I first started writing "Imbalance of Power" when I realized how similar an old Germanic legend could be to a compatible science fiction story set in the Star Frontiers universe. Struggles for power and moral dilemmas make sense in any setting.

But I believe I learned more, not from the similarities between the two, but rather the differences I had to make for the story to work.

A lot of elements that look cool in a world of ancient gods and magic end up looking pretty stupid in a serious futuristic context.

Here are some examples of differences...

DAS RHEINGOLD

Alberich forges the Rhinegold into a magic ring that gives him power to enslave his people and conquer the world.

IMBALANCE OF POWER

Hilo finds a data crystal containing advanced alien technology that gives him the possibility to create a powerful megacorporation that could grow to take over the Frontier.

OBSERVATIONS

Where the fantasy setting character becomes powerful through magic, the science fiction character becomes powerful through technology. Perhaps technology in a sci-fi RPG fills a similar role to magic in a fantasy RPG. In AD&D, for example, a weapon is more powerful when it is magically enhanced. In Star Frontiers, a weapon is more powerful if it is technically enhanced.

Both stories deal with slavery and ultimate domination. In Das Rheingold, there is no disguising this. Things are more subtle, however, in the sci-fi story, where slaves are made not by force, but by job elimination. ("If you can't work for anyone else, you have to work for me.") In the case of the Star Frontiers story, nations are not conquered by other nations through warfare. Corporations are conquered by other corporations through advancements in products and market strategies. ("Did I hear 'Microsoft,' anyone?")

DAS RHEINGOLD

Alberich uses his magic ring to find gold in the Earth, and forces his slaves to dig it out and forge it into treasure. The giants Fasolt and Fafner force Wotan to steal this treasure for them.

IMBALANCE OF POWER

Hilo uses the alien technology from the crystal to develop new technical blueprints, and forces his employees to build products based on this technology. The Pan-Galactic Corporation reps force Chazzizz to steal these technical blueprints for them.

OBSERVATIONS

In the fantasy story, a pile of gold offers unimaginable wealth. In a space setting, you could mine about as much gold as you want from an endless expanse chock full of asteroid belts and lifeless planets. Gold is little more than a raw resource, worth only the trouble it takes to go fetch it. Wealth in the futuristic story comes not from metal, but from knowledge and information.

DAS RHEINGOLD

Freia has been taken hostage by the giants. Without the golden apples only she can harvest, the gods can no longer keep their eternal youth. They will become weak and die.

IMBALANCE OF POWER

The Pan-Galactic Corporation has taken the UPF's supply of inertium. Without this chemical substance, the UPF cannot maintain its fleet of starships, and will soon be defenseless.

OBSERVATIONS

In the fantasy setting, survival is maintained through physical health. In the sci-fi setting, survival is maintained through the upkeep of mechanical devices. The UPF is so reliant on machines that without them it will perish.

DAS RHEINGOLD

As the giants Fasolt and Fafner are offered Alberich's gold treasure and ring, they begin to fight over them. Fafner kills Fasolt while the gods watch.

IMBALANCE OF POWER

The two PGC representatives, Braire and Chang, accept the techincal blueprints and crystal, but can be seen arguing in private. Chang later reports that Braire was killed in an unfortunate "shuttle accident."

OBSERVATIONS

With an established police force like Star Law, you can't go around killing people in public. Thus enters a shroud of secrecy and treachery behind which murders are hidden.

Any other comments, suggestions or observations are welcome!

Layne