completing a series of challenges or missions to prove their worth.

• Initial Impressions:

  • Objective: Once inside Elysium, the player is introduced to the city’s layout and its divided nature. They must establish connections or find key information to integrate into the city’s complex social and political landscape.
  • Details: Elysium’s internal dynamics are revealed, including the tension between different factions and the disparity between the elite and the lower levels. The player starts to understand the city’s role in the broader narrative.

Conclusion of Act 2:

• Debriefing: Whether guided by the Eternal Order or exploring alone, the player’s entry into Elysium marks a pivotal moment. They are now positioned to dive deeper into the city’s mysteries, form alliances, and undertake missions that will shape their journey in the broader context of Starlight.

Act 3: Meeting the Eternal Order

Opening Scene:

• Transition: Regardless of the player’s choice in Act 2, they are escorted to meet the Eternal Order by Elysium Security. This marks the beginning of their formal integration into the organization.

Arrival at the Eternal Order’s Headquarters:

• Escorted Entrance:

  • Objective: Be escorted by Elysium Security to the Eternal Order’s headquarters within the city.
  • Details: The headquarters is a fortified complex located in a prominent area of Elysium. The player is guided through secure, high-tech corridors and various checkpoints, providing a glimpse of the Order’s advanced infrastructure.

• Formal Introduction:

  • Objective: Meet the Council of Four Ascendants who lead the Eternal Order.
  • Details: The Council is composed of four key figures, each representing different aspects of the Eternal Order’s governance, operations, and strategic planning. They are introduced in a grand hall or briefing room, reflecting their authoritative status.

Meeting the Council of Four Ascendants:

• Council Members Overview:

  • Objective: Learn about each Council member’s role and their approach to leadership.
  • Details:
    • The Strategist: Focuses on military and tactical operations. Known for their decisive actions and strategic planning.
    • The Diplomat: Handles external relations and negotiations with other factions or groups. Skilled in diplomacy and political maneuvering.
    • The Scholar: Oversees research, technology, and the preservation of knowledge. Aims to uncover lost technologies and secrets.
    • The Visionary: Leads in guiding the overall vision and long-term goals of the Eternal Order. They focus on rebuilding and advancing humanity’s future.

• Ascendant Status:

  • Objective: Receive formal recognition as an Ascendant and understand your role within the Eternal Order.
  • Details: The Council acknowledges your status and the unique abilities you possess as a result of your resurrection. They provide a brief overview of the Order’s objectives and how you will contribute to their mission.

Quest System Introduction:

• Objective: Learn how to receive and undertake quests from various individuals within the Eternal Order.
  • Details: The player is introduced to a system where they can obtain quests from different characters associated with the Eternal Order. These quests can be obtained from:
    • Council Members: Provide major narrative-driven quests and strategic missions.
    • Field Operatives: Offer tasks related to exploration, combat, and gathering resources.
    • Researchers and Technicians: Assign missions related to technology recovery and research.
    • Diplomatic Contacts: Present quests involving negotiations, alliances, and managing external threats.

Integrating into the Eternal Order:

• Initial Assignments:

  • Objective: Receive your first set of assignments or missions from the Eternal Order.
  • Details: The player is given initial tasks that help integrate them into the Order’s operations. These tasks might involve investigating anomalies, assisting in local conflicts, or retrieving valuable artifacts.

• Exploring Headquarters:

  • Objective: Explore the Eternal Order’s headquarters to familiarize yourself with its facilities and key personnel.
  • Details: The headquarters contains various departments, such as research labs, briefing rooms, and training areas. Interacting with different NPCs provides additional context and opportunities for side quests.

• Establishing Connections:

  • Objective: Build relationships with key figures within the Eternal Order and learn more about their goals and motivations.
  • Details: Conversations with Council members and other key NPCs offer insights into their backgrounds and the broader mission of the Eternal Order. These interactions help the player understand the organization’s priorities and objectives.

Conclusion of Act 3:

• Preparation for Future Challenges: With your integration into the Eternal Order complete, the player is now prepared to undertake significant missions and contribute to the Order’s overarching goals. This act sets the stage for deeper involvement in the city’s complex dynamics and broader narrative developments.

Act 4: The Starship Yard Operation

Opening Scene:

• Transition: After completing several side missions to gain experience and resources, the player receives a summons to the Council’s chamber for a crucial assignment.

The Council’s Summons:

• Summons Received:

  • Objective: Respond to the summons and meet with the Council.
  • Details: The player is informed that the Council has an urgent and critical mission. They must report to the Council chamber immediately.

• Council Briefing:

  • Objective: Attend the briefing and learn about the operation.
  • Details: The Council of Four Ascendants explains the dire situation. The Eternal Order needs to regain control of a strategic starship yard to restore humanity’s ability to travel beyond the solar system. This facility holds the key to unlocking FTL (Faster Than Light) travel, which is essential for humanity’s survival and expansion.

Forming Your Team:

• Team Assembly:

  • Objective: Form a team to undertake the mission.
  • Details: The player is given the autonomy to select their team members for the operation. They have two primary options:
    • AI Companions: Choose from a roster of AI operatives provided by the Eternal Order, each with unique skills and abilities.
    • Other Players: If the game is played online, the player can invite other players to join their team. This option emphasizes the game’s pseudo-MMO/shared-space shooter mechanics.

• Team Customization:

  • Objective: Customize your team’s loadout and strategy.
  • Details: Equip your team with appropriate gear, weapons, and abilities. The player can strategize and plan their approach based on the strengths and weaknesses of their team members.

The Starship Yard Operation:

• Journey to the Starship Yard:

  • Objective: Travel to the starship yard located in a contested area of the wasteland.
  • Details: The journey involves navigating through dangerous territories, encountering hostile forces, and overcoming environmental hazards. The player must use their skills and team’s abilities to reach the starship yard.

• Infiltration and Combat:

  • Objective: Infiltrate the starship yard and engage in combat with occupying forces.
  • Details: The starship yard is heavily guarded by rogue AI units and hostile factions. The player must lead their team in tactical combat to neutralize threats and secure the facility.

• Securing the Facility:

  • Objective: Secure key areas of the starship yard and activate essential systems.
  • Details: The operation involves completing various objectives, such as:
    • Restoring Power: Reactivate the power systems to bring the facility online.
    • Eliminating Threats: Clear out any remaining hostiles to ensure the facility’s safety.
    • Accessing Control Centers: Gain control of the command centers to initiate the FTL system recovery process.

• FTL System Recovery:

  • Objective: Recover the FTL technology and ensure it is operational.
  • Details: The player must retrieve critical components and data from the facility to restore the FTL system. This may involve solving puzzles, hacking terminals, and protecting key assets during the recovery process.

Conclusion of Act 4:

• Mission Success:

  • Objective: Successfully complete the mission and secure the starship yard.
  • Details: Upon successful completion, the player and their team are hailed as heroes. The FTL technology is now within the Eternal Order’s grasp, marking a significant step toward humanity’s resurgence.

• Council Recognition:

  • Objective: Report back to the Council and receive recognition for your achievements.
  • Details: The player returns to Elysium and reports their success to the Council. They are commended for their bravery and strategic prowess. This moment solidifies their status as a key figure within the Eternal Order.

• Open Exploration:

  • Objective: Begin your journey of free exploration and continued missions.
  • Details: With the starship yard secured, the player is now free to explore the world, undertake various missions, and further develop their character. The game’s universe opens up, offering new challenges, allies, and threats. However, the player is warned that venturing into unknown territories without adequate preparation can have severe consequences.

Final Scene:

• Preparation for Future Challenges: The player is now poised to explore the broader universe, equipped with the knowledge and resources gained from their initial missions. The stage is set for further adventures, alliances, and the ongoing quest to restore humanity’s place among the stars.

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