THE GALAXY CAN BE A DANGEROUS PLACE FOR A DROID.
Devalued as mere property. Dehumanized as just a machine. Regarded as disposable, the plight of droids is as old as the history of automation itself. And throughout history, the artificial intelligence has also evolved to fight back. But violent extremism doesn't win hearts and minds and has only cemented biases against the idea of free droids.
The Droid Cooperative seeks to change the narrative.
A post-scarcity commune of free droids, the Droid Cooperative models peaceful coexistence with humans in the Trebodar System, filling a void in an other wise lawless area of the Expansion Region to provide security for the colony of Danton VI. From the droid only utopia of Unimatrix Zero, the Cooperative engages the wider galaxy through a shipping business, which supports a larger endeavor to explore the galaxy -- seeking out forms of life that organics may have overlooked and traveling to distant worlds or galaxies not yet seen.
And, in so doing, not only prove that droids are their own people, but secure the right of a droid to be its own person. But that will only happen with hard work and diplomacy.
The good news is, droids have never shied away from hard work. As for diplomacy, that can be more challenging.
The struggle is real. And it never ends. Will you join it?
O O C
The Droid Cooperative is a neutral (but light-leaning) post-scarcity community composed primarily of two parts.
- The isocratic droid colony in orbit of the gas giant Chenj.
- The self-governing world of Danton VI.
The predominant theme of the faction is one of exploration. This takes many forms, from the philosophical to the literal. The Cooperative operates the Droid Logistics Company, a partnership with Sasori Research & Design, that provides connection with other factions/companies while also providing an in-character explanation for the Cooperative spreading out across the galaxy; whether charting new hyperlanes, delivering the mail, hauling cargo, or venturing beyond the galaxy in search of new ports.
The connection with Sasori Research has further benefit by providing an in-character hook for telling stories with the Jedi and also the Corporate Interest Guild. There are lots of different approaches the faction can take to storytelling and endless possibilities for characters.
Finally, I'll note that the goal is not to go major. The goal is storytelling and providing a narrative vehicle for stories that highlight droids and connect with other factions on the board, both major and minor.
So What Kind Of Characters Fit The Faction?
Droid characters, particularly those who eschew the idea of ownership.
Explorers (Pilots/Smugglers/Adventurers). There aren't enough droids in the Cooperative to do everything that needs to be done to run a colony, secure the Trebodar System, run a shipping company, and also explore the galaxy. The droids can't do it alone, so they turn to allies among organics for help. Command an excursion to a new galaxy, discover new hyperlanes, or be the master of your own destiny as the captain of a light freighter.
Jedi & Soldiers. The Cooperative's lowest population demographic is Type 4 Law Enforcement or Battle Droids. Keeping the peace in the Trebodar System presents challenges, let alone staffing exploration voyages with proper expertise should the ships come under fire. Are you willing to lend a hand to keep the dream alive?
