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<big><u>'''The backstory is in the process of a major rewrite, everything on this page is subject to change and should be taken with a grain of salt'''</u></big>
=The Origin Story=
==The Beginning==
In the year 2000, a research group of the most advanced nations of the western world discovered bluespace technology. This technology led to large advancements in transportation technology. In the year 2001, these nations began the construction of a joint colony ship dubbed The Atlantic. The ship was finished in 2005, but one year later the authoritarian socialist People's Republic finished their own colony ship dubbed The Liberator. These two events began the Great Space Race, taking place between the Western Nations and their allies versus The People's Republic and socialist allies. In the early years of the Great Space Race, the People's Republic reformed into the United Soviet Republic. The United Soviet Republic, formed of the People’s Republic and their allies, goal was a socialist revolution across all nations.


==War and Profits==
After disagreements between the United Soviet Republic and the United Nations Security Council in 2056, the United Soviet Republic (USR) left the United Nations. A year later, the United Nations reformed into the Commonwealth of Orion due to the massive threat of the USR. Tensions quickly rose between the democratic capitalist Commonwealth of Orion and the authoritarian socialist United Soviet Republic, leading to a preemptive strike occurring against the USR by the Commonwealth, thus beginning the Great Systems War.


==Long Ago==
Nanotrasen at this time was a new research company, gaining renown for breakthroughs in laser weapons technology. These laser weapons became the Commonwealth’s standard weapon during the Great Systems War, and Nanotrasen's profits and influence skyrocketed.  
On July 6th, 1948 Earth gets its first contact with an [[xenos|alien]] civilization in the last few thousand years. It's cleverly leaked, downplayed, shuffled and muddied by government forces from across the planet until the time when the public is ready for admission of the event, almost a full century after the incident first began to encroach on public imagination. Five hundred years before Space Station 13 is built -- July 6th, 2050 -- the Sol Government provides complete and frank proof of extraterrestrial life in the universe. They also provide proof that, as far as a human mind can understand one so completely foreign to its way of thinking, this life is hostile. Mankind is no longer alone. Mankind is no longer supreme.


The Chinese-dominated Sol Government forces focus the many resources of the polluted and dying Earth to flee into the cold void. The larger Dwarf Planets are colonized and generational colony ships are launched into deep space. Research is done into fringe physics, most of the secrets of the Universe being turned towards terraforming or "defense" from xenos species. Compared to most sentients human beings breed like rats and the plague of new life they bring with them everywhere they go tends to blight out that which was. In this new infinite sea religion does all but disappear and the vast distances humanity spreads sees a return to defacto autonomous feudalism. For the next two hundred years the forces of Earth spread like wildfire across the Milky Way, stretching farther down Her spiraling arms with each generation of both humanity and technology.
==The Golden Age==
The war ended with the Commonwealth successfully destroying the last of the USR’s holdings two hundred and eighty-three years after the war’s beginning. Nanotrasen benefited greatly from the long war, becoming the largest company ever seen. The Commonwealth began expansion once again in earnest, but the Commonwealth senate quickly became bloated with every new world colonized and annexed. This led to the federal Commonwealth government becoming weaker over time, and local planetary governments' strength increased. The standard of living for citizens was high at this time, and business profits were great.


==The Void Wars and the Great Schism==
==Internal Strife and the Company Cold War==
The Soul Act of 2480 was passed through the Commonwealth Senate through a series of bribes from corporate interests ending the Golden Age of the Commonwealth. This led to unparalleled profit for many companies, but many systems in the Commonwealth seceded in protest of the Act. In response to this secession, the Commonwealth has been intent on reannexing what they see as revolutionaries. However, this focus has cost them dearly with Corporate influence growing over the bureaucracy for many years.


A few generations of humanity war between themselves for dominance and other alien species for survival. Most xenos encountered during this time are wiped out entirely, genocide and planet cracking having become a staple of human warfare. There comes a time when even nostalgia has been lost for Earth and the yellow sun she circles and any resemblance to a united species is gone. When there is so little little external threat anymore humanity faces its wrath inwards again. Records from this time are sporadic and first-hand accounts muddied by rumor and propaganda but it is clear that this is no golden age of peace.
Meanwhile, the Syndicate was formed shortly after this time, due to the long term domination of Nanotrasen in the marketplace. The Syndicate is a mere loose collection of corporations, but altogether stronger than Nanotrasen. Thus began the Company Cold War.
 
The reasons why are lost to time, but it was not a xenos threat that shook humanity down. It was that which shook humanity since time immemorial -- war. The vast wormhole highways that kept humanity in contact with itself were bombed on both ends. Humanity was lost in the void and ravaged by hellfire and slaughter from all sides; from all fronts; from all faces. For many decades technology and history are lost and bastardized in a vast anarchy. Different sects of humanity, separated by unfathomable gulfs of empty space, take different approaches to restoring order. In this time several xenos species encroach on space previously held by humanity, even those systems closest to Sol. Far from this center, in the fringes of inhabited space, it is not traditional government but megacorporations that rule. Far too vast for oversight they are interplanetary nations onto themselves, ones without borders and without scruples. For two hundred years they have fought for space dollars and intellectual properties, content to let those old portals to humanity far gone lay derelict in the vacuum.


==Modern Day==
==Modern Day==
In 2555, Nanotrasen had managed to bribe Commonwealth officials to give them the first plasma research station in existence, dubbed Space Station 13. With Nanotrasen exclusively getting research on this brand new field, tensions between the Syndicate and Nanotrasen are at an all-time high. As such, many in the Commonwealth have rushed to keep tensions between these two organizations lower, by getting the Syndicate their plasma research station (though this effort has been massively slowed by Nanotrasen bribes). Additionally, corporate influence is finally beginning to wane over the federal government, along with the end of many of the secessionist movements, which has led to the Commonwealth’s regrowth in power. Additionally, many officials independent of either Nanotrasen or the Syndicate are desperately trying to get the Soul Act of 2480 reversed in order to better maintain internal stability.


This is one of those regions of space turned towards the almighty space dollar. The year is 2556. Piracy and despotism is technically lower than in most areas of war-torn human-occupied space, though the people still feel by and large oppressed and unsafe.
=Organizations=
===Nanotrasen===
[[File:NTlogo.png|200px|thumb|Nanotrasen's corporate logo]]
Nanotrasen is the largest independent company across all of Commonwealth space. Their wealth and unrivaled corporate power have gained admiration and jealousy from many. Led by the ruthless Quentin Zandar, Nanotrasen has, in recent history, become more aggressive than ever. Conflicts in recent years have arisen between Nanotrasen and the more newly founded Syndicate, while the Commonwealth attempts to keep the situation stable. Currently, situations are at a near boiling point, due to the recent discovery of a new mineral dubbed plasma. With the two competitors vying for the ability to research this revolutionary material, Nanotrasen has managed to achieve temporary sole research abilities through bribes and threats of Commonwealth Officials. All of these underhanded tactics, has led to Nanotrasen becoming weaker than ever, and if the infant research facility “Space Station 13” is to fail, Nanotrasen’s long age of domination may come to an end.  


==Organizations==
===The Syndicate===
===[[Nanotrasen]]===
[[File:Syndilogo.png|200px|thumb|The Syndicate's official logo]]
[[File:NTlogo.png|400px|thumb|Nanotrasen's corporate logo]]
A corporate coalition founded to oppose Nanotrasen’s long run domination over the Commonwealth market. Founded by prominent corporations such as Cybersun Industries, Donk Co., and Waffle Co., when combined the market share of the Syndicate is much higher than Nanotrasen. However, the Syndicate struggles with internal unity, with many of the internal companies being long term rivals. Though struggling to maintain their coalition, the Syndicate has managed to reverse Nanotrasen’s long term growth in total market share. In the modern-day, the Syndicate is working on slowing Nanotrasen’s plasma research through corporate espionage and other underhanded tactics, and are attempting to get their own plasma research facility.  
Nanotrasen Systems, or simply Nanotrasen, is the largest manufacturer and employer in known space, though not by much. Their business practices and fabulous wealth have garnered both power and ire from interest groups and other corporations. Their company laws are the standard by benefit of inter-corporate agreements and simple mathematics of weight. In 2541 stocks began to fall and Nanotrasen began to fear their days of dominance were nearing their end. Research teams scrambled while the supercorp invested in their military forces, sending waves of panic through both market and populace. In 2543 a Nanotrasen-COO mining company, Silar Group, made a discovery in a sunless system -- massive gas giants of a strange purple vapor with untold properties. Rapid research revealed it to be a powerful energy source, and Nanotrasen was revitalized through secret projects surrounding the substance. Plasma, as it came to be called because of its ease of gaining incredible heat, was only found in large amounts in this one region of space and around dead or missing star systems. Nanotrasen became the largest seller and researcher and still holds this position in the current year of 2550 through a system of jealous guarding and corporate espionage of secrets.


====Central Command====
===The Commonwealth of Orion===
The home office of Nanotrasen's day to day affairs, CentCom is a secure and centralized space station at a classified location. Everything about them is thorough and professional, and to date there have been no successful attacks or infiltrations reported to the company newsletter. It comes fully stocked and self-sufficient at all times and is a safe haven for all employees of Nanotrasen's many holdings. As powerful as it may seem, it still lacks some of the more experimental technologies found on some of their more remote research stations, such as an advanced neural programming lab or a cloning bay to replace lost employees.
[[File:CommonwealthLogo.png|200px|thumb|The Emblem of the Commonwealth of Orion]]
The greatest power known to all, the Commonwealth of Orion was founded on the four principles of freedom, democracy, safety, and justice. The Commonwealth has, for 211 years, been the sole known galactic superpower, after the defeat of their authoritarian rivals the URS led to a golden age of human expansion. The golden age came to a close with the Soul Act of 2480, leading to the revolt of 200 systems and a fragmenting of the Commonwealth’s once monolithic power. This revolt is finally coming to an end however with a mere 10 systems remaining in open revolt. Accompanying this is the decrease in corporate influence over politics, with both the Syndicate and Nanotrasen losing influence in recent years over politicians. For now, the Commonwealth is seeking to maintain a balance between the Syndicate and Nanotrasen, until their internal issues come to an end.


===[[The Syndicate|Syndicate]]===
===The Wizard Federation===
A vast criminal enterprise of revolutionaries, pirates, and corporate-sponsored no-goods, the Syndicate is a force much feared in the region and has proved time and again too wily and resilient to be taken down. They seem unusually focused on Nanotrasen and their plasma production at a level which no one in living memory can recall seeing before. Their reasons why are shrouded in mystery and enigma, but chances are good it's all about money and spite -- and with access to new and rare technologies that even the supercorp cannot obtain, Nanotrasen has lost many an enterprise to Syndicate machinations.
A collective of magic users dedicated to further educating themselves and keeping their magic from lesser beings. Nearly every wizard or witch is aligned with this collective, and they are a relatively enigmatic power rarely dealing with those below them. To train, however, the Federation sends their apprentices across the stars to cause havoc and mayhem. Space Station 13 orbits lavaland, where many wizards once tinkered, and may just become a target for the next new wizard test.


===[[Space Wizard Federation]]===
===The Cult of Eldritch Gods===
Although not technically part of the criminal syndicate, they fulfill a similar role. They are a parasitic and criminal enterprise of self-serving mutants that have achieved an intrinsic natural control over many universal physical processes. Or they are a violent and expansive group of high-tech criminal masterminds with a flair for theatrics. Or they're performing actual magic, but that's just plain ridiculous. Only the lowest of planet-side rubes would believe in [[wizard|real wizards]]. For one reason or another these humans of incredible and unknowable power have decided to band together and use their gifts for evil. They steal, they kill, they obliterate and break out of jail. There is never a moment when a space wizard is not being sought out by supercorporate security forces to either be imprisoned or used to their own ends. Nanotrasen, however, is one of the few powers that refuse to interact with the space wizard federation, and their constant rocking of the boat and denouncement has become a dagger in the side of these magical miscreants. Central Command has taken to warning all stations daily of wizard attacks from anyone who is even remotely close to their systems.
A collective of cults banned across Commonwealth space, due to their violent practices and avocation. The two largest cults, the Blood Cult of Nar-Sie and the Clock Cult of Ratvar, have fled to the far outer systems of the Commonwealth. However, even in exile they still seek to bring their eldritch gods to the mortal plane. Many people do not believe these gods even exist across most of space, but they are terribly real. However, their forceful conversion rituals are known to be stopped by holy water, which has led to their near eradication. Their threat to the Commonwealth and Nanotrasen is seen as of little significance.  


===[[Cult|Cult of the Elder Gods]]===
=Races=
The Cult of the Elder Gods is highly untrusted but otherwise elusive religious organization bent on the revival of the so-called "Elder Gods" into the mortal realm. Despite their obviously dangerous practices, no confirmed reports of violence by members of the Cult have been reported, only rumor and unproven claims. Their nature is unknown, but recent discoveries have hinted to the possibility of being able to de-convert members of this cult through what has been dubbed "religious warfare".
===Humans===
Humans originate from the planet Earth in the Sol system, and are the largest and most populous race across all of Commonwealth space. Humans are currently the most powerful race dominating galactic politics.


===Sovereign Systems of Earth===
===Unathi/Lizardpeople===
The Sovereign Systems of Earth is a central government operating from old Earth. While the SSE is a shadow of its former glory from prior to the void wars it nevertheless holds significant influence within the core worlds thanks to its powerful military. The deeper recesses of space however remain well out of the reach of the SSE, and will continue to be as such for a long time.  
Unathi originate from the planet Zakora in the Ossel system. They were found by Nanotrasen in 2521, and have been treated as second class citizens since then. Though technically afforded all the rights of humans in Commonwealth space, the amount of racism in the Commonwealth has led to them being treated far worse, and they are barred from  authority positions in many systems. They are currently the second most populous species in the Commonwealth, due to their fast reproduction cycles, and, accordingly, are the second most powerful. Unathi are most commonly employed by Nanotrasen, due to their early discovery of them.


The SSE barely is able to hold some influence over powerful corporations such as Nanotrasen by maintaing a very tight grip over their more lucrative assets. An example being that the SSE hold the rights to the precious few system that house the rare resource 'Plasma', of which the SSE 'graciously' allow Nanotrasen to mine and explore these system so long as NT pays the SSE its dues.
===Mothpeople===
Mothpeople are from the planet Lampetus in the Glowima system. Found by Commonwealth explorers in 2523, the Mothpeople were seen as slightly better than the Unathi. Similarly kept from authority positions, the Mothpeople do get raises much faster than Unathi. They are currently the third-largest species in Commonwealth space and are the third most powerful race.


Aside from its bare grip over Nanotrasen, the SSE has virtually no physical presence in the outer sectors of space, so long as they get their way.
===Plasmapeople===
Plasmapeople are from the gas giant Logatio in the Zara system. Found by Nanotrasen in 2551, plasma people have quickly become integrated into local Nanotrasen stations for their cheap labor. Beyond rare to be seen outside of the local system, plasmapeople are the smallest, in population, known race. Expert engineers and atmospheric technicians, their unique racial aspects have allowed them to experiment with reactors far beyond the limits a human can. Plasmapeople are the smallest known race in Commonwealth space and are not powerful in any case.


===[[Derelict|The Derelict Station]]===
===Ethereals===
Hidden deep inside Nanotrasen space is a mysterious station known simply as 'The Derelict': another plasma research station of unknown design and builder. The station was allegedly built by the third uprising of the Soviet Union, however, rumor has it that it is a former Nanotrasen station and in fact the predecessor to the current research station. Any dark secrets that it holds are a complete mystery.
Ethereals are from the planet Asma in the Glowima system. Found by the Commonwealth explorers in 2523, the Ethereals are also seen as slightly better than the Unathi. Though kept from many authority positions, the Ethereals are seen as perhaps the best of any of the races. Their success in customer service positions and general friendliness has been attributed to this success. Ethereals' bright bubbling personalities has led to them being across Commonwealth space as great psychiatrists and lower-level diplomatic assistants. Ethereals are the fourth largest species in Commonwealth space and the third most powerful species.


==[[Space Station 13]]==
=Locations=
Deep in space in distant orbit of a nearby gas giant that exhibits strange properties, Space Station 13 was built. Only the most professional of experts and personnel have been staffed here and its secrecy of construction and location guarantee it to be a safe and productive experience.
===Space Station 13===
====Reasons for Existence====
Space Station 13 is Nanotrasen’s thirteenth non-subsidiary owned research station dedicated to plasma research. Uniquely, Space Station 13 is the only plasma research facility. Constructed in orbit of the planet dubbed Lavaland, plasma is found here and in the surrounding solar system abundantly. As one of the first actual Nanotrasen research stations constructed in fifty years, it serves many additional purposes such as:
*Genetics Research, with a team staffed by some of the best scientists from Chimera DNA Technologies
*Bluespace Technology, due to a large amount of bluespace “glitches” end with their trips ending somewhere in the solar system. An odd amount of ruins has been observed in flyovers of the planet
*Artificial Intelligence Testing: Nanotrasen, in secret, have created fully functional Ai’s under a Man-Machine Interfaces, and are testing some new versions of this technology in station


*'''Plasma research, especially exothermic potential''': dedicated science teams on hand for this purpose at all times. It is implied that Space Station 12 had even more. Since Space Station 13's construction, tighter regulations on research limits have been drafted in this field, bringing up a lot of questions from high-ranked employees.
===Lavaland===
*'''Genetic research''': Nanotrasen has a lot invested into military and security groups. Those modifications which could give their forces a leg up in both being hired and maintaining control would prove extremely valuable.
Lavaland is the planet Space Station 13 is currently in orbit around. Deep in the far reaches of Commonwealth space, Lavaland is one of the most recent discoveries by explorers. This planet is full of a previously undiscovered mineral known as plasma, with unique properties allowing technologies never previously thought possible. Uniquely, lavaland is also covered with an offshoot of the species Unathi, ruins of ancient wizard dwellings, and extremely hostile fauna to all life. This planet is one of the most dangerous in the galaxy, due to this all and additionally the known bluespace instability.  
*'''Blue Space research''': teleportation technology has been rediscovered from before the Schism. Wormhole travel, the industry standard, is dangerous and prone to incorrect destinations. Existence of a parallel universe of proportionate size and filled with blue radiation has been recently uncovered, and both the properties of this mysterious area and the hazards of the technology used to access it need to be found out. For this reason, teleportation rigs have been provided and miniaturized versions of these devices have been placed in secure areas.
*'''[[AI|Artificial Intelligence]] field testing''': a new generation of thinking machine has been developed. Rumor has it that it's based on theoretical human brain designs, though darker rumors say that actual brains taken from unwilling 'volunteers' are used in either the production or maintenance of these new systems. The newest version of one of several available models has been graciously provided by CentCom and entrusted with the electronic systems on board the station. No errors are expected and psychorobotic specialists have been provided for station convenience among the engineering staff.
*'''Secondary directives''': while a particular use has yet to be determined for the new station at this time, you can expect to see the station become used as a mining outpost, refueling station, supply depot, prison work release program, or some other application before activation is complete.


====Features====
===CentComm===
Space Station 13 is located in the Ciastor sector, and every sector has one Central Command or CentComm. CentComm is a large facility currently running Space Station 13’s housing facilities, Emergency Response Teams, and the sector’s bureaucracy. CentComm is also responsible for sending the escape shuttle to retrieve the crew at the end of the shift, or due to disaster on the station. Occasionally CentComm has an officer actively keeping tabs on the station, but due to impracticality this only occurs rarely.


*Self-sufficient environment!
*Fully stocked medical bay!
*Advanced immortality measures!
*A courteous and helpful security staff!
*The latest and safest energy systems!
*Behold the wonders of scientific advancement!
*Olympic sized pool and lavish corporate housing!†
<Div style="font-size:4pt;">†Ongoing construction</Div>


[[Category:Game Resources]]  
[[Category:Game Resources]]  
[[Category:Lore]]
[[Category:Lore]]

Revision as of 02:40, 13 December 2020

The Origin Story

The Beginning

In the year 2000, a research group of the most advanced nations of the western world discovered bluespace technology. This technology led to large advancements in transportation technology. In the year 2001, these nations began the construction of a joint colony ship dubbed The Atlantic. The ship was finished in 2005, but one year later the authoritarian socialist People's Republic finished their own colony ship dubbed The Liberator. These two events began the Great Space Race, taking place between the Western Nations and their allies versus The People's Republic and socialist allies. In the early years of the Great Space Race, the People's Republic reformed into the United Soviet Republic. The United Soviet Republic, formed of the People’s Republic and their allies, goal was a socialist revolution across all nations.

War and Profits

After disagreements between the United Soviet Republic and the United Nations Security Council in 2056, the United Soviet Republic (USR) left the United Nations. A year later, the United Nations reformed into the Commonwealth of Orion due to the massive threat of the USR. Tensions quickly rose between the democratic capitalist Commonwealth of Orion and the authoritarian socialist United Soviet Republic, leading to a preemptive strike occurring against the USR by the Commonwealth, thus beginning the Great Systems War.

Nanotrasen at this time was a new research company, gaining renown for breakthroughs in laser weapons technology. These laser weapons became the Commonwealth’s standard weapon during the Great Systems War, and Nanotrasen's profits and influence skyrocketed.

The Golden Age

The war ended with the Commonwealth successfully destroying the last of the USR’s holdings two hundred and eighty-three years after the war’s beginning. Nanotrasen benefited greatly from the long war, becoming the largest company ever seen. The Commonwealth began expansion once again in earnest, but the Commonwealth senate quickly became bloated with every new world colonized and annexed. This led to the federal Commonwealth government becoming weaker over time, and local planetary governments' strength increased. The standard of living for citizens was high at this time, and business profits were great.

Internal Strife and the Company Cold War

The Soul Act of 2480 was passed through the Commonwealth Senate through a series of bribes from corporate interests ending the Golden Age of the Commonwealth. This led to unparalleled profit for many companies, but many systems in the Commonwealth seceded in protest of the Act. In response to this secession, the Commonwealth has been intent on reannexing what they see as revolutionaries. However, this focus has cost them dearly with Corporate influence growing over the bureaucracy for many years.

Meanwhile, the Syndicate was formed shortly after this time, due to the long term domination of Nanotrasen in the marketplace. The Syndicate is a mere loose collection of corporations, but altogether stronger than Nanotrasen. Thus began the Company Cold War.

Modern Day

In 2555, Nanotrasen had managed to bribe Commonwealth officials to give them the first plasma research station in existence, dubbed Space Station 13. With Nanotrasen exclusively getting research on this brand new field, tensions between the Syndicate and Nanotrasen are at an all-time high. As such, many in the Commonwealth have rushed to keep tensions between these two organizations lower, by getting the Syndicate their plasma research station (though this effort has been massively slowed by Nanotrasen bribes). Additionally, corporate influence is finally beginning to wane over the federal government, along with the end of many of the secessionist movements, which has led to the Commonwealth’s regrowth in power. Additionally, many officials independent of either Nanotrasen or the Syndicate are desperately trying to get the Soul Act of 2480 reversed in order to better maintain internal stability.

Organizations

Nanotrasen

Nanotrasen's corporate logo

Nanotrasen is the largest independent company across all of Commonwealth space. Their wealth and unrivaled corporate power have gained admiration and jealousy from many. Led by the ruthless Quentin Zandar, Nanotrasen has, in recent history, become more aggressive than ever. Conflicts in recent years have arisen between Nanotrasen and the more newly founded Syndicate, while the Commonwealth attempts to keep the situation stable. Currently, situations are at a near boiling point, due to the recent discovery of a new mineral dubbed plasma. With the two competitors vying for the ability to research this revolutionary material, Nanotrasen has managed to achieve temporary sole research abilities through bribes and threats of Commonwealth Officials. All of these underhanded tactics, has led to Nanotrasen becoming weaker than ever, and if the infant research facility “Space Station 13” is to fail, Nanotrasen’s long age of domination may come to an end.

The Syndicate

The Syndicate's official logo

A corporate coalition founded to oppose Nanotrasen’s long run domination over the Commonwealth market. Founded by prominent corporations such as Cybersun Industries, Donk Co., and Waffle Co., when combined the market share of the Syndicate is much higher than Nanotrasen. However, the Syndicate struggles with internal unity, with many of the internal companies being long term rivals. Though struggling to maintain their coalition, the Syndicate has managed to reverse Nanotrasen’s long term growth in total market share. In the modern-day, the Syndicate is working on slowing Nanotrasen’s plasma research through corporate espionage and other underhanded tactics, and are attempting to get their own plasma research facility.

The Commonwealth of Orion

The Emblem of the Commonwealth of Orion

The greatest power known to all, the Commonwealth of Orion was founded on the four principles of freedom, democracy, safety, and justice. The Commonwealth has, for 211 years, been the sole known galactic superpower, after the defeat of their authoritarian rivals the URS led to a golden age of human expansion. The golden age came to a close with the Soul Act of 2480, leading to the revolt of 200 systems and a fragmenting of the Commonwealth’s once monolithic power. This revolt is finally coming to an end however with a mere 10 systems remaining in open revolt. Accompanying this is the decrease in corporate influence over politics, with both the Syndicate and Nanotrasen losing influence in recent years over politicians. For now, the Commonwealth is seeking to maintain a balance between the Syndicate and Nanotrasen, until their internal issues come to an end.

The Wizard Federation

A collective of magic users dedicated to further educating themselves and keeping their magic from lesser beings. Nearly every wizard or witch is aligned with this collective, and they are a relatively enigmatic power rarely dealing with those below them. To train, however, the Federation sends their apprentices across the stars to cause havoc and mayhem. Space Station 13 orbits lavaland, where many wizards once tinkered, and may just become a target for the next new wizard test.

The Cult of Eldritch Gods

A collective of cults banned across Commonwealth space, due to their violent practices and avocation. The two largest cults, the Blood Cult of Nar-Sie and the Clock Cult of Ratvar, have fled to the far outer systems of the Commonwealth. However, even in exile they still seek to bring their eldritch gods to the mortal plane. Many people do not believe these gods even exist across most of space, but they are terribly real. However, their forceful conversion rituals are known to be stopped by holy water, which has led to their near eradication. Their threat to the Commonwealth and Nanotrasen is seen as of little significance.

Races

Humans

Humans originate from the planet Earth in the Sol system, and are the largest and most populous race across all of Commonwealth space. Humans are currently the most powerful race dominating galactic politics.

Unathi/Lizardpeople

Unathi originate from the planet Zakora in the Ossel system. They were found by Nanotrasen in 2521, and have been treated as second class citizens since then. Though technically afforded all the rights of humans in Commonwealth space, the amount of racism in the Commonwealth has led to them being treated far worse, and they are barred from authority positions in many systems. They are currently the second most populous species in the Commonwealth, due to their fast reproduction cycles, and, accordingly, are the second most powerful. Unathi are most commonly employed by Nanotrasen, due to their early discovery of them.

Mothpeople

Mothpeople are from the planet Lampetus in the Glowima system. Found by Commonwealth explorers in 2523, the Mothpeople were seen as slightly better than the Unathi. Similarly kept from authority positions, the Mothpeople do get raises much faster than Unathi. They are currently the third-largest species in Commonwealth space and are the third most powerful race.

Plasmapeople

Plasmapeople are from the gas giant Logatio in the Zara system. Found by Nanotrasen in 2551, plasma people have quickly become integrated into local Nanotrasen stations for their cheap labor. Beyond rare to be seen outside of the local system, plasmapeople are the smallest, in population, known race. Expert engineers and atmospheric technicians, their unique racial aspects have allowed them to experiment with reactors far beyond the limits a human can. Plasmapeople are the smallest known race in Commonwealth space and are not powerful in any case.

Ethereals

Ethereals are from the planet Asma in the Glowima system. Found by the Commonwealth explorers in 2523, the Ethereals are also seen as slightly better than the Unathi. Though kept from many authority positions, the Ethereals are seen as perhaps the best of any of the races. Their success in customer service positions and general friendliness has been attributed to this success. Ethereals' bright bubbling personalities has led to them being across Commonwealth space as great psychiatrists and lower-level diplomatic assistants. Ethereals are the fourth largest species in Commonwealth space and the third most powerful species.

Locations

Space Station 13

Space Station 13 is Nanotrasen’s thirteenth non-subsidiary owned research station dedicated to plasma research. Uniquely, Space Station 13 is the only plasma research facility. Constructed in orbit of the planet dubbed Lavaland, plasma is found here and in the surrounding solar system abundantly. As one of the first actual Nanotrasen research stations constructed in fifty years, it serves many additional purposes such as:

  • Genetics Research, with a team staffed by some of the best scientists from Chimera DNA Technologies
  • Bluespace Technology, due to a large amount of bluespace “glitches” end with their trips ending somewhere in the solar system. An odd amount of ruins has been observed in flyovers of the planet
  • Artificial Intelligence Testing: Nanotrasen, in secret, have created fully functional Ai’s under a Man-Machine Interfaces, and are testing some new versions of this technology in station

Lavaland

Lavaland is the planet Space Station 13 is currently in orbit around. Deep in the far reaches of Commonwealth space, Lavaland is one of the most recent discoveries by explorers. This planet is full of a previously undiscovered mineral known as plasma, with unique properties allowing technologies never previously thought possible. Uniquely, lavaland is also covered with an offshoot of the species Unathi, ruins of ancient wizard dwellings, and extremely hostile fauna to all life. This planet is one of the most dangerous in the galaxy, due to this all and additionally the known bluespace instability.

CentComm

Space Station 13 is located in the Ciastor sector, and every sector has one Central Command or CentComm. CentComm is a large facility currently running Space Station 13’s housing facilities, Emergency Response Teams, and the sector’s bureaucracy. CentComm is also responsible for sending the escape shuttle to retrieve the crew at the end of the shift, or due to disaster on the station. Occasionally CentComm has an officer actively keeping tabs on the station, but due to impracticality this only occurs rarely.

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