What's the best way to begin a space opera campaign?

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Come on people! There is only one way to start a Space Opera:

Getting chased by a Star Destroyer

Actually, any form of massive explosion is also acceptable.

 

[shadzar]

Come on people! There is only one way to start a Space Opera:

Getting chased by a Star Destroyer

Before John Williams, and the star destroyer that was one thing...

A long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away.......

Other than that, I like the way it was done in Ice Pirates and Red Dwarf.

Just act like nothing it out of the ordinary and being in space is where you belong.

 

[airwalkrr]

I think it depends a lot upon what the nature of the campaign you want to run. Do you want to run an exploration campaign ala Star Trek? Do you want to highlight a revolt against a galactic empire ala Star Wars? Do you have something else in mind? Space opera holds vast potential. Honestly I don't see it as elementally different from a fantasy campaign. It provides a vast unexplored region for players to expand their imaginations into. You have to pick a way to start the campaign that relates to the plot.

Example: You want to run a campaign where the players are pirates who raid space convoys of a corrupt intergalactic corporation. This is basically Robin Hood in space. Describe the actions of the intergalactic corporation to rile up the players' sense of injustice then inform them that their characters have decided to band together to fight it. Leave the method of how they actually organized in the past. Begin the story in medias res with the players already engaged in piracy against the corporation.

This is the best way to begin virtually any campaign in my opinion.

 

[TarionzCousin]

What's the best way to begin a space opera campaign?

I don't know, but I suggest ending it with a space-suited fat lady singing.