Solar Sails: Space Pirates
Character Systems Design
About Solar Sails: Space Pirates
Solar Sails is a space-action RPG with adventure elements. Control a pirate ship, plunder the royal navy, launch a scout duck to search for treasures, upgrade your ship with alien technologies, and sail onwards to unveil the darkest secrets of the universe.
My Involvement
I lead Cosmic Duck Games, a small indie team, where I act as Game Designer and Narrative Designer. I wrote the story, developed the world and the characters, and designed a unique crew system where each of the characters contributes their abilities to the ship.
Solar Sails is a space-action RPG with adventure elements. Control a pirate ship, plunder the royal navy, launch a scout duck to search for treasures, upgrade your ship with alien technologies, and sail onwards to unveil the darkest secrets of the universe.
My Involvement
I lead Cosmic Duck Games, a small indie team, where I act as Game Designer and Narrative Designer. I wrote the story, developed the world and the characters, and designed a unique crew system where each of the characters contributes their abilities to the ship.
Ship Crew Layout System
Player's Ship
We control the ship via 3 battle stations - Navigation, Weaponry, and Support Drone. Every station serves its function - Navigation determines the ship's movement. Weaponry determines its firepower by installing weapons across the ship's perimeter. Support Drone allows us to mount special weaponry, usually made for crowd control or close-range combat.
Crew Members
Each station must be manned by a crew member to operate. Navigation and Support Drone can only sustain 1 crew member, whereas Weaponry can sustain up to 4 crew members. Multiple crew members on the Weaponry increase its fire rate and decrease ability cooldowns.
Characters Abilities
As we level our characters, we upgrade their attributes and unlock new abilities. Each character has one active ability and a set of upgrades for each station. It allows us to choose the crew members' specialization for one or more combat disciplines. Whenever we rearrange the crew members on the ship, we get a different set of abilities. This system allows us to experiment with “combat builds” - crew-arrangement presets - and provides variety in gameplay strategy.
Examples
Here are a few examples of how different crew layouts will give players combat different abilities in the game. Suppose we have 4 heroes on the ship, each with their ability for each of the 3 stations - Navigation, Weaponry, Drone:
We control the ship via 3 battle stations - Navigation, Weaponry, and Support Drone. Every station serves its function - Navigation determines the ship's movement. Weaponry determines its firepower by installing weapons across the ship's perimeter. Support Drone allows us to mount special weaponry, usually made for crowd control or close-range combat.
Crew Members
Each station must be manned by a crew member to operate. Navigation and Support Drone can only sustain 1 crew member, whereas Weaponry can sustain up to 4 crew members. Multiple crew members on the Weaponry increase its fire rate and decrease ability cooldowns.
Characters Abilities
As we level our characters, we upgrade their attributes and unlock new abilities. Each character has one active ability and a set of upgrades for each station. It allows us to choose the crew members' specialization for one or more combat disciplines. Whenever we rearrange the crew members on the ship, we get a different set of abilities. This system allows us to experiment with “combat builds” - crew-arrangement presets - and provides variety in gameplay strategy.
Examples
Here are a few examples of how different crew layouts will give players combat different abilities in the game. Suppose we have 4 heroes on the ship, each with their ability for each of the 3 stations - Navigation, Weaponry, Drone:
Weapons and Masteries
As we level our character, we unlock Masteries, which increase the characters' effectiveness with certain types of weapons. For example, if a character has a mastery for Gatling Cannons, we might want to put that character on the Weaponry station and install more Gatling Cannons to get the most out of it.
General and Ultimate Abilities
Some ability types do not depend on stations. General and Ultimate abilities are always available regardless of what stations the characters occupy.
As we level our character, we unlock Masteries, which increase the characters' effectiveness with certain types of weapons. For example, if a character has a mastery for Gatling Cannons, we might want to put that character on the Weaponry station and install more Gatling Cannons to get the most out of it.
General and Ultimate Abilities
Some ability types do not depend on stations. General and Ultimate abilities are always available regardless of what stations the characters occupy.
Character Designs
Explore the full tech designs of characters, including their narrative briefs, attributes, stats, and skill trees.
Character 1 - Captain Moreguns
Main Playable Character
Basic Info
Sex: Male
Age: 50
Origin: Tortuga Alpha Planet
Specialization: Combat skills, Assault, Crew empowerment
Overview (as shown in the game)
Captain Moreguns is an old, gruesome, and self-loathing pirate with a duck on his shoulder, honored as the “Worst Pirate of the Galaxy.” He is so broke that once he had to sell his collection of guns to repair a broken sail. Captain Moreguns is notoriously known for losing his entire crew to the void, and therefore, only the truly brave ones would risk sailing with him.
Moreguns was a rum trader who went bankrupt due to the prohibition enforced by the Galactic Federation. He and his family resorted to piracy to make a living. During one of their raids, the Federation ambushed the pirates, killing his family and his parrot. Unable to cope with their deaths, Moreguns seeks to revive them using an alien artifact that holds sway over life and death.
Sex: Male
Age: 50
Origin: Tortuga Alpha Planet
Specialization: Combat skills, Assault, Crew empowerment
Overview (as shown in the game)
Captain Moreguns is an old, gruesome, and self-loathing pirate with a duck on his shoulder, honored as the “Worst Pirate of the Galaxy.” He is so broke that once he had to sell his collection of guns to repair a broken sail. Captain Moreguns is notoriously known for losing his entire crew to the void, and therefore, only the truly brave ones would risk sailing with him.
Moreguns was a rum trader who went bankrupt due to the prohibition enforced by the Galactic Federation. He and his family resorted to piracy to make a living. During one of their raids, the Federation ambushed the pirates, killing his family and his parrot. Unable to cope with their deaths, Moreguns seeks to revive them using an alien artifact that holds sway over life and death.
Moreguns - Attributes and Stats
Moreguns - Skill Tree
Moreguns - Ability Descriptions
NAVIGATION
Dash - Moreguns propels the ship to thrust onward in any direction, damaging enemies and debris in its wake.
✦ Dash Onward - Increases the maximum distance the ship travels during Dash.
✦ Dash & Mine - After using Dash, the ship leaves an explosive mine behind, which detonates after 3 seconds.
Collision Resistance - Knowing his ship through and through, Moreguns brace for an impact and reduces the damage taken from collisions.
Collision Damage - Moreguns identifies the weak spots in his targets and increases the damage dealt to enemies and debris via collisions.
WEAPONRY
Focus Fire - A seasoned spacefarer like Moreguns understands that efficiency is key. Narrows down the aiming angle and fires from all weapons in unison.
✦ Accuracy - Reduces the time it takes for Focus Fire to narrow down the aiming angle.
✦ Precision - Narrows down the Focus Fire spread angle, making its attack more precise and deadly.
Cannon Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Captain Moreguns is firing from Cannons.
Harpoon Mastery - Increases the Damage to enemy modules when Captain Moreguns is firing from Harpoons.
Mortar Mastery - Increases the Area of Effect damage and radius when Captain Moreguns is firing from Mortars.
SUPPORT DRONE
Shield Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Captain Moreguns is bashing enemies with the shield.
Giant Saw Mastery - When Moreguns operates a Giant Saw, decreases the time it takes to reach its maximum damage.
GENERAL
Threaten - During a dialogue, Captain Moreguns threatens a merchant to reduce vendor prices, a hostage to reveal valuable information, or a client to increase the reward for a successful job. If threatening fails, the opponent may become hostile.
✦ Intimidation - Increases Moreguns's chance of success when using the Threaten ability.
✦ Blackmailing - Further increases Moreguns's chance of success when using the Threaten ability.
Explosive Barrels - Moreguns tosses explosive barrels overboard. Enemies that collide with the barrels take damage.
✦ Toxic Barrels - After exploding, the barrels leave toxic clouds, dealing Corrosive damage to enemies.
Rum for Ration - Crew members consume Rum on a regular basis. Moreguns reduces Rum's consumption by rationing it.
Eye for Rum - Moreguns develops an eye for Rum and increases the chance of finding it while looting by 25%.
That's the Spirit! - A good captain knows how to motivate their team. Increases the entire crew's Attributes.
ULTIMATE
Cannon Barrage - Captain Moreguns's favorite. Rapidly fires from all cannons in all directions, unleashing hell upon enemies and debris around the ship.
Dash - Moreguns propels the ship to thrust onward in any direction, damaging enemies and debris in its wake.
✦ Dash Onward - Increases the maximum distance the ship travels during Dash.
✦ Dash & Mine - After using Dash, the ship leaves an explosive mine behind, which detonates after 3 seconds.
Collision Resistance - Knowing his ship through and through, Moreguns brace for an impact and reduces the damage taken from collisions.
Collision Damage - Moreguns identifies the weak spots in his targets and increases the damage dealt to enemies and debris via collisions.
WEAPONRY
Focus Fire - A seasoned spacefarer like Moreguns understands that efficiency is key. Narrows down the aiming angle and fires from all weapons in unison.
✦ Accuracy - Reduces the time it takes for Focus Fire to narrow down the aiming angle.
✦ Precision - Narrows down the Focus Fire spread angle, making its attack more precise and deadly.
Cannon Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Captain Moreguns is firing from Cannons.
Harpoon Mastery - Increases the Damage to enemy modules when Captain Moreguns is firing from Harpoons.
Mortar Mastery - Increases the Area of Effect damage and radius when Captain Moreguns is firing from Mortars.
SUPPORT DRONE
Shield Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Captain Moreguns is bashing enemies with the shield.
Giant Saw Mastery - When Moreguns operates a Giant Saw, decreases the time it takes to reach its maximum damage.
GENERAL
Threaten - During a dialogue, Captain Moreguns threatens a merchant to reduce vendor prices, a hostage to reveal valuable information, or a client to increase the reward for a successful job. If threatening fails, the opponent may become hostile.
✦ Intimidation - Increases Moreguns's chance of success when using the Threaten ability.
✦ Blackmailing - Further increases Moreguns's chance of success when using the Threaten ability.
Explosive Barrels - Moreguns tosses explosive barrels overboard. Enemies that collide with the barrels take damage.
✦ Toxic Barrels - After exploding, the barrels leave toxic clouds, dealing Corrosive damage to enemies.
Rum for Ration - Crew members consume Rum on a regular basis. Moreguns reduces Rum's consumption by rationing it.
Eye for Rum - Moreguns develops an eye for Rum and increases the chance of finding it while looting by 25%.
That's the Spirit! - A good captain knows how to motivate their team. Increases the entire crew's Attributes.
ULTIMATE
Cannon Barrage - Captain Moreguns's favorite. Rapidly fires from all cannons in all directions, unleashing hell upon enemies and debris around the ship.
Character 2 - Sam Schrodinger
Crew Playable Character
Basic Info
Sex: Male
Age: 25
Origin: Luxoria Planet's Outskirts
Specialization: Navigation skills, Crowd control, Survival
Overview (as shown in the game)
“They stole my magnifying device and enlarged my cat till it dissolved into stardust”, Sam claims. But who would believe a madman’s story? Joining the pirates, Sam seeks justice against the royal family that stole his work and hopes to rescue his cat. Alas, spending two years in a madhouse made Sam doubt his cat's existence. He keeps his cat’s favorite plush toy, just in case the cat proves to be real.
Sam could have stayed in a madhouse for life, if not for Captain Moreguns who rescued him. Sam proved himself worthy as a savvy engineer and a valuable crew member by technologically improving the ship. His careful and analytical approach helped them survive the most dire situations. Sam intends to lay his hands on and study whatever artifacts that would help him get his cat back.
Sex: Male
Age: 25
Origin: Luxoria Planet's Outskirts
Specialization: Navigation skills, Crowd control, Survival
Overview (as shown in the game)
“They stole my magnifying device and enlarged my cat till it dissolved into stardust”, Sam claims. But who would believe a madman’s story? Joining the pirates, Sam seeks justice against the royal family that stole his work and hopes to rescue his cat. Alas, spending two years in a madhouse made Sam doubt his cat's existence. He keeps his cat’s favorite plush toy, just in case the cat proves to be real.
Sam could have stayed in a madhouse for life, if not for Captain Moreguns who rescued him. Sam proved himself worthy as a savvy engineer and a valuable crew member by technologically improving the ship. His careful and analytical approach helped them survive the most dire situations. Sam intends to lay his hands on and study whatever artifacts that would help him get his cat back.
Sam - Attributes and Stats
Sam - Skill Tree
Sam - Ability Descriptions
NAVIGATION
Boost - Sam tinkers with the ship's engine to boost its maximum speed, but it takes a toll on him and depletes his Stamina. Sam's Stamina regenerates while not boosting.
✦ Boost Stamina - Increase the maximum Sam's Stamina capacity.
✦ Stamina Regeneration - Increase the Sam's Stamina regeneration rate.
Intertia Resist - A natural ace of steering, Sam improves the handling of the ship by reducing its movement and rotation inertia.
Acceleration Bonus - Decreases the time it takes the ship to reach its maximum speed when Sam steers it.
Stress Steering - Sam thrives in stressful situations and gains 20 extra Steering Points when he runs out of Stamina.
WEAPONRY
Lock on Target - Sam's recent innovation allows him to lock aim at a moving enemy target. All next projectiles will follow the target until it dies or escapes at a long distance.
✦ Range Bonus - Increases the Distance at which the ship can maintain its locked target.
✦ Duration Bonus - Increases the Duration at which the projectiles will follow the locked target.
Cannon Mastery - Increases the Attack Range when Sam is firing from Cannons.
Mortar Mastery - Increases the Attack Range when Sam is firing from Mortars.
SUPPORT DRONE
Drone Mastery - Increases the Slow Resistance of any Drone's weaponry when Sam is operating Drones.
Electric Coil Mastery - Increases the range of chain lightning bounces between targets when Sam is firing from Electric Coils.
Shockwave Mastery - When Sam operates Shockwave Cannons, waves fired from them cast temporary EMP on the targets they hit.
GENERAL
Hack - Deploys Sam to hack an enemy Network Center to gain information, a Radar Station to reveal the surrounding area, or a Prison to free its prisoners. If hacking fails, it will alert the nearby enemies.
✦ Codebreaker's Edge - Increases Sam's chance of success when using the Hack ability.
✦ Master Cracker - Further increases Sam's chance of success when using the Hack ability.
Renovation - Why wait till the nearest repair station? Sam repairs the ship for 225 HP over 10 seconds.
✦ Repair Speed - Decreases the time it takes to repair the ship when using the Renovation ability.
Stress Repair - Sam automatically repairs the ship for 100 HP over 4 seconds when its HP drops below 25%.
Powerups Mastery - Thanks to Sam's power-management skills, increases the time the ship benefits from the picked-up Powerups.
Ease on Penalties - Broken or damaged stations yield penalties on their functionality. Sam reduces this impact.
ULTIMATE
Chrono Sphere - Sam masters the theory of relativity and uses his homemade device to create a temporary time anomaly sphere, which slows all enemy units and projectiles caught within.
Boost - Sam tinkers with the ship's engine to boost its maximum speed, but it takes a toll on him and depletes his Stamina. Sam's Stamina regenerates while not boosting.
✦ Boost Stamina - Increase the maximum Sam's Stamina capacity.
✦ Stamina Regeneration - Increase the Sam's Stamina regeneration rate.
Intertia Resist - A natural ace of steering, Sam improves the handling of the ship by reducing its movement and rotation inertia.
Acceleration Bonus - Decreases the time it takes the ship to reach its maximum speed when Sam steers it.
Stress Steering - Sam thrives in stressful situations and gains 20 extra Steering Points when he runs out of Stamina.
WEAPONRY
Lock on Target - Sam's recent innovation allows him to lock aim at a moving enemy target. All next projectiles will follow the target until it dies or escapes at a long distance.
✦ Range Bonus - Increases the Distance at which the ship can maintain its locked target.
✦ Duration Bonus - Increases the Duration at which the projectiles will follow the locked target.
Cannon Mastery - Increases the Attack Range when Sam is firing from Cannons.
Mortar Mastery - Increases the Attack Range when Sam is firing from Mortars.
SUPPORT DRONE
Drone Mastery - Increases the Slow Resistance of any Drone's weaponry when Sam is operating Drones.
Electric Coil Mastery - Increases the range of chain lightning bounces between targets when Sam is firing from Electric Coils.
Shockwave Mastery - When Sam operates Shockwave Cannons, waves fired from them cast temporary EMP on the targets they hit.
GENERAL
Hack - Deploys Sam to hack an enemy Network Center to gain information, a Radar Station to reveal the surrounding area, or a Prison to free its prisoners. If hacking fails, it will alert the nearby enemies.
✦ Codebreaker's Edge - Increases Sam's chance of success when using the Hack ability.
✦ Master Cracker - Further increases Sam's chance of success when using the Hack ability.
Renovation - Why wait till the nearest repair station? Sam repairs the ship for 225 HP over 10 seconds.
✦ Repair Speed - Decreases the time it takes to repair the ship when using the Renovation ability.
Stress Repair - Sam automatically repairs the ship for 100 HP over 4 seconds when its HP drops below 25%.
Powerups Mastery - Thanks to Sam's power-management skills, increases the time the ship benefits from the picked-up Powerups.
Ease on Penalties - Broken or damaged stations yield penalties on their functionality. Sam reduces this impact.
ULTIMATE
Chrono Sphere - Sam masters the theory of relativity and uses his homemade device to create a temporary time anomaly sphere, which slows all enemy units and projectiles caught within.
Character 3 - Amy Bane
Crew Playable Character
Basic Info
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Origin: Sonaris Planet
Specialization: Support skills, Defense, Magic abilities
Overview (as shown in the game)
Amy is a former Galactic Federation cadet wanted for mass murder. As a human-siren hybrid, she wields dangerous magic abilities – the power to control and manipulate objects with the power of her voice. Alas, Amy struggles to control these powers. During her training in the academy for magic wielders, she accidentally killed her classmates with a magic burst. Since then, Amy has been on a run, secluding herself from other people to avoid harming them and learning to control her powers.
Amy is an empathetic girl with high moral standards, who would never kill anyone unless it was for self-defense. Alas, the more ugly truths she learns throughout her journey, the more she gives way to her own darker nature she has been suppressing her entire life.
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Origin: Sonaris Planet
Specialization: Support skills, Defense, Magic abilities
Overview (as shown in the game)
Amy is a former Galactic Federation cadet wanted for mass murder. As a human-siren hybrid, she wields dangerous magic abilities – the power to control and manipulate objects with the power of her voice. Alas, Amy struggles to control these powers. During her training in the academy for magic wielders, she accidentally killed her classmates with a magic burst. Since then, Amy has been on a run, secluding herself from other people to avoid harming them and learning to control her powers.
Amy is an empathetic girl with high moral standards, who would never kill anyone unless it was for self-defense. Alas, the more ugly truths she learns throughout her journey, the more she gives way to her own darker nature she has been suppressing her entire life.
Amy - Attributes and Stats
Amy - Skill Tree
Amy - Ability Descriptions
NAVIGATION
Serenity - Amy uses her magic abilities to levitate the ship in any direction, ignoring the ship's rotation. Using Serenity takes a toll on Amy and depletes her Stamina. Her Stamina regenerates while not using the Serenity ability.
✦ Tranquility - Temporarily conceals the ship while using Serenity. The ship becomes visible again once it attacks.
✦ Equilibrium - Amy focuses on her song and increases the duration of Tranquility.
Critical Steering - Amy unlocks her full potential in stressful situations and gains 20 extra Steering when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
Critical Recovery - Amy gets herself together in stressful situations and recovers her Stamina 80% faster when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
Tune of Endurance - When the ship takes high damage, Amy conjures a temporary Force Shield around the ship.
WEAPONRY
Song of Domination - Amy uses her power to control an enemy or an object telepathically, gradually damaging it in the process. Can be used through obstacles and environment blockers.
✦ Echo of Domination - Increases the distance at which Amy can cast the Song of Domination ability.
✦ Melody of Domination - Increases the duration at which Amy can cast Song of Domination on a single object.
Gatling Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Amy is firing from Gatling weapons.
Laser Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Amy is firing from Laser weapons.
SUPPORT DRONE
Shield Mastery - Amy channels her powers to increase the range at which objects can be tossed using the Shield.
Electric Coil Mastery - Increases the EMP Slow Factor on enemy units when Amy is firing from Electric Coils.
Shockwave Mastery - Allows Amy to absorb incoming damage and channel it to boost the Shockwave projectiles. [Hold the Fire button to absorb the incoming damage, release the button to unleash the wave]
GENERAL
Mental Overture - Amy lets out a powerful magic burst that damages everything around her, including her own ship.
✦ Mental Harmony - Amy reduces the damage dealt to the ship when using the Mental Overture ability by 50%.
✦ Mental Accord - Amy increases the damage dealt to enemies when using the Mental Overture ability by 35%.
✦ Mental Symphony - When using Mental Overture, Amy conjures a temporary force shield around the ship.
✦ Mental Resonance - Amy increases the duration of the force shield conjured by the Mental Symphony ability.
Critical Tempo - Amy thinks and acts faster in stressful situations, which reduces her ability to cool down when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
Critical Rhythm - Amy's stress management skills allow her to accumulate Ultimate Points faster when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
ULTIMATE
Siren's Serenade - Amy sings a charming yet powerful song that makes enemy units temporarily attack each other.
Serenity - Amy uses her magic abilities to levitate the ship in any direction, ignoring the ship's rotation. Using Serenity takes a toll on Amy and depletes her Stamina. Her Stamina regenerates while not using the Serenity ability.
✦ Tranquility - Temporarily conceals the ship while using Serenity. The ship becomes visible again once it attacks.
✦ Equilibrium - Amy focuses on her song and increases the duration of Tranquility.
Critical Steering - Amy unlocks her full potential in stressful situations and gains 20 extra Steering when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
Critical Recovery - Amy gets herself together in stressful situations and recovers her Stamina 80% faster when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
Tune of Endurance - When the ship takes high damage, Amy conjures a temporary Force Shield around the ship.
WEAPONRY
Song of Domination - Amy uses her power to control an enemy or an object telepathically, gradually damaging it in the process. Can be used through obstacles and environment blockers.
✦ Echo of Domination - Increases the distance at which Amy can cast the Song of Domination ability.
✦ Melody of Domination - Increases the duration at which Amy can cast Song of Domination on a single object.
Gatling Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Amy is firing from Gatling weapons.
Laser Mastery - Increases the Attack Speed when Amy is firing from Laser weapons.
SUPPORT DRONE
Shield Mastery - Amy channels her powers to increase the range at which objects can be tossed using the Shield.
Electric Coil Mastery - Increases the EMP Slow Factor on enemy units when Amy is firing from Electric Coils.
Shockwave Mastery - Allows Amy to absorb incoming damage and channel it to boost the Shockwave projectiles. [Hold the Fire button to absorb the incoming damage, release the button to unleash the wave]
GENERAL
Mental Overture - Amy lets out a powerful magic burst that damages everything around her, including her own ship.
✦ Mental Harmony - Amy reduces the damage dealt to the ship when using the Mental Overture ability by 50%.
✦ Mental Accord - Amy increases the damage dealt to enemies when using the Mental Overture ability by 35%.
✦ Mental Symphony - When using Mental Overture, Amy conjures a temporary force shield around the ship.
✦ Mental Resonance - Amy increases the duration of the force shield conjured by the Mental Symphony ability.
Critical Tempo - Amy thinks and acts faster in stressful situations, which reduces her ability to cool down when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
Critical Rhythm - Amy's stress management skills allow her to accumulate Ultimate Points faster when the ship's Hit Points drop below 25%.
ULTIMATE
Siren's Serenade - Amy sings a charming yet powerful song that makes enemy units temporarily attack each other.
