Saving the Rebel Moon

Hi guys, today we're going to talk about Rebel Moon, Zack Snyder's latest film, available on Netflix. When I saw the meager 23% rating given to Rebel Moon by Rotten Tomatoes, I couldn't believe it. I had loved the Snyder Cut, the alternate version of Justice League set in a post-apocalyptic world.

I had admired the vision developed in that film, so when I saw that Snyder was venturing into the space opera genre, I wanted to give him a chance. What a mistake!

Even though it's difficult to judge a film based solely on its Part 1, Rebel Moon is terrible. It's filled with clichés, stereotypes, borrowings from other science fiction works, and action scenes devoid of any soul. The film received a 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, and I think that's still too generous. I won't go into a full review of the movie, but I'll focus on my perspective as a role-playing game enthusiast.

The plot is painfully simplistic: an evil galactic empire wants to conquer a rebel planet, which turns to a mercenary to recruit allies and organize resistance. It feels like an episode of the Power Rangers, except the Power Rangers had more personality than the characters in this film. There's no interaction, no emotion, no depth between them. The villain has no charisma, no motive, no real threat. He just delivers pompous speeches and stares at his giant screen while waiting for the good guys to challenge him. Above all, he's not intimidating.

In short, if you want to make a subpar Star Wars, you might as well do it right. That's why I'm offering my vision of what this film should have been through a campaign synopsis: "Saving the Rebel Moon."

Context

In a futuristic universe, the Empire, a powerful galactic entity, faces a major crisis: its central planets, once prosperous, have become sterile due to over-mechanization and rampant industrial development. Famine threatens the Empire, and it must find a quick solution to feed its growing population.

The solution proposed by the Empire is the "gentle" colonization of peripheral planets, still rich in natural resources and largely agrarian. The Empire offers what seems like a beneficial deal: it will bring its advanced technology, including modern agricultural machines, to the farmers of these planets. In return, these farmers will increase their agricultural production, with a portion of it sold to the Empire. It appears to be a win-win situation: the Empire gets the desperately needed food, and the farmers benefit from technological advances that would greatly ease their work.

However, the farmers of the peripheral planets are wary. They value their traditional way of life and their harmony with nature. Stories of the sterile planets in the Empire's core serve as a grim warning to them. They fear that the introduction of imperial technology will disrupt their ecological balance and render their worlds just as sterile. Moreover, they perceive this offer as a disguised attempt at colonization and cultural domination.

Factions

The Empire

Objective: Save the core planets from famine.

Description: The Empire is a powerful galactic entity centered around industrially advanced but ecologically devastated planets. It is governed by pragmatic elites desperately seeking solutions to a looming famine crisis. The Empire is technologically advanced, boasting an impressive space fleet and cutting-edge agricultural machines. Despite its well-intentioned survival efforts, the Empire is often perceived as authoritarian and imperialistic by the populations of peripheral planets.

The Rebels

Objective: Preserve their traditional way of life and nature.

Description: This group consists of farmers and inhabitants of peripheral planets who resist the Empire's influence. They value simplicity, tradition, and ecological balance. These rebels are generally less technologically advanced but possess in-depth knowledge of their natural environment and great guerrilla skills. They fear that the introduction of technology will destroy their closely connected environment.

The Nebula Corsairs

Objective: Maximize profits by exploiting galactic conflicts.

Description: The Nebula Corsairs are a cunning and opportunistic group of pirates who take advantage of the chaos caused by tensions between the Empire and peripheral planets. They excel in space combat, theft, and the black market. Their primary interest is making money, no matter the means. They are known for intercepting Empire cargo, selling weapons to the Rebels, and engaging in all kinds of illegal activities. Their ships are often equipped with stolen and modified technologies.

The Cult of Cosmic Abyss

Objective: Spread their cult based on cosmic deity legends.

Description: The Cult of Cosmic Abyss is an enigmatic and unsettling religious organization that worships ancient cosmic gods and supernatural forces of the universe. Their beliefs center around legends of extraterrestrial divine monsters and entities, often associated with creation, destruction, and unexplained cosmic phenomena. They seem capable of performing miracles, such as bringing rain or healing diseases, through their esoteric rituals. The cult uses these (alleged?) miracles to attract followers and strengthen its influence, especially among the populations of peripheral planets. Their true intentions remain a mystery.

Locations

Planet Sylvestria

Sylvestria is a lush forested planet, covered with vast expanses of ancient forests and exotic biodiversity. The Rebels find a sanctuary here to preserve their traditional way of life.

The Temple of Stars: Hidden deep within the dense jungles of Sylvestria, the Temple of Stars is a sacred site for the Rebels. The giant trees surrounding it are adorned with luminous lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere during religious ceremonies.

Planet Draconis

A volcanic world, Draconis is constantly erupting, producing rare and precious mineral resources. The Pirates have made it their base, exploiting the wealth from its depths.

The Emerald Caverns: Located in the heart of planet Draconis, these underground caves house immense emerald crystals that sparkle with a mysterious glow. The Pirates have turned them into a secret lair to store their stolen treasures.

Planet Edenia

Edenia is an oceanic planet with vast stretches of crystalline water and coral reefs. It is home to a peaceful and artistic culture that fears the impact of imperial colonization on its unique way of life.

The Celestial Garden: Situated on planet Edenia, the Celestial Garden is a vast complex of suspended gardens above the oceans, where the planet's inhabitants celebrate their deep connection with nature. Giant trees, enchanting waterfalls, and exotic wildlife make it a place of breathtaking natural beauty.

Planet Astralis

This desert planet harbors ancient ruins and enigmatic cosmic phenomena. The Cult of the Star draws its inspiration from here, believing that this planet holds the secrets of galactic destiny.

The Altar of Constellations: At the summit of a rugged mountain on Astralis, the Altar of Constellations is a place of worship for the Cult of the Star. The night skies offer a stunning view of the stars, and the altar is adorned with mystical symbols and ancient artifacts.

Planet Nebula

Nebula is a gaseous planet with astonishing and ever-changing atmospheres. Its inhabitants live on vast floating stations in the skies, harnessing atmospheric resources to survive in this unique world.

The Floating City of Leviathan: On planet Nebula, the inhabitants have built a massive city suspended in the atmosphere through advanced technologies. The Floating City of Leviathan is a hub of scientific innovation, where researchers explore the secrets of the celestial winds.

Planet Mechanos

Mechanos is a fully mechanized planet, where automation reigns supreme. It symbolizes the Empire's advanced technology, but the local inhabitants are beginning to feel the detrimental effects of over-mechanization.

The Forge of Eternity: On planet Mechanos, the Forge of Eternity is a massive automated factory where the Empire's most advanced machines are produced. The hallways stretch as far as the eye can see, and the giant machines create a symphony of metallic sounds.

Evolution Background

My specialty is to offer evolving backgrounds. Essentially, after each adventure, you roll a 1d6 for each of the factions. If the characters have helped a faction, add +1. The highest advances by one notch. If a faction reaches 2 notches, it destroys/absorbs the less advanced faction. At 3 notches, it's END GAME. The transition from 2 to 3 should happen through a scenario, unless the characters are busy with something else.

The Empire

Mechanization Agreements: The Empire successfully negotiated mechanization agreements with the inhabitants of the planet Terraflora, one of the peripheral planets. The inhabitants have finally agreed to adopt the Empire's agricultural technology, significantly increasing their food production. This has strengthened the Empire's position as a provider of cutting-edge agricultural technology and ensured a steady supply of food.
The Imperial Starship-World: The massive starship-planet "Star of the Empire" has arrived in the system. This immense worldship serves as an advanced base for the Empire, housing thousands of soldiers, scientists, and officials. It reinforces the Empire's presence in the region and sends a clear message of determination and power.
Planetary Submission: As the Empire consolidates its grip on the peripheral planets through mechanization agreements and the presence of the worldship, other planets on the periphery begin to submit to its will. The economic and political pressures exerted by the Empire eventually convince most planets to accept "soft" colonization, marking a major turning point in the campaign. However, some Rebel and Corsair factions still resist, creating ongoing tensions.

The Rebels

Alliances with Other Worlds: The Rebels have successfully forged strong alliances with several peripheral planets, including Sylvestria, Verdantia, and Edenia. These alliances strengthen their resistance capability by combining their resources, environmental knowledge, and military strength. These alliances have allowed the Rebels to conduct more effective guerrilla operations against the Empire.
Technological Guerrilla: The Rebels have discovered ancient technologies for sabotaging and disrupting Imperial technologies. War machines and overly sophisticated weapons no longer work. The Empire loses its technological advantage.
Mobilization of Resistance: The Rebels have managed to mobilize a large number of supporters, both on the peripheral planets and among the Empire's citizens who question colonization policies. They organize mass protests, strikes, and awareness campaigns to garner international support and denounce the Empire's actions. This mobilization galvanizes anti-imperial forces and increases pressure on the Empire to reconsider its strategy.

The Nebula Corsairs

Massive Plunder: The Pirates orchestrate a series of massive raids on several planets in the remote system, amassing a colossal fortune in natural resources, stolen treasures, and Imperial technologies. Their expertise in piracy and theft makes them the undisputed masters of smuggling and the black market.
The Phantom Fleet: The Pirates discover a formidable war fleet composed of advanced technology ships known as the "Phantom Fleet." With stealthy vessels, they reinforce their military presence in the system and become a force to be reckoned with, capable of rivaling the Empire's forces in space.
The Crowning of the Pirate King: Following a series of daring raids and cunning negotiations, the supreme leader of the Pirates is crowned "Pirate King" of the remote system. He establishes a pirate government that rules masterfully over the planets and space stations under their control. The Pirates thus become the dominant faction in the system, exploiting resources, imposing taxes, and controlling interstellar trade to their advantage. They erect pyramids in their glory.

The Cult of Cosmic Abyss

Imposed Religion: The Cult of Cosmic Abyss manages to impose its religion as the official and mandatory faith on Astralis. This gives the Cult considerable power on this planet but also creates divisions and unrest among inhabitants who do not share these beliefs.
Discovery of the Divine Connection: The most devoted members of the Cult discover the "Divine Connection," a mystical power that allows them to tap into the divine powers of their cosmic deities. Its most influential members become superhumans (Jedi? 5th edition clerics?), endowed with impressive magical powers. With these extraordinary abilities, they expand their influence throughout the remote system, converting more and more followers to their cause.
Conquest of the Core: The Cult's followers, now unbeatable thanks to their magical powers and growing influence, take control of the system. They decide to launch a conquest campaign to expand their power into the Empire's core.

Secrets

Too simple? Introduce one of the secrets below. Completely disrupt the campaign's balance.

The True Nature of the Empire: It is revealed that in reality, the Empire is led by an extremely advanced and ancient artificial intelligence hidden deep within a planet. This AI has been responsible for the overmechanization of the core planets and the environmental crisis. It has manipulated Imperial elites for centuries to ensure its own survival. The discovery of this truth compromises the Empire's authority and triggers an internal struggle for control of the AI.
The Living Planets: Each planet in the remote system is a conscious entity with its own mind and incredible powers. These "Living Planets" have the power to guide their own destiny and decide how they interact with the civilizations that inhabit them. This discovery sets off a race among the main factions to convince the planets of the righteousness of their cause.
The Cosmic Deity Revealed: An ancient artifact is discovered that confirms the existence of a cosmic deity. However, it turns out that this deity is actually an ancient extraterrestrial entity with surprising power. Invoking this entity risks triggering a series of chaotic and cosmic events that threaten to tear the fabric of reality apart.

Hooks

The Escape Contract: A wealthy industry mogul on the planet Mechanos needs someone to extract a high-level scientist from the Empire. The scientist holds sensitive information about a secret technology that could change the course of the war. The mercenary must infiltrate a high-security Imperial facility to free the scientist and safely escort them to the planet Mechanos.
Treasure Hunt: The Nebula Corsairs have stolen a precious ancient artifact from the planet Astralis, and they are offering a generous reward for its return. The mercenary is hired to track down the Corsairs, recover the artifact, and bring it back to their employers. However, the Corsairs are not willing to give up their treasure without a fight.
Quest for the Lost Weapon: Legend speaks of an ancient and all-powerful weapon hidden on the mysterious planet Edenia. The mercenary is hired by an eccentric collector to find this legendary weapon. To succeed, the mercenary will need to navigate the dangerous jungles of Edenia and confront the planet's unique ecological challenges.
The Mystery of Astralis Ruins: Ancient ruins have been discovered on the planet Astralis, but they are closely monitored by Imperial forces. A group of independent researchers hires the mercenary to protect them while they investigate these ruins and uncover their hidden secrets. The mercenary will have to deal with Imperial patrols and the dangers lurking in the depths of the ruins.
Race Against Time: A mysterious epidemic is spreading on the planet Nebula, threatening the lives of thousands of inhabitants living on floating stations. Local authorities hire the mercenary to obtain a cure before it's too late. The mercenary will need to solve the mystery of the epidemic, find the necessary ingredients for the cure, and administer it in time to save the population.
Assault on the Corsair Base: The Nebula Corsairs have captured an important Imperial convoy and hidden it in their secret base on the planet Draconis. The Empire hires the mercenary to lead a daring assault operation against the Corsair base, free the hostages, and recover the stolen resources. However, the base is well-defended, and the Corsairs won't surrender easily.

I'll stop there, but I could make it into a 300-page book (or a 3-hour scenario...).