I've had some requests for a follow-up to my review of Dark Age from a few weeks back. I think I captured a lot of meta information (what type of game Dark Age is, how it relates to other games) but didn't really say much about what Dark Age is about. So, without further adieu, here's "What Dark Age is about":
Setting
Dark Age is set on a back water world rich in natural resources. Moreover, many cliche evil corporation like this planet because its secluded from prying eyes. Military experiments, slavery, chemical weapons development... all sorts of fun stuff is happening on this otherwise unremarkable planet.
Then it all goes bad.
The galaxy experiences the equivalent of the 2008 stock market crash. As a result, corporations quickly abandon this planet; doing a half-assed job of covering their tracks. Since life is cheap, many workers are stuck in this back water as ships are filled to the brim with top brass, military secrets, etc etc. Its in this lovely predicament that Dark Age takes place; in a literal "Dark Age" of a planet (named Samaria by the survivors).
Factions
The Forsaken - Human survivors who take refuge in the major metropolitan areas of Samaria. Since the crash, survivors have literally re-discovered religion, as the would-be rulers of Samaria quickly find a little hope goes a long way. With a structure centered around relgious authority and military might, the Prevailers (the heart of organized Christianity) on Samaria quickly gain control of most of the human population.
Unfortunately for the city-bound Prevailers, several warlords on the outskirts of civilization also lust for power. Starting with a cynical move made by a man named Mark, warlords on the outskirts of society start proclaiming themselves literal reincarnations of biblical Saints. This presents a problem for the Prevailers; however, they deftly use the Saints to fight to protect and expand their borders on Crusades. Currently, only 6 Saints are known: John, Mark, Mary, Johann, and Luke. Saint Matthew existed in times past; but was slain by the Skaard and replaced by Saint Mary. Speaking of which...
The Skaard - Mutant cannibals inhabitating the desers of the east. Formerly a group of humans within Forsaken society, the proto-Skaard (called the Baniss) were banished from Forsaken society as they did not adopt religion after "The Crash".
On finding an industrial facility in the wasteland, the survivors bunkered down but were quickly ravaged by the chemicals within the facility (previously a military base researching chemical weapons). The survivors of these mutagens were fundamentally changed, but physically and mentally.
When Saint Johann was banished from Forsaken society due to his practice of Grafting (adding mechanical enhancements to living beings), he retreated to the desert and joined forces with the Baniss, officially forming the Skaard.
Several clans of Skaard exist, though only the Toxic and Blood Cults are available for play. These cults have predilictions easy enough to determine by their names, so I won't waste time explaining further.
Dragyri - Aliens on Samaria to mine energy containing crystals. Originally, the creatures now known as Dragyri were genetically engineered slaves used to mine crystals. After the crash, the remaining "Leader" aliens were quickly overrun by their slaves and pressed into slavery themselves (lulz). The new ruling Aliens (called Dragyri by the Forsaken due to their resemblence to biblical dragons) quickly organized their society around hunting an honorable duels (think "Predator culture" from Predator 2).
Dragyri background is currently under a significant overhaul due to the edition reboot, so we'll all find out more when Apocalypse is released.
The Brood - Genetically engineered soldiers in a very early stage of development. Initial growth in foot soldiers was progressing well, though the "thinking" organism was getting the majority of developments work. After "The Crash", the scientists involved intended to cart The Brain organism off-world. Unfortunately, in their haste, they allowed The Brain to slip off their transport and remain on Samaria.
Initially, the brain organism tried tirelessly to improve her soldiers and find a way off world. However, as the facility she was housed in quickly began to shut down, the brain organism decided to merge with its local environment in an attempt to kill itself. Unfortunately, it survived but was driven insane in the process. Now the "Brood Mother" creates abberations by crossing DNA of Samaria flora and fauna. After a brief encounter with "The Creators" (Saint John's forces), the Brood Mother has decided that humans are weak and must be destroyed. An admirable goal, really...
Outcasts - Bandits and miscreants who raid Forsaken facilities. Basically, humans who aren't Forsaken or Skaard.
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Without getting into specific mechanics, I hope that fleshes out Dark Age for some of you. If you have any specific questions, hit me up in the comments.
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