At the moment I'm kicking around the rather crazy idea of an inter-planetary civilization which exists on late-period Dark Age technology. The way this works is some form of portal (possibly a space ladder) that allows people to travel between planets.

So, I'm thinking that there was a past, hyper-advanced civilization that created the various transportation methods. My problem is determining how an interplanetary civilization could descend to Dark Age technologies.

Here the options I'm willing to consider:

A galactic disaster: Perhaps the collapse of a dense star into a black hole? (Your own ideas are welcome in this area.)

An inter-planetary natural disaster: A skin destroying fungus from an exotic planet? (You own ideas are welcome in this area, but lets try to keep them simple for this possibility.)

A long term war: Do you think two thousand years of war would suffice to blot out space-age bio-mechanical cultures? (Your own ideas welcome, please keep them shorter that five thousand years. ((that's a bit heavy on the history.)) )

A secret organization: Maybe bio-mechanical super-humans who keep everyone in line? (Your own ideas welcome, make them as wild as you want.)

Thoughts, questions, and space-age diatribe about thousand year wars are welcome.

It sounds really interesting! Hhhmmm. What if it's like our world, and the previous advanced race created nuclear weapons and used them, destroying a lot of things (excluding the space ladder) and knowledge and setting back civilization. Or, if you wanted to do something like Gene Roddenberry, you could have a disease that only kills adults, leaving a civilization of children (although, I don't know how that would work for your story.)
However you do it, it sounds like a great beginning. Can't wait to hear more!

The nuclear war idea is definitely something I'll consider. I'll give some thought to the adult killing disease too, but it would be harder to do and remain original.

After thinking a few minutes, here's a developed version of the nuclear war idea.

There are four warring factions in the interplanetary system. Three groups have developed highly advanced nuclear weaponry. The fourth group has not advanced nearly as far in nuclear weaponry, due partly to a trade embargo placed on them by a group controlling most of the galaxy's uranium.

The four factions are at war for a mineral being mined in an asteroid belt. The fourth group already partly controls the belt and is subject to the initial raids. The fourth group strikes back with one of their nuclear weapons, initiating the nuclear war.

The fourth group is nearly destroyed by the others, but finally uses their secret weapon: an EMP generator (A device which short circuits electrical equipment and was used ((I think)) in the US Desert Storm operation.) capable of cutting off power to an entire planet. They use it on all the other nations' planets, not only cutting off power, but reversing the various planets magnetospheres, permanently destroying electrical equipment.

The loss of communication between group one's home planet and a large star-cruiser results in the activation of a contingency plan. The cruiser fires four cobalt missiles at group four's home planet, effectively wiping out all life on that planet.

Is it somewhat believable? Any thing that needs changing?

I think it sounds good, but I've never been one to read a lot of inter-planetary fiction!
I do like the nuclear war idea the most, though.

I really like the idea of a star collapsing. I think it would be neat if there was a lot of radiation as a result, and a lot of the top technology people died of radiation. This could also lead to war, looting, all kinds of nasty things, including a nuclear holocaust! (and I don't know why the whole idea is making me grin...

Because you're an author Mindy E.! You thrive on conflict, death, and large wars. (Now doesn't that sound positively morbid? ) Besides, the idea has loads of possibilities.

This is another entertaining topic (thanks to Mindy and Eruwaedhiel).

Neil, this is a great idea. You're pretty creative, I like how you're able to think outside the box.

I had an idea, but as soon as I started typing it, it disappeared . . . OK here's another one.
In our world, Rome was a thriving civilization and everything was going good, great technology (for their time period), military strength, philosophers, you get the idea. Anyway, they were weakened by their power (so to speak) and were invaded on all sides by enemies.

Anyway, long story short, Rome and the civilized world collapsed, sending all of Europe into the Dark Ages.

Could that happen in your world? They were at the peak of civilization and technology, but then they kind of destroyed themselves and eachother with their power? (hope I didn't confuse anyone with my history)

Forgive me if i messed everything here up. You probably thought of this already.

Yeah, it's definitely the most realistic. EMPs, Nukes, and Cobalt missiles are all real, and thus, much easier to write about.



I think the idea would work, but I'd need to create the planetary system first so I would know who would be effected...etc.



I'm laughing as I read this.


Story of my life. (But we're off topic.)



I think that's the essence of what I'm trying to capture. Of course, it's important to note that the ignorance of the Dark Ages was mostly spiritual and philosophical. Technology continued to advance. (Although certain secrets, namely Greek Fire, were lost.)

I think a sense of humor is essential to fantasy writing. Personally.

Yeah, you basically have the essence of what I was trying to say, I still can't remember my thought from earlier .

Even if I am no help whatsoever, I am going to keep checking in on this post, this story has lots of potential, and I would love to read it.

After further thought, I'm going to use this idea, but not right now. I've just come up with another idea, which I feel is God's will for me to write, and infinitely more important than other ideas I've had.

Well, I've continued working on this plot, because I've decided to combine it with another plot.

Basic premise: Seven people, thrown together by God (thought they mistake Him for chance) set off on a quest for the source of glory and truth, traveling across worlds of mystery, legends, pantheons of false gods, and planets which are falling coming apart in every possible sense of the word.

(Catchy, eh?)

I've actually started work developing the main planet of the story, which is called Origin in English.

Wow. That's extremely interesting, Neil.

XD I'm glad I'm not the only person with that kind of a sense of humour

Along that line, something that has already been discovered but is outlawed is the Neutron Bomb, which will destroy organic matter while leaving buildings and such untouched. I think there is also little radiation, but I'm not sure about that.

There are, but I've created such a novel idea for them that I hesitate to put it anywhere on the Internet.

HWRF

BTW, what does that mean?

Aaah. Ok, maybe I should check the announcements more. Thanks, Shanai!

Thanks, Jay! HWRF didn't even occur to me...but it's the perfect spot for this.

I'm going to start working on the first stage of development of my new fantasy world, in which I'll cultivate the world following Sir Emeth's development pattern.