Status Quo
Status Quo is an Oolite novella by Drew Wagar. It is the first part of the Oolite Saga, followed by Mutabilis.
Introduction
Status Quo was originally written to give newcomers to Oolite a feel for how Oolite differs from Elite in a the form of a story, setting the scene for all the adventures to come, rather like the original Robert Holdstock's novel The Dark Wheel set the tone for Elite itself.
It's set four years before the time in which players of Oolite find themselves.
"A brilliant scientist uncovers a terrifying plot to begin a galactic war. Aided by a talented, but reluctant and embittered combateer, he must stop the deployment of a super weapon he invented. A weapon so powerful it threatens to destroy entire worlds."
There is also a Facebook fan page.
Second edition
Status Quo was revised in October 2009 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Elite. The second edition features some extra scenes, improved dialogue and updated references to bring it in-line with the progress made within Oolite during the three years since Status Quo was first released in 2006.
Third edition
Drew is currently (2023) working on a commercial version of this with the Oolite content stripped out. He has removed all available copies from distribution.
Timeline
This novel is syncretist in outlook, seeing Oolite and FE2/FFE set in the same universe.
The Dark Wheel - 3115 CE Classic Elite - 3125 CE Status Quo - 3138 CE Oolite - 3140 CE FE2/FFE - 3199 CE
Downloads
- You can download the story from this website.
- Or you can download Ship Library Book-Status Quo (through the in-game Expansions Manager) for your Ship's Library OXP. You can then read it on an MFD while flying!
Notes
Status Quo is set in the year 3138, four years before the official time frame of the Oolite game, which has been set as 3142.
In the game, the Q-Bomb does not behave as it does in the novel. However, it is possible to install the Status Quo Q-bomb OXP to make the Q-Bomb behave as it does in the novel.
The author also recommends the following OXPs be installed in order to make the game play as close to the novel as possible: BoyRacer, Tori, Famous Planets, Tianve Pulsar, System Redux, Behemoth, Imperial Courier, SuperCobra and Snoopers (which adds the Tionisla Chronicle news feed to the game.)
