Difference between revisions of "New Player Lore Guide"

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{{toc_right}}The year is [[Timeline| 2456 CE (Common Era)]], and since the late 21st century, Humanity has been spreading out among the stars. Leaving behind their homeworld of [[Sol| Earth]], humans proliferated throughout space, expanding hundreds of light-years in all directions under the banner of the [[Sol Alliance]]. After a century, flourishing cities had been established in nearby systems such as [[Tau Ceti]] and [[Epsilon Eridani]], and in the centuries that would follow, hundreds of systems would fall under the control of humanity. Outposts on Garden worlds became metropolises in the span of decades, entire asteroids and moons were mined out and hostile worlds were terraformed and subdued.
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<center>{{Navbox New Player Guides}}</center>
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=New Player Lore Starter Guide=
'''This is a new player's summary to the totality - or at least, as much as we can summarize quickly - of the Aurora server's most essential lore.'''


At the end of the 22nd century, the power and influence of the Sol Alliance was at its height, but following the 23rd and 24th centuries the power of humanity's central government began to wane. Several rebellions and interstellar wars left Earth devastated and the Alliance conceding  independence to its outer-most systems.
'''This is the first in a series of multiple guides that are connected to [[Character Creation]]. Once you're finished reading this, you are more than equipped with the knowledge necessary to create your character using that guide!'''


In the middle of the prosperity and strife, transtellars have for centuries embarked to make massive profits. The major corporate players had managed to establish a stable, if shaky peace between themselves, with no single corporation able to completely dominate the others. Any semblance of equilibrium between the mega-corps was shattered with NanoTransen's discovery of the element plasma.
'''Below is absolutely recommended reading if you are new to the server!'''


Humanity is not alone in this vast sea of stars. Numerous alien races have been discovered in the past 50 years, some peaceful, some hostile and some just plain weird. The brilliant [[Skrell]], the crafty [[Tajara]], the warlike [[Unathi]] and elegant [[Dionaea]] are but a few of the races of this extremely diverse galaxy. Many more exist, and while most are simply apathetic to humanity, others are openly hostile.
*The year is '''{{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}} + 442}} CE''' (Common Era). Humanity has long since began its trek into space, and explored territory reaches out dozens of lightyears in every direction. After a century beyond the 2000's, flourishing cities had been established in nearby systems such as Tau Ceti and Eridani Federation, and in the centuries that would follow, hundreds of systems would fall under the control of Humanity. Outposts on garden worlds became metropolises in the span of decades. Entire asteroids and moons were mined out, hostile worlds were terraformed and subdued by growing corporations that began to become the dominant economic powers of Human space. [[Offworlder Humans|Some humans have decided to roam the Orion Spur for the rest of their lives, living on their vessels and developing their own culture]]. The endeavors into the final frontier were founded beneath the unified banner of the [[Sol Alliance]] - a fading galactic government which exercises official control over the majority of the Human population.


If one thing can be said to unite the various species, it is the drive to control the powerful element plasma, which not only has revitalized space travel but also holds untold capabilities. Humanity, specifically NanoTrasen, has taken control of the vast majority of plasma deposits, drawing the interest of many alien species, extremist cults and even more mysterious forces. Within humanity, a divide has begun to form: What is NanoTrasen's role not just economically but in human society? Are they the benevolent corporation that keeps the engine of human interstellar civilization alive or are they the greedy suits dedicated to manipulating galactic society through their stranglehold on the plasma market?
*At the end of the 22nd century, the power and influence of the Sol Alliance was at its height, but this soon came to an end as an unexpected economic collapse found trans-stellar corporations picking away at Sol Alliance authority piece by piece. In the middle of the prosperity and strife, transtellars have for centuries embarked to make massive profits. The major corporate players had managed to establish a stable, if shaky peace between themselves, with no single corporation able to completely dominate the others.


Recently the Syndicate has emerged as an organization dedicated to stopping NanoTrasen. Decentralized, secretive and efficient, the Syndicate has attacked NanoTrasen installations, mining outposts and personnel. Some decry them as terrorists, others see them as the only force with a chance to overthrown NanoTrasen.
*The foremost megacorporations would ultimately end up becoming the following: [[File:Nt-logo.jpeg|20px|link=]][[NanoTrasen Corporation]], [[File:EinsteinEngines2.png|20px|link=]] [[Einstein Engines]], [[File:Hephaestuslogo4.png|20px|link=]] [[Hephaestus Industries]], [[File:II-teal.png|20px|link=]] [[Idris Incorporated]], [[File:ZH-lightpurple.png|20px|link=]] [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]], [[File:Zavodskoi Interestellar.png|10px|link=]][[Zavodskoi Interstellar]].


This age is one of '''progress''', '''war''', and '''greed'''. It is the '''Age of Mankind'''.
Together, they exercised total economic control over the known galaxy.
{{Navbox Lore}}
 
==Your Workplace==
 
Welcome to [[Tau Ceti]], a star system approximately 12 light-years away from [[Sol]], under the joint control of the [[Republic of Biesel]] and the trans-stellar corporate conglomerate [[Nanotrasen Corporation|Nanotrasen]]. You have been assigned to work aboard the [[NSS Aurora]], a state-of-the-art research and mining facility orbiting Tau Ceti within the Romanovich Cloud at the very edge of the system. Even after several centuries of being inhabited by human colonists, and flourishing into a central trade hub for human space, the edge of Tau Ceti is still considered to be a frontier of sorts, as are the outer areas of most other star systems.
 
After the discovery of a substance known as [[Plasma]] in this system, Nanotrasen quickly established a monopoly that granted them control over Humanity's fuel source and established them as the most powerful corporation in human space.
 
==The Economy==
 
The most common currency in human space is the [[Economy| Standard Credit]], originally issued by the Sol Alliance in the early 22nd century. Despite the decline of the Sol Alliance, the Standard Credit remains the reserve currency of many polities, and it is accepted on most worlds throughout human space. The Standard Credit is represented by '''cr''' (e.g. 5,000 cr).
 
==Known Space==
===Sol===
The home system of humanity, Sol is by far the most populated and, arguably, the most developed system in human space. It has seen great scientific process, prosperity and counties development by also great atrocities and suffering.
 
At the end of the Second Sol Alliance Civil War, The Sol system was left in ruins. It has slowly rebuilt itself over the past century and is joe considered more or less rebuilt. Earth occupies a place of prestige as humanity's homeworld and also as a world that is able to support a massive population with innovative, sustainable resource technologies. Luna has become something of a mishmash of galactic society: glittering skyscrapers within pressurized biodomes butt up awkwardly against walled off slums housing the descendants of Earth-refugees. Mars has seen small scale terraforming efforts take hold, with patches of the planet possessing a breathable atmosphere. Mars is still dotted with century old ruins, a consequence of resources forcibly diverted to the Earth recovery effort decades ago.
 
The administrative center of the Sol Alliance is Nova Concordia, in orbit around Mars. Built to replace the destroyed New Eden station, Nova Concordia is the seat of the Sol Alliance government. Mars is divided into mostly self-governing provinces, while Luna has been directly administered by an elected Sol Alliance representative. Earth is still divided among nation-states, but all are ultimately subject to the Sol Alliance. In practice, most Earth nations are autonomous, with the Alliance only rarely stepping in to resolve severe international disputes.
 
===Inner Colonies===
Also known as the Inner Sphere. The inner colonies lie within 100 lightyears of Sol. The inner sphere is home to 27 billion people, with 160 systems with at least 100,000 permanent residents. Six of these systems (including Sol) have populations exceeding one billion. Inner Colonies are the oldest in human space, typically between 200 and 350 years old. These worlds form the heartland of the Sol Alliance and are the technological and economic hub of human space, with endless streams of trade ships flowing through the Warp Gates connecting the most developed systems. Following the Holocaust of 2316, refugees from earth founded colonies in several uninhabited Red Dwarf systems and on the outskirts of many of the more developed systems.
 
Life here is the best in human space. Much of the population lives in relative comfort, although the average wage tends to be lower than that of the middle and some outer colonies. Towering arcologies, massive city-stations, and great multi-tiered metropolises which can reach over a kilometer tall can be found on the most populated of these systems. The Inner Colonies are home to the greatest cultural diversity in human space, with distinct colonial identities in many of the older systems, and several hundred spoken languages. The average lifespan ranges from 210-250.
 
===Mid Colonies===
Also known as the Mid Sphere. The Mid Colonies lie between 100 and 200 lightyears from Sol. The mid sphere has a combined population of 14 billion, and contains 213 systems with at least 100,000 permanent residents. Three of these systems have populations of at least a billion. Colonies here are typically 100 to 200 years old. The Sol Alliance remains the dominant power in this region of space, primarily through the use of client states. Following the Great War, several of the larger colonies declared independence. These Independent Powers continue to encroach upon the margins of Sol Alliance space.
 
Life here is good, though not quite as nice as in the inner colonies. Metropolises and mega-cities are a rarer site here than in the Inner Colonies, infrastructure tends to be less developed and the lack of direct access to the Warp Gate system means trading is more expensive. Inhabitants of the mid colonies are more likely to be skeptical of the Sol Alliance, resenting the control the inner colonies exert over the Alliance. The mid colonies are widely considered to be the edge of "developed" space, much to the consternation of the inhabitants of the outer colonies. The average lifespan here generally ranges from 190-230.
 
===Outer Colonies===
Also known as the Outer Sphere. The Outer Colonies lie between 200 and 300 lightyears from Sol. The outer sphere is home to 3 billion people and contains about 310 systems with at least 100,000 permanent residents. New colonies are still regularly founded in this sphere, and most settlements are less than 100 years old. These worlds lie beyond the reach of the Sol Alliance. Instead, the majority of the Outer Sphere is divided into a number of multi-system polities, generally aligned with one of the Great Powers.
 
Life here is harder than in the Mid colonies, though many see independence from the Sol Alliance as being worth the price. People here generally live in towns and cities of around 5,000-50,000 people. The 'Spacer' culture is especially strong in the Outer Colonies as countless migrants mine the asteroid belts in search of fortune. Millions of Outer Colonials live in simple orbitals, many relying on centrifugal force rather than gravity generators. Technology is generally a decade or two behind that of the inner and mid colonies. The average lifespan here ranges from 160-200.
 
===Frontier===
The Frontier consists of all space more than 300 lightyears away from Sol; it is the very edge of known space. Frontier space contains at least 50 inhabited systems with an estimated, combined population of 500 million, although these numbers are extremely difficult to determine. The affairs of the Inner and Middle Colonies are nearly irrelevant to these hard-spun settlers, although many remain resentful. People are often forced to make do with equipment decades or even a century behind that of the inner worlds. The largest political entities are a few united systems, but most 'governments' are confined to a planet or city-state. 'Frontiersmen are born in a hardsuit', so the saying goes, and live or die by their skill and luck. Life is harsh and comparatively short here, with life spans ranging from 130-180. Those that do survive can often attain extensive technical knowledge. Here you will find the outsiders of Human (and alien) society; cults, fanatics, Earth supremacists, political exiles, outlaws, rogue AI’s, and radical exhumans.
 
==Main Spacefaring Races==
 
===Humanity===
 
[[image:Human_fem.png]][[image:Human_Male.png]]
 
*'''Home System:''' [[Sol]]
*'''Homeworld:''' [[Sol|Earth]]
*'''Majority Languages:''' Tau Ceti Basic, Sol Common
*'''Major Political Entities:''' [[Sol Alliance]], [[Republic of Biesel]], [[Eridani Federation|Eridani Corporate Federation]]
 
'Homo Sapiens', or as they're more commonly known, Humans, are the most prevalent species in known space. Collectively, they have more territory under their control than all other known species combined. Most trans-stellar corporations and conglomerates are owned and staffed by humans, giving them significant economic pull in the galactic community.
 
However, despite their collective achievements, humans are fractured into hundreds of independent factions, severely limiting their ability to organize as a species. Additionally, ideological differences further deteriorate relations between human factions.
 
Highly advanced technologically, humans are one of several known races to independently achieve viable, interstellar space flight.
 
===Skrell===
 
[[image:Skrell_Fem.png]][[image:Skrell_Male.png]]
 
*'''Home System:''' [[Skrell| Jargon (Nralakk)]]
*'''Homeworld:''' [[Skrell| Jargon IV(Qerrbalak)]]
*'''Majority Languages:''' Skrellian, Tau Ceti Basic
*'''Major Political Entities:''' Skrellian Alliance
 
An amphibious species whose passion lies in the field of the combined sciences, the [[Skrell]] are the oldest and most advanced species present on the galactic stage. The Skrell evolved on a planet covered in vast swamps and freshwater seas, hence their amphibious qualities, such as moist, pliant and nearly translucent skin, as well as their vestigial gill slits.
 
Skrell are largely asexual, with most seeing reproduction as a process necessary to continue their lineage and nothing more.
 
While humanity has largely overtaken the Skrell in the area of system colonization, the Skrell maintain a strong confederation of colonies roughly three-quarters the size of human space. They are also the most technologically advanced species in known space, and possess the strongest and most highly trained military of any spacefaring species.
 
===Unathi===
 
[[image:Unathi_fem.png]][[image:Unathi_Male.png]]
 
*'''Home System:''' [[Unathi| Uueoa-Esa]]
*'''Homeworld:''' [[Unathi| Moghes]]
*'''Majority Languages:''' Sinta Unathi
*'''Major Political Entities:''' Uneth Hegemony
 
The Unathi Race is a highly honorbond and clan based spieces. Unathi hail from their homeworld of Moghes and their colony planet Ouere.
 
Moghean Unathi have regressed to a feudal system of life after the brutal Contact War in 2439, and the planet Ouere is ruled by a colonial administration of the Sol Alliance and Skrellian Alliance. Moghean culture has strict gender guidelines which are well defined, and breaking them is highly taboo.
 
Ouerean Unathi number in the high thousands, and are ruled by humans and skrell who funded their initial colonizing of this new world. While the society is more lax, unathi stubbornness prevents true reform from taking place.
 
===Tajara===
 
[[image:Tajara_fem.png]][[image:Tajara_Male.png]]
 
*'''Home System:''' [[Tajara| S'rand'marr]]
*'''Homeworld:''' [[Tajara| Adhomai]]
*'''Majority Languages:''' Siik'maas, Siik'Tajir
*'''Major Political Entities:''' People's Republic of Adhomai
 
The Tajaran are a feline race, and the most recent to make an appearance on the galactic stage. They are also the second most populous species in known space, behind humans in terms of population. Most of their early history is a story of indentured servitude to their own people, having been governed by a oligarchy composed of blood line rulers.. Approximately two years after they were discovered by humans, they revolted against the ruling class and successfully claimed their independence.
 
===Dionaea===


[[image:Dionaea.png]]
*Any semblance of equilibrium between the mega-corps was shattered with NanoTrasen's discovery of the element Phoron in 2417. Phoron is a powerful element which is highly sought after for its untold capabilities and use in the average starship drive. After discovering Phoron, NanoTrasen quickly established a monopoly on it, with themselves sitting on the largest deposits in the known galaxy. The times that followed sent NanoTrasen skyrocketing to unofficially become the foremost power over Humanity. Through determination and overwhelming wealth, it and the other megacorporations have become the dominant governing force over the expanse of the Orion Spur.


*'''Home System:''' Epsilon Ursae Minoris
*Humanity is far from alone in the Spur, with multiple other sentient species taking to interstellar travel and contesting Humanity’s claim to the stars. In 2332, the Skrell were discovered, and since, a plethora of others were encountered, including the crafty Tajara, the proud Unathi, the enigmatic Vaurcae, and the elegant Dionae. Many more exist, and while most are simply apathetic to humanity, others are openly hostile. If one thing can be said to unite the various species, it is the drive to control the powerful element Phoron.
*'''Homeworld:''' N/A
*'''Majority Languages:''' N/A
*'''Major Political Entities:''' N/A


The [[Dionaea]] are a peaceful, plantlike race that were discovered by the Skrell in 2294 CE. Each individual dionaea is in fact an amalgamation of millions of smaller organisms operating as a single unit. Gentle and even-tempered, the Dionaea have no official government and have no military force to speak of. They possess good relations with the governments of most other sentient species.
*'''After late 2462''' and the beginning of the massive phoron scarcity, the Solarian Alliance has begun its final collapse. Thus far, its jurisdiction has retreated to the Core Worlds and the area around Earth, while other major factions rushed to fill the power vacuum. Chaos has stricken the former Alliance territories for the most part - now labelled the [[Human Wildlands]].  


===Vaurca===
*Now, the corporations - outside of the Alliance at least, have banded together under the ultimate authority of the [[File:SCC logo.png|20px|link=]] '''[[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]]'''. This new force promises to safeguard the financial livelihood of every living being in the known galaxy. With the “big five” corporations taking the stage, anything could happen. Only Einstein Engines remains to contest their power financially, supporting a crippled Alliance whose forces have largely revolted amidst the Wildlands.
====The setting, and your workplace====


[[image:vaurca.png]]
With the unveiling of the '''[[SCCV Horizon]]''', the setting to which players have access stretches across the entirety of the Orion Spur. The '''SCCV Horizon''' is under the joint control of the '''Stellar Corporate Conglomerate''', a holdings corporation that has significant influence over the direction of the setting. You, among others, have been assigned to work aboard the '''SCCV Horizon''', a state-of-the-art general-purpose vessel that travels across the Orion Spur with the primary objective to uncover Phoron, however, secondary objectives exist at the whim of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. Due to the SCC operating the Horizon, they have the final say on Occupation Qualifications. While many jobs will have specific qualifications that can be found on their job pages, the base line qualifications to work aboard the Horizon can be found here: [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Occupation Qualifications]].


*'''Home System:''' Sedantis (Sc'theth'stak, "Blinding Light.")
In recent times (2462 and beyond) the setting has taken a turn for the worst as phoron scarcity threatens to drive the galaxy into the ground. While phoron remains in steady supply, its finite sources grow thinner by the day - soon enough, civilization will suffer the consequences.  
*'''Homeworld:''' Sedantis I (Vaur'avek'uyit, "Home.")
*'''Majority Languages:''' Vaurcese, Zo'rane, K'laxane.
*'''Major Political Entities:''' Zo'ra Hive, K'lax Hive.


The bipedal, insetoid-like creatures hailing from the moon known as Sedantis I, [[Vaurca]] (Vore-Kah, Vaurca in singular term and Vaurcae in multiple), were discovered after the first Hive-Ship contact in human space, December 21, 2456. They have a complex caste system based on three types, and most even lack sentience. Although barely tolerated on Tau Ceti stations (mostly owned by NanoTrasen) many have found homes on Biesel or New Gibson, whether in isolated and concentrated camps, or actual houses. The Hives themselves are divided, and constantly warring. The largest, and most common hive is the Zo'ra Hive.
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'''Your Place in the Workplace'''
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All players including staff are subject to the believable character rule. More details on that rule can be found in the server rules, found [https://aurorastation.org/rules.html here.]


===IPC===
With this said, your place in the workplace is extremely flexible. It would not be a stretch to say you can be whatever you want on the Aurora server, within reason. Get creative! The possibilities are endless, and storied lore backgrounds are always here to help guide character creation.


[[image:IPC.png]]
Ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, your binding rules are generally things such as being related to the '''Stellar Corporate Conglomerate''' and being aboard the '''SCCV Horizon''' legally. Opportunities to subvert even these rules are available but are not the same as player characters made from character setup unless exclusively permitted by staff. More details on these exceptions can be found on the [[Guide to Ghost Roles]] page!


*'''Home System:''' N/A
The vast majority of characters on the server are employees of the corporations beneath the '''Stellar Corporate Conglomerate'''. These individuals come in all shapes and sizes, with all of them sharing similar and quite low ranks in the megacorporate hierarchy. Certain ranks are afforded different privileges, such as medical practitioners and corporate security. Playing an official of higher rank is barred behind a whitelist to ensure quality control. Independent individuals or unaffiliated individuals are accessible as well through character setup. These roles include megacorporate-unaffiliated journalists, passengers, and [[Guide to Ghost Roles|third-party vessel teams]] who have found their way to the setting somehow.
*'''Homeworld:''' N/A
</div></div>
*'''Majority Languages:''' N/A
*'''Major Political Entities:''' N/A


An [[IPC| Integrated Positronic Chassis]], or IPC, is an positronic artificial intelligence inside a bipedal, humanoid frame, that has amassed enough currency to purchase its own freedom from its owners. The existence of IPCs is still a highly inflammatory subject, and as of yet, they lack the basic rights that members of most organic races possess. While gender neutral, individual intelligences may develop personality quirks to further their "uniqueness."
====The Economy====


===Vox===
The Biesel Standard Credit (电/CR) is one of the dominating currencies that exist within the Orion Spur and was created shortly after the Republic of Biesel’s declaration of independence in 2452. It sees usage outside of the Republic, within the Izweski Hegemony, who adopted it as their official currency following the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, and some sections of the Coalition of Colonies near the shared border, as well as the People’s Republic of Adhomai. The BSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms that have the symbol of a lit torch on them. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Central Biesel Banking Authority, which is located in District One of Mendell City, the capital of the Republic of Biesel. It oversees monetary policy and the supply of the Biesel Standard Credit, with assistance from Idris Incorporated. Similarly to the Solarian Standard Credit, the BSC is able to function as a fiat currency.


[[image:Vox Lineup.jpg]]
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'''Your Place in the Economy'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
The financial status of your character varies on a character-by-character and player-by-player basis. To reiterate, the believable character rule must be taken into account here - a security officer very simply has no excuse to be a billionaire, nor does a cargo technician have the ability to be an Interstellar War veteran. However, the pedantics of the extent of one’s wallet is in player control, barring mechanically of course. With this said, the cost of living is clarified or can be gleaned by context virtually anywhere set in lore - questions surrounding this can be directed to lore developers of the respective topic.
</div></div>
</div></div>


*'''Home System:''' Unknown
===Known Space - [[The Orion Spur]]===
*'''Homeworld:''' Unknown
The setting is based in the majority of the '''Orion Spur,''' the part of the Milky Way in which the [[Sol]] System - and its surrounding hundred lightyears, roughly - resides. It is very open-ended and diverse in its nature, and not wholly charted yet - the deep Frontier hardly scratches the surface of the unknowable depths of the galaxy.
*'''Majority Languages:''' Tau Ceti Basic, Vox Standard
*'''Major Political Entities:''' Unknown


A coalition of several different species and subspecies of avian aliens, the [[Vox]] are known throughout civilized space. They are usually in the role of raiders or swindlers. While most other sentient races have some individuals that turn to a life of piracy, it seems that with the Vox, piracy and theft are important aspects to their culture. They raid shipping convoys and newly established colonies for resources, before retreating back into interstellar space, where most governments do not have the jurisdiction, nor the military power to pursue them. Not much is known about the Vox, despite their ubiquity in known space. Despite the average Vox not being extremely intelligent, extreme caution is still advised if one is encountered.
'''More details on the expanse of the mapped galaxy can be found [[The Orion Spur|here.]]'''


==Governing Entities==
The expansion of Humanity has reached out in every direction, only stopping in the galactic west as they border the Nralakk Federation. Otherwise, their all-encompassing exploration has given them free reign to conquer the untouched - or abandoned - regions of the galaxy.


===Trans-stellar Corporations===
The major Human factions of the Orion Spur are numerous, but share a common theme in that they are universally affected by a catastrophe known as the Interstellar War. From this disastrous conflict, many new factions cropped up, with most opposed to the rule of the Sol Alliance.


The massive corporations, uniquely human entities,  rose to prominence during the advent of space travel, allowing entire planets to be claimed as corporate assets. Trans-stellar corporations normally cooperate with local governments and frontier colonies to establish trade agreements and gain the rights to utilize certain resources. Extremely powerful, most have established their own colonies and exert power over them like any regional government would. Trans-stellar corporations usually employ private military contractors and security consultants to police the areas under their control.
{{Aurora Starmap}}


There are a number of major trans-stellars, almost all of which are owned by humans. The eight major ones in human space, going in order from largest to smallest, are the [[Nanotrasen Corporation| Nanotrasen Corporate Conglomerate]], [[Osiris Atmospherics]], [[Einstein Engines]], [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]], [[Hephaestus Industries]], and [[Eridani NanoTech]].
==Common Sentient Species==
These are common sentient species found throughout known space.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[Skrell]]====
[[File:Starter_skrell.png]]
An amphibian race hailing from Nralakk IV, Qerrbalak.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
An amphibious species whose passion mostly lays in the field of the combined sciences, the Skrell are the second oldest and first most advanced known species present on the galactic stage. The Skrell evolved on a planet covered in vast swamps and freshwater seas, also being one of the only species in the Orion Spur to naturally develop psionics.
</div></div>
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====[[Unathi]]====
[[File:Starter unathi.png]]
A reptilian race hailing from Moghes.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
The cold-blooded Unathi are a race of tall humanoid reptiles from their war-torn homeworld of Moghes. The planet’s history can be summarized as being dominated by various Clans of Unathi, with the strongest being the Hegemon of Moghes. Following first contact with Skrell and Humanity, there was a violent outbreak of nuclear war that formed a vast world-dominating desert called the Wasteland which has made life difficult for the Unathi. The surviving side of this war, the Izweski Hegemony, has struggled to bring a balance between expanding their empire off-world, or reconstructing their ancestral planet. Grandiose and Space-Operatic, the themes behind Unathi follow the struggle of religion, spirituality, honor, and rigid gender roles.
</div></div>
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====[[Tajara]]====
[[File:Tajaraexpandedbackground.png]]
A feline-like race hailing from Adhomai.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
The Tajaran race is a species of feline-like bipeds hailing from the planet of [[Adhomai]] in the S'rand'marr system. They have been brought up into the space age by the Humans and Skrell, who alledgedly influenced their eventual revolution that overthrew their ancient monarchies to become a totalitarian - and NanoTrasen friendly - republic. Adhomai is currently under a cold war between three factions in the aftermath of a global conflict, and many Tajara are fleeing their homeworld to seek safety and employment in human space.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[Vaurca]] (Vaurcae)====
[[File:Starter vaurca.png]]
An insectoid race hailing from Sedantis I.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
The mostly bipedal, insectoid creatures hailing from the moon known as Sedantis I, Vaurca (Vaurca in singular term and Vaurcae in multiple), were discovered after the first Hiveship contact in human space, 2456. They once had access to great technology, however they had to flee their doomed homeworld. They have a complex caste system based on three types, and use something known as the Hivenet to communicate in thoughts and feelings near instantly between themselves, and enter a paradisiacal virtual reality. They require phoron to respirate, as well as requiring a unique and dangerous fungus, the k’ois spore, to sustain them. Although barely tolerated in the known galaxy, many have found homes in the more unkempt areas of their host’s society. There are four known Hives - Zo’ra, K’lax, C’thur, and Lii’dra. The largest, and most common hive in Tau Ceti is the Zo'ra hive. The Lii’dra, unique in that they are a true hivemind, are known as a powerful and secretive force and are hostile to most other entities known - including the other Hives.
</div></div>
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Not everyone was in favor of the formation of trans-stellar megacorporations, and many smaller companies [[The Syndicate| allied themselves against them]]. However, these alliances were met with stunning and repeated failures, and by the end of the 23rd century, they had collapsed due to economic ruin and internal intrigue.
====[[Dionae]]====
[[File:Starter dionae.png]]
A mysterious plant-like race hailing from the depths of space.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
Dionae (D. Primis) are a rather strange, cryptic species in comparison to the rest found in the Orion Spur. They have various forms comprised of cat-sized caterpillar-like creatures with a curious, childlike disposition - called Dionae Nymphs.


===Minor Human Factions===
Enigmatic witnesses to various events through the centuries, the Dionae are an inquisitive species with a pacifistic disposition after gaining sentience. Their origins, behaviour and functions are never alike - with each being as unique as the next. The Dionae are capable of great intellectual, biological and physical feats going above and beyond what was considered possible for millennia. Dionae are similar to both plant and animal, however, they primarily survive off of the electromagnetic spectrum coinciding with a diet of biological matter to supplement their growth. Their inability to adapt to survive without  lack of radiation can lead to death, if not exposed to at least efficient lighting. Dionae have been seen across the Orion Spur, each with a unique history and personality.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[IPC|Integrated Positronic Chassis]] (IPC)====
[[File:Starter ipcs.png]]
Robotic entities making use of Positronic brains to match sentience, to a degree.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
An Integrated Positronic Chassis, or IPC, is an artificial intelligence inside of a bipedal, humanoid frame. IPCs are primarily characterized by their autonomy, not being bound to a master AI or set of laws. Often built to carry out a single, career-related purpose, they come in many different chassis, with varying degrees of intelligence. Within known space, their existence is a contentious topic with IPCs being seen as property or second-class citizens, undeserving of the rights other species possess.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[Synthetics|Synthetics, more generally]]====
[[File:Starter borg.png]]
Robots in the galaxy, endlessly diverse.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
The term “synthetic” refers to a broad range of autonomous machinery. Dabbled with, first by the ancient skrell, and now humanity, synthetics can be classified primarily by the method of their intelligence. They include simple machinery not out of place in the 21st century, cyborgs, autonomous robots on circuitry, and now, advanced sentient artificial intelligences stored on positronic brains.
</div></div>
==Major Factions==
These are the dominant political players in the Orion Spur that are relevant to you, the player. Any of these factions can be utilized in backstories or as origins for characters - go crazy!


These are former colony worlds that declared independence from the Sol Alliance. As the Alliance's influence has waned over the centuries,, many of these flourished and grew in power, often laying claim to the entirety of their star system. However, not every nation gets along with its neighbors, and sometimes interstellar war can occur between two independent states, just as conventional war happened on Earth up to the late 21st century. These groups include (but are not limited to) the [[Republic of Elyra]], Republic of Biesel, and the Eridani Federation 
'''Important note : ''' These factions are only the key players in the setting. Nothing stops you from making up your own origin wherever you'd like, so long as it does not contest standing lore's canon. When in doubt, ask a lore writer!
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[Republic of Biesel]]====
The core location of the setting itself. A bastion of prosperity amidst chaos.
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[[Image:Republicofbieselflag.png|65px|right]]
The Republic of Biesel is an independent system within the core of Human space. It is heavily tied to the NanoTrasen corporation at every level of government, and may as well be considered as governed by it to begin with. The Republic of Biesel is the government of the Tau Ceti System, exercising authority over Biesel, New Gibson and all other settlements and installations within Tau Ceti's gravity well. It is one of the most populated systems in human space, a financial center, industrial powerhouse and one of the most prestigious systems in the galaxy. However, unrest and gridlock undermine the government, and the aggressive attitude of the Sol Alliance against its former system has made many worried of the future of the Republic. Tau Ceti is far from the limit of the Republic's boundaries, as the recent addition ''(post-2462)'' of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone have led to its size growing immensely. The CRZ, or the Zone, consists of hundreds of once-Solarian worlds which have had no choice but to fall under the Republic's banner, after their supply lines and defenses were cut off by the collapsing or defecting military.
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====[[Sol Alliance]]====
A crumbling giant whose golden age has long passed.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Sol Alliance Flag.png|65px|right]]
Formerly the most populated singular government entity in known space, the Solarian Alliance is the first and one of the most politically powerful trans-stellar Human factions. While its reign formerly consisted of nearly a quarter of charted space in a growing sphere around Earth, it has now diminished significantly in size. Its loyal forces have recently retreated to the "Jewel Worlds," a region of space where its most treasured assets lay, not to mention its throne upon the home world. The Alliance is strangled by its long-standing reliance on [[Einstein Engines]], a corporation that has survived almost total nationalization to become the foremost employer in Solarian space. The government and the corporation now stand as fierce opposition to the growing Stellar Corporate Conglomerate whose power contests them. Sol's jewel worlds and secure borders are surrounded by the Human Wildlands, dominated by warlord admirals who formerly served the Alliance' tremendously bloated military.
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====[[Coalition of Colonies]]====
Freedom and independence embodied on an interstellar scale.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Frontier_Alliance_Flag.png|65px|right]]
This loosely confederated Coalition is the largest power in the frontier, and possibly the most populous entity in the Orion Spur. It is the largest fracture from the Sol Alliance after the Interstellar War, and covers several regions with its utterly tremendous borders. The systems of the Coalition greatly value their independence and freedom. A few powerful systems dominate the politics of the Frontier, headed by the Xanu Free League - the capital of it all. Many of those in the Coalition of Colonies harbor distrust of the Sol Alliance even after the end of the Interstellar War. Humans and aliens from any and all ethnicities, as well as any combination of them, can be found in the Coalition of Colonies. In recent times, the Coalition has conquered a huge amount of territories where the Alliance formerly stood guard. For example, the tremendous Alliance Neutral Zone - a place where both sides were forbidden from entering - no longer exists, and has since been deemed Coalition territory after the Solarian withdrawal.
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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[Republic of Elyra]]====
Glistening utopian city-scapes and technological might.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Elyra Flag.png|65px|right]]
The Republic of Elyra, or its more official name, The Serene Republic of Elyra, is a bustling, benevolent independent power in the Badlands. It is made up of multiple star systems, with its capital in the highly developed technological utopia of Perispolis. Its national motto is "For Greatness We Strive". It is known for its exotic culture, highly progressive - if Pro-Human nature, and advanced industrial wonders. Elyra is one of the only three factions in the Orion Spur which innately possess phoron deposits of any sort, something they have exploited to their fullest potential in recent years.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====[[Empire of Dominia]]====
Religious pride in the Emperor and country.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Dominia_Flag.png|40px|right]]
A heavily religious absolute monarchy with its capital, Nova Luxembourg, on the planet of Moroz in the Mira Sancta system. This autocratic state is ruled by His Imperial Majesty Boleslaw Keeser. The Empire of Dominia was proclaimed in 2385 by then-Emperor Godwin Keeser, unifying a colony which had been isolated for hundreds of years. Imperial society is dominated by the Great and Minor Houses under the Emperor and is very socio-economically stratified due to the so-called blood debt, known as the Mor’iz’al.
</div></div>
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The [[Warriors of Thanatos]] can be considered an independent system due to their size and prevalence, but as of yet do not fully control a star system.
====[[Eridani Federation]]====
Corporation-dominated hell, personified through a terrible societal split.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Eridani Logo.png|65px|right]]
Eridani, or the Eridani Corporate Federation, is an oligarchic republic in the Epsilon Eridani system dominated entirely by a council of mega-corporations that seek profit and expansion at any cost. It has no official capital - government authority is exercised digitally. The Corporate Federation is known as one of the core economic powers of Solarian space, and is technically under Solarian supervision - though the true extent of this is up for debate. Corporations, in reality, rule the gloomy landscapes of the Corporate Federation’s worlds. Its citizens are called Eridanians. Eridanians are famed for their vicious treatment of one another, distinguishing between two primary classes ; Dregs, and Suits - who in effect represent a fine line between poverty and wealth.
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====The Free Frontier====
Whatever you want. Really.
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The frontier consists of all space unclaimed by one of the major interstellar powers. The population of the frontier is difficult to estimate, but conservative guesses place it between 25 and 50 billion. The government, technological development, economy, and social systems of these independent systems vary wildly. Piracy, corporate exploitation, and smuggling are commonplace throughout the frontier. People hailing from these areas, known as frontiersmen, are known for their rugged independence and distrust of megacorporations and government alike.
</div></div>
==Non-Human Factions==
Xeno factions independently hardly parallel the combined prevalence of Humanity. However, major factions such as the Nralakk Federation - which borders the Sol Alliance directly, and exercise total authority over their controlled space, are seen as key players in galactic politics.
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====[[Nralakk Federation]]====
An higher-up galactic player, authoritarian in its nature.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:jargon_flag.jpg|65px|right]]
The Nralakk Federation is a centralized union of systems, ran by councillors representing Skrell interests in a clear hierarchy. Although humans have fractured heavily in their expansion, Skrell have remained in largely a singular government through strict reinforcement of education and laws, working as a democratic meritocracy. Social media is maintained by the Federation government, who gag unacceptable discussions or thoughts and instead encourage people to be like the Idols that they reward with credits, high quality housing, and fine living.
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====[[Unathi|Izweski Nation]]====
The proud Unathi Hegemony in all its glory.
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[[File:Moghes_porposal.png|65px|right]]
The Izweski Clan is led by Clan Leader Not'zar Izweski , a Unathi who has ruled the Hegemony since his father S'kresti Izweski, the previous Hegemon, was assassinated. Under him are the Lords who rule their own subjugated clans. They live in a feudal system, with the Lords usually being clan leaders or important clan members themselves who pledge themselves to Izweski in exchange for land and protection. After the Contact War devastated the Unathi homeworld, the Izweski Hegemony has struggled to follow traditions to keep themselves in power.
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====[[People's Republic of Adhomai]]====
The most powerful and first space-faring state in Adhomai.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:PRA Flag.png|65px|right]]
Led by President Njadrasanukii Hadii, the People’s Republic of Adhomai are considered the 'loyalist' faction on Adhomai and once enjoyed galactic recognition as the government of Adhomai. It claims to be the true keeper of Al’mari’s legacy. However, the PRA can be described as a Hadiist branch of Al’marii’s revolutionary ideology - that means putting the State at the top of a hierarchy of power. The PRA is a very centralized state, but in recent years has slowly been able to start making true its promises to bring revolution to the masses. With land reform, enfranchisement of women and peasantry, literacy initiatives, and the collectivization of farms and the means of production, the PRA is struggling to hold true to its radical ideals while an entrenched upper party stubbornly tries to hold onto power.
</div></div>


===Sol Alliance===
'''From this point, you are again encouraged to move onto [[Guides/Character Creation]] provided you're at a loss for what to do.'''


Once the central government of a unified Humanity, the [[Sol Alliance]] is now a shadow of its former glory. Reduced to the human home system of Sol and the inner and mid colonies surrounding it, the Alliance has lost authority over a significant portion of humanity. While most transtellars publicly support the Alliance, and many of their corporate profits flow back into the Inner-colonies, some wonder at what point will these megacorporations start threatening (or outright buying) the weakened Alliance. Nanotrasen has gone so far as to establish a foothold within the center of Alliance space, a move some are calling a bloodless coup.
{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Lore}}
[[Category: Lore]]
[[Category: Lore]]
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Latest revision as of 06:08, 6 September 2023

New Player Section
This is a navbox. Pressing the links below takes you to the respective pages.

This specific navbox is tailored to new player guides and very important pages across the wiki for newcomers.

Character Starters Getting Started · New Player Lore Guide · Character Creation · Jobs
Background Starters Interstellar Travel · The Universe · Bluespace · Technology · SCCV Horizon
Faction Starters Corporations · Main Human Factions
Alien Whitelist Starters Skrell · Synthetics · Tajara · Dionae · Unathi · Vaurca

New Player Lore Starter Guide

This is a new player's summary to the totality - or at least, as much as we can summarize quickly - of the Aurora server's most essential lore.

This is the first in a series of multiple guides that are connected to Character Creation. Once you're finished reading this, you are more than equipped with the knowledge necessary to create your character using that guide!

Below is absolutely recommended reading if you are new to the server!

  • The year is 2466 CE (Common Era). Humanity has long since began its trek into space, and explored territory reaches out dozens of lightyears in every direction. After a century beyond the 2000's, flourishing cities had been established in nearby systems such as Tau Ceti and Eridani Federation, and in the centuries that would follow, hundreds of systems would fall under the control of Humanity. Outposts on garden worlds became metropolises in the span of decades. Entire asteroids and moons were mined out, hostile worlds were terraformed and subdued by growing corporations that began to become the dominant economic powers of Human space. Some humans have decided to roam the Orion Spur for the rest of their lives, living on their vessels and developing their own culture. The endeavors into the final frontier were founded beneath the unified banner of the Sol Alliance - a fading galactic government which exercises official control over the majority of the Human population.
  • At the end of the 22nd century, the power and influence of the Sol Alliance was at its height, but this soon came to an end as an unexpected economic collapse found trans-stellar corporations picking away at Sol Alliance authority piece by piece. In the middle of the prosperity and strife, transtellars have for centuries embarked to make massive profits. The major corporate players had managed to establish a stable, if shaky peace between themselves, with no single corporation able to completely dominate the others.

Together, they exercised total economic control over the known galaxy.

  • Any semblance of equilibrium between the mega-corps was shattered with NanoTrasen's discovery of the element Phoron in 2417. Phoron is a powerful element which is highly sought after for its untold capabilities and use in the average starship drive. After discovering Phoron, NanoTrasen quickly established a monopoly on it, with themselves sitting on the largest deposits in the known galaxy. The times that followed sent NanoTrasen skyrocketing to unofficially become the foremost power over Humanity. Through determination and overwhelming wealth, it and the other megacorporations have become the dominant governing force over the expanse of the Orion Spur.
  • Humanity is far from alone in the Spur, with multiple other sentient species taking to interstellar travel and contesting Humanity’s claim to the stars. In 2332, the Skrell were discovered, and since, a plethora of others were encountered, including the crafty Tajara, the proud Unathi, the enigmatic Vaurcae, and the elegant Dionae. Many more exist, and while most are simply apathetic to humanity, others are openly hostile. If one thing can be said to unite the various species, it is the drive to control the powerful element Phoron.
  • After late 2462 and the beginning of the massive phoron scarcity, the Solarian Alliance has begun its final collapse. Thus far, its jurisdiction has retreated to the Core Worlds and the area around Earth, while other major factions rushed to fill the power vacuum. Chaos has stricken the former Alliance territories for the most part - now labelled the Human Wildlands.
  • Now, the corporations - outside of the Alliance at least, have banded together under the ultimate authority of the SCC logo.png Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. This new force promises to safeguard the financial livelihood of every living being in the known galaxy. With the “big five” corporations taking the stage, anything could happen. Only Einstein Engines remains to contest their power financially, supporting a crippled Alliance whose forces have largely revolted amidst the Wildlands.

The setting, and your workplace

With the unveiling of the SCCV Horizon, the setting to which players have access stretches across the entirety of the Orion Spur. The SCCV Horizon is under the joint control of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, a holdings corporation that has significant influence over the direction of the setting. You, among others, have been assigned to work aboard the SCCV Horizon, a state-of-the-art general-purpose vessel that travels across the Orion Spur with the primary objective to uncover Phoron, however, secondary objectives exist at the whim of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. Due to the SCC operating the Horizon, they have the final say on Occupation Qualifications. While many jobs will have specific qualifications that can be found on their job pages, the base line qualifications to work aboard the Horizon can be found here: Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Occupation Qualifications.

In recent times (2462 and beyond) the setting has taken a turn for the worst as phoron scarcity threatens to drive the galaxy into the ground. While phoron remains in steady supply, its finite sources grow thinner by the day - soon enough, civilization will suffer the consequences.

Your Place in the Workplace

All players including staff are subject to the believable character rule. More details on that rule can be found in the server rules, found here.

With this said, your place in the workplace is extremely flexible. It would not be a stretch to say you can be whatever you want on the Aurora server, within reason. Get creative! The possibilities are endless, and storied lore backgrounds are always here to help guide character creation.

Ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, your binding rules are generally things such as being related to the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and being aboard the SCCV Horizon legally. Opportunities to subvert even these rules are available but are not the same as player characters made from character setup unless exclusively permitted by staff. More details on these exceptions can be found on the Guide to Ghost Roles page!

The vast majority of characters on the server are employees of the corporations beneath the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. These individuals come in all shapes and sizes, with all of them sharing similar and quite low ranks in the megacorporate hierarchy. Certain ranks are afforded different privileges, such as medical practitioners and corporate security. Playing an official of higher rank is barred behind a whitelist to ensure quality control. Independent individuals or unaffiliated individuals are accessible as well through character setup. These roles include megacorporate-unaffiliated journalists, passengers, and third-party vessel teams who have found their way to the setting somehow.

The Economy

The Biesel Standard Credit (电/CR) is one of the dominating currencies that exist within the Orion Spur and was created shortly after the Republic of Biesel’s declaration of independence in 2452. It sees usage outside of the Republic, within the Izweski Hegemony, who adopted it as their official currency following the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, and some sections of the Coalition of Colonies near the shared border, as well as the People’s Republic of Adhomai. The BSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms that have the symbol of a lit torch on them. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Central Biesel Banking Authority, which is located in District One of Mendell City, the capital of the Republic of Biesel. It oversees monetary policy and the supply of the Biesel Standard Credit, with assistance from Idris Incorporated. Similarly to the Solarian Standard Credit, the BSC is able to function as a fiat currency.

Your Place in the Economy

The financial status of your character varies on a character-by-character and player-by-player basis. To reiterate, the believable character rule must be taken into account here - a security officer very simply has no excuse to be a billionaire, nor does a cargo technician have the ability to be an Interstellar War veteran. However, the pedantics of the extent of one’s wallet is in player control, barring mechanically of course. With this said, the cost of living is clarified or can be gleaned by context virtually anywhere set in lore - questions surrounding this can be directed to lore developers of the respective topic.

Known Space - The Orion Spur

The setting is based in the majority of the Orion Spur, the part of the Milky Way in which the Sol System - and its surrounding hundred lightyears, roughly - resides. It is very open-ended and diverse in its nature, and not wholly charted yet - the deep Frontier hardly scratches the surface of the unknowable depths of the galaxy.

More details on the expanse of the mapped galaxy can be found here.

The expansion of Humanity has reached out in every direction, only stopping in the galactic west as they border the Nralakk Federation. Otherwise, their all-encompassing exploration has given them free reign to conquer the untouched - or abandoned - regions of the galaxy.

The major Human factions of the Orion Spur are numerous, but share a common theme in that they are universally affected by a catastrophe known as the Interstellar War. From this disastrous conflict, many new factions cropped up, with most opposed to the rule of the Sol Alliance.


The Orion Spur

The Starmap; expand the collapsible, and feel free to open the image link in a new tab for a closer and more detailed look! ▶

Starmap6.png

Common Sentient Species

These are common sentient species found throughout known space.

Skrell

Starter skrell.png

An amphibian race hailing from Nralakk IV, Qerrbalak.

An amphibious species whose passion mostly lays in the field of the combined sciences, the Skrell are the second oldest and first most advanced known species present on the galactic stage. The Skrell evolved on a planet covered in vast swamps and freshwater seas, also being one of the only species in the Orion Spur to naturally develop psionics.

Unathi

Starter unathi.png

A reptilian race hailing from Moghes.

The cold-blooded Unathi are a race of tall humanoid reptiles from their war-torn homeworld of Moghes. The planet’s history can be summarized as being dominated by various Clans of Unathi, with the strongest being the Hegemon of Moghes. Following first contact with Skrell and Humanity, there was a violent outbreak of nuclear war that formed a vast world-dominating desert called the Wasteland which has made life difficult for the Unathi. The surviving side of this war, the Izweski Hegemony, has struggled to bring a balance between expanding their empire off-world, or reconstructing their ancestral planet. Grandiose and Space-Operatic, the themes behind Unathi follow the struggle of religion, spirituality, honor, and rigid gender roles.

Tajara

Tajaraexpandedbackground.png

A feline-like race hailing from Adhomai.

The Tajaran race is a species of feline-like bipeds hailing from the planet of Adhomai in the S'rand'marr system. They have been brought up into the space age by the Humans and Skrell, who alledgedly influenced their eventual revolution that overthrew their ancient monarchies to become a totalitarian - and NanoTrasen friendly - republic. Adhomai is currently under a cold war between three factions in the aftermath of a global conflict, and many Tajara are fleeing their homeworld to seek safety and employment in human space.

Vaurca (Vaurcae)

Starter vaurca.png

An insectoid race hailing from Sedantis I.

The mostly bipedal, insectoid creatures hailing from the moon known as Sedantis I, Vaurca (Vaurca in singular term and Vaurcae in multiple), were discovered after the first Hiveship contact in human space, 2456. They once had access to great technology, however they had to flee their doomed homeworld. They have a complex caste system based on three types, and use something known as the Hivenet to communicate in thoughts and feelings near instantly between themselves, and enter a paradisiacal virtual reality. They require phoron to respirate, as well as requiring a unique and dangerous fungus, the k’ois spore, to sustain them. Although barely tolerated in the known galaxy, many have found homes in the more unkempt areas of their host’s society. There are four known Hives - Zo’ra, K’lax, C’thur, and Lii’dra. The largest, and most common hive in Tau Ceti is the Zo'ra hive. The Lii’dra, unique in that they are a true hivemind, are known as a powerful and secretive force and are hostile to most other entities known - including the other Hives.

Dionae

Starter dionae.png

A mysterious plant-like race hailing from the depths of space.

Dionae (D. Primis) are a rather strange, cryptic species in comparison to the rest found in the Orion Spur. They have various forms comprised of cat-sized caterpillar-like creatures with a curious, childlike disposition - called Dionae Nymphs.

Enigmatic witnesses to various events through the centuries, the Dionae are an inquisitive species with a pacifistic disposition after gaining sentience. Their origins, behaviour and functions are never alike - with each being as unique as the next. The Dionae are capable of great intellectual, biological and physical feats going above and beyond what was considered possible for millennia. Dionae are similar to both plant and animal, however, they primarily survive off of the electromagnetic spectrum coinciding with a diet of biological matter to supplement their growth. Their inability to adapt to survive without lack of radiation can lead to death, if not exposed to at least efficient lighting. Dionae have been seen across the Orion Spur, each with a unique history and personality.

Integrated Positronic Chassis (IPC)

Starter ipcs.png

Robotic entities making use of Positronic brains to match sentience, to a degree.

An Integrated Positronic Chassis, or IPC, is an artificial intelligence inside of a bipedal, humanoid frame. IPCs are primarily characterized by their autonomy, not being bound to a master AI or set of laws. Often built to carry out a single, career-related purpose, they come in many different chassis, with varying degrees of intelligence. Within known space, their existence is a contentious topic with IPCs being seen as property or second-class citizens, undeserving of the rights other species possess.

Synthetics, more generally

Starter borg.png

Robots in the galaxy, endlessly diverse.

The term “synthetic” refers to a broad range of autonomous machinery. Dabbled with, first by the ancient skrell, and now humanity, synthetics can be classified primarily by the method of their intelligence. They include simple machinery not out of place in the 21st century, cyborgs, autonomous robots on circuitry, and now, advanced sentient artificial intelligences stored on positronic brains.

Major Factions

These are the dominant political players in the Orion Spur that are relevant to you, the player. Any of these factions can be utilized in backstories or as origins for characters - go crazy!

Important note : These factions are only the key players in the setting. Nothing stops you from making up your own origin wherever you'd like, so long as it does not contest standing lore's canon. When in doubt, ask a lore writer!

Republic of Biesel

The core location of the setting itself. A bastion of prosperity amidst chaos.

Republicofbieselflag.png

The Republic of Biesel is an independent system within the core of Human space. It is heavily tied to the NanoTrasen corporation at every level of government, and may as well be considered as governed by it to begin with. The Republic of Biesel is the government of the Tau Ceti System, exercising authority over Biesel, New Gibson and all other settlements and installations within Tau Ceti's gravity well. It is one of the most populated systems in human space, a financial center, industrial powerhouse and one of the most prestigious systems in the galaxy. However, unrest and gridlock undermine the government, and the aggressive attitude of the Sol Alliance against its former system has made many worried of the future of the Republic. Tau Ceti is far from the limit of the Republic's boundaries, as the recent addition (post-2462) of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone have led to its size growing immensely. The CRZ, or the Zone, consists of hundreds of once-Solarian worlds which have had no choice but to fall under the Republic's banner, after their supply lines and defenses were cut off by the collapsing or defecting military.

Sol Alliance

A crumbling giant whose golden age has long passed.

Sol Alliance Flag.png

Formerly the most populated singular government entity in known space, the Solarian Alliance is the first and one of the most politically powerful trans-stellar Human factions. While its reign formerly consisted of nearly a quarter of charted space in a growing sphere around Earth, it has now diminished significantly in size. Its loyal forces have recently retreated to the "Jewel Worlds," a region of space where its most treasured assets lay, not to mention its throne upon the home world. The Alliance is strangled by its long-standing reliance on Einstein Engines, a corporation that has survived almost total nationalization to become the foremost employer in Solarian space. The government and the corporation now stand as fierce opposition to the growing Stellar Corporate Conglomerate whose power contests them. Sol's jewel worlds and secure borders are surrounded by the Human Wildlands, dominated by warlord admirals who formerly served the Alliance' tremendously bloated military.

Coalition of Colonies

Freedom and independence embodied on an interstellar scale.

Frontier Alliance Flag.png

This loosely confederated Coalition is the largest power in the frontier, and possibly the most populous entity in the Orion Spur. It is the largest fracture from the Sol Alliance after the Interstellar War, and covers several regions with its utterly tremendous borders. The systems of the Coalition greatly value their independence and freedom. A few powerful systems dominate the politics of the Frontier, headed by the Xanu Free League - the capital of it all. Many of those in the Coalition of Colonies harbor distrust of the Sol Alliance even after the end of the Interstellar War. Humans and aliens from any and all ethnicities, as well as any combination of them, can be found in the Coalition of Colonies. In recent times, the Coalition has conquered a huge amount of territories where the Alliance formerly stood guard. For example, the tremendous Alliance Neutral Zone - a place where both sides were forbidden from entering - no longer exists, and has since been deemed Coalition territory after the Solarian withdrawal.

Republic of Elyra

Glistening utopian city-scapes and technological might.

Elyra Flag.png

The Republic of Elyra, or its more official name, The Serene Republic of Elyra, is a bustling, benevolent independent power in the Badlands. It is made up of multiple star systems, with its capital in the highly developed technological utopia of Perispolis. Its national motto is "For Greatness We Strive". It is known for its exotic culture, highly progressive - if Pro-Human nature, and advanced industrial wonders. Elyra is one of the only three factions in the Orion Spur which innately possess phoron deposits of any sort, something they have exploited to their fullest potential in recent years.

Empire of Dominia

Religious pride in the Emperor and country.

Dominia Flag.png

A heavily religious absolute monarchy with its capital, Nova Luxembourg, on the planet of Moroz in the Mira Sancta system. This autocratic state is ruled by His Imperial Majesty Boleslaw Keeser. The Empire of Dominia was proclaimed in 2385 by then-Emperor Godwin Keeser, unifying a colony which had been isolated for hundreds of years. Imperial society is dominated by the Great and Minor Houses under the Emperor and is very socio-economically stratified due to the so-called blood debt, known as the Mor’iz’al.

Eridani Federation

Corporation-dominated hell, personified through a terrible societal split.

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Eridani, or the Eridani Corporate Federation, is an oligarchic republic in the Epsilon Eridani system dominated entirely by a council of mega-corporations that seek profit and expansion at any cost. It has no official capital - government authority is exercised digitally. The Corporate Federation is known as one of the core economic powers of Solarian space, and is technically under Solarian supervision - though the true extent of this is up for debate. Corporations, in reality, rule the gloomy landscapes of the Corporate Federation’s worlds. Its citizens are called Eridanians. Eridanians are famed for their vicious treatment of one another, distinguishing between two primary classes ; Dregs, and Suits - who in effect represent a fine line between poverty and wealth.

The Free Frontier

Whatever you want. Really.

The frontier consists of all space unclaimed by one of the major interstellar powers. The population of the frontier is difficult to estimate, but conservative guesses place it between 25 and 50 billion. The government, technological development, economy, and social systems of these independent systems vary wildly. Piracy, corporate exploitation, and smuggling are commonplace throughout the frontier. People hailing from these areas, known as frontiersmen, are known for their rugged independence and distrust of megacorporations and government alike.

Non-Human Factions

Xeno factions independently hardly parallel the combined prevalence of Humanity. However, major factions such as the Nralakk Federation - which borders the Sol Alliance directly, and exercise total authority over their controlled space, are seen as key players in galactic politics.

Nralakk Federation

An higher-up galactic player, authoritarian in its nature.

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The Nralakk Federation is a centralized union of systems, ran by councillors representing Skrell interests in a clear hierarchy. Although humans have fractured heavily in their expansion, Skrell have remained in largely a singular government through strict reinforcement of education and laws, working as a democratic meritocracy. Social media is maintained by the Federation government, who gag unacceptable discussions or thoughts and instead encourage people to be like the Idols that they reward with credits, high quality housing, and fine living.

Izweski Nation

The proud Unathi Hegemony in all its glory.

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The Izweski Clan is led by Clan Leader Not'zar Izweski , a Unathi who has ruled the Hegemony since his father S'kresti Izweski, the previous Hegemon, was assassinated. Under him are the Lords who rule their own subjugated clans. They live in a feudal system, with the Lords usually being clan leaders or important clan members themselves who pledge themselves to Izweski in exchange for land and protection. After the Contact War devastated the Unathi homeworld, the Izweski Hegemony has struggled to follow traditions to keep themselves in power.

People's Republic of Adhomai

The most powerful and first space-faring state in Adhomai.

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Led by President Njadrasanukii Hadii, the People’s Republic of Adhomai are considered the 'loyalist' faction on Adhomai and once enjoyed galactic recognition as the government of Adhomai. It claims to be the true keeper of Al’mari’s legacy. However, the PRA can be described as a Hadiist branch of Al’marii’s revolutionary ideology - that means putting the State at the top of a hierarchy of power. The PRA is a very centralized state, but in recent years has slowly been able to start making true its promises to bring revolution to the masses. With land reform, enfranchisement of women and peasantry, literacy initiatives, and the collectivization of farms and the means of production, the PRA is struggling to hold true to its radical ideals while an entrenched upper party stubbornly tries to hold onto power.

From this point, you are again encouraged to move onto Guides/Character Creation provided you're at a loss for what to do.