Greetings, humans! Alpha 3.23 brings the latest software update from Bioticorp, allowing far greater ability to create exactly the character you envision. We're extremely excited to see the diverse cast about to embark on their first journey into the 'verse, so we'd like you to show them off! We're challenging all of you to create your best original character using the new character creator, but we don't want you to stop there! We also want you to write a compelling back story for them, whether they're a notorious pirate, a pop star, or the fifth-best PTV racer on Orison. :first_place_medal: 1st Place - Drake Caterpillar Standalone in-game vehicle with LTI (in-game lifetime insurance) :second_place_medal: 2nd Place - MISC Freelancer MAX Standalone in-game vehicle with LTI (in-game lifetime insurance) :third_place_medal: 3rd Place - Mirai Pulse and Mirai Pulse LX Standalone in-game vehicles with LTI (in-game lifetime insurance) You have until May 19, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific to make your submission. Notes: Please follow the Contest Rules. Screenshots must be submitted on the Community Hub with the title including the phrase Choose Your Character. Submissions on this post will not be considered. Multiple entries and group submissions are not allowed. Screenshots must be unaltered and be in their original format - no post-processing allowed. The screenshot must be a custom, original character created by you in Alpha 3.23's character creator. Characters based on any existing fictional or real-life people are not allowed. Screenshots showcasing the most creativity, quality, uniqueness, and style for this contest will be considered the most. The caption must include a backstory and name for your character, up to 150 words in length. Longer captions may be disqualified. Need inspiration? Here's my character: Clove Tanaka is 32 years old and originally from the Vega system, though they moved to Stanton after the Battle of Vega II to try to make a name for themselves. After trying their hand at several careers, and failing miserably, Clove fell into extreme debt to the local pirate gangs trying to make ends meet. A few run ins with local security and some time spent in Klescher only made things worse, and Nine Tails began to charge Clove high interest rates on what they owed. While they still take the odd contract here and there, they've started making a dent in their dues by becoming a professional Gun Rush player, taking on the top Arena Commander competitors in local tournaments. They've been especially vocal on Spectrum about the decision to put a 4x scope on the C54 SMG. This contest has ended. We'll post the winners here very soon! UPDATE: Congrats to our winners! Theron Morrow (@N4me1ess) lived on New Corvo till the age of 19. Following the attack on Vega II in 2945, he lost his entire family. He had always been critical of the UEE so the events on Vega II fueled his dislike for the UEE, prompting him to flee to Levski in the Nyx system. To honor his family, Theron dyed his hair red, reminiscent of the blood that was shed on the 10th of November 2945. Proficient with weapons, he found employment at Conscientious Objects and gained popularity as a skilled weapon salesperson. Unfortunately, he got in debt with outlaws, resulting in the loss of his best friend when he couldnt repay his Cutlass Black. Seeking refuge in the Pyro system, he turned to bounty hunting, eliminating targets quickly and gaining reputation amongst big gangs. Known for outfitting his Cutlass with Deadbolts, he earned the name Theron "Deadbolt" Morrow. :first_place_medal: Rajani Patel (@KeiranYT) was born in the pirate stations of the ruthless Pyro system, where survival is a daily struggle and hope is a rarity. Raised in an environment marked by violence and despair, she learned from a young age to be cunning and resilient. After losing her family in a pirate raid, Rajani plunged into a dark path of revenge and self-destruction. She joined a violent faction, seeking to redeem her family's honor through ruthless acts of violence. However, the weight of her actions eventually caught up with her, pushing her to the edge of moral abyss. In a moment of clarity, she abandoned the pirate life and became a fugitive, wandering the depths of space in search of redemption. Now, Rajani seeks a path to light amidst the shadows of her past, determined to find a nobler purpose in an unforgiving universe. :second_place_medal: Kellan "Kel" Janik, (@Dux_Cactus) born on Terra in 2919, was raised amidst diverse cultures due to his parents' involvement in interstellar trade. Joining the UEE Navy at 18, he honed his leadership skills and tactical prowess, earning commendations during the Vanduul Conflict. Notably, he led a daring rescue, saving civilians from pirate attacks, earning him the Navy Cross. Stoic yet humorous, Kel's crew admires his dedication and bravery. Transitioning to civilian life at 35, he commands the Starbound Voyager, embarking on exploration missions. Driven by adventure and a commitment to safety, Kel's experiences in war shape his resilient leadership as he navigates the mysteries of deep space, embodying a legacy of heroism and exploration. :third_place_medal: