The Omniscian System
Introduction
For the past 10,000 years, Humanity has spread far and wide across the Milky Way Galaxy in an effort to colonize habitable systems. Amidst this cosmic odyssey, an intricate web of interstellar relationships has emerged, intertwining our species with a myriad of humanoid alien counterparts, all united by the shared thirst for celestial exploration. Across eons, empires of great influence have ascended only to descend. Land and resources have become catalysts for conflicts that reverberated across the cosmos, leaving their indelible mark.
Just over 1,000 years ago, a small group of researchers unearthed a transcendent element within a distant system’s ethereal dust cloud. This revelation bore witness to many remarkable properties: The substance held the promise of eternal energy sources, manipulation of the very fabric of spacetime, and a leap in computational prowess that previously existed only within the realm of dreams. They named the substance “Omnite,” and news of this miraculous substance swiftly disseminated throughout the galaxy, captivating the attention of the most powerful factions.
Now, in the year 12,307, the Universal Coalition, the Dyxian Collective, and the Alsham Union have all established their presence within the system that cradles the enigmatic Omnite. A fragile yet unyielding truce, rooted in mutual benefit, permits each faction to collect and harness Omnite for their individual progress, though the tranquility remains delicately poised on the precipice of uncertainty.
In a system of limitless potential, there are those willing to do anything to claim it.
The Major Powers
The Universal Coalition
Established as the oldest faction, the Universal Coalition is the foundational civilization from which the others emerged. Known for its resilient spirit, the Coalition’s inhabitants are dispersed across the galaxy, with the planet Solstice as a significant hub in the Omniscian System. Operating as a democratic society, they engage in a complex political landscape that includes conservative, federalist, and anarchist ideologies.
Culture
The Universal Coalition boasts a culture founded on principles of unity, adaptability, and self-sufficiency. Embracing diversity in humanoid species, their culture values individual freedoms, fostering a society where personal expressions and beliefs are celebrated. A pioneering spirit resonates through their way of life, spurred by the historical context of Earth’s climate crisis that drove them to explore and colonize new frontiers. Strong community bonds are formed, often in the crucible of harsh environments, fostering solidarity among citizens.
History
The Universal Coalition traces its origins to Earth’s global challenges in 2530. Faced with the planetary climate crisis, the Coalition emerged as a collaborative effort to colonize habitable extraterrestrial domains. Over time, this once-unified faction splintered, leading to the emergence of the Union and the Collective. The Coalition endured the cataclysmic Great Galactic War, a conflict that toppled the Coalition as the primary power in the galaxy and forever changed the political dynamics of the three major factions.
Exports
Leveraging the resource-rich Omniscian System, the Universal Coalition is recognized for the development and maintenance of the QuantumLink gates, a proprietary teleportation system that utilizes Omnite to function. The Coalition’s Militia also polices and manages more traditional modes of travel, specifically the designated Coalition Space Lanes – the established highways throughout the system. The Citizenry of the Coalition also contributes to the economy with agriculture, affordable labor, and raw materials.
The Dyxian Collective
Adjacent to the Coalition’s influence, the Dyxian Collective thrives on scientific exploration and shared expertise. Governed by four AI arbiters that oversee all of their citizens’ decisions, this galactic civilization stands as a beacon of innovation. Citizens, both organic and artificial, collaborate to push the boundaries of technology and understanding.
Culture
Intricately woven into the fabric of the Dyxian Collective is a unique government structure. Four AI arbiters hold sway over every facet of decision-making for every citizen. These powerful arbiters are tasked with upholding order, guiding research priorities, and ensuring the well-being of the citizenry. As the ultimate overseers, they epitomize the Collective’s commitment to an incredibly organized and efficient society.
History
The roots of the Dyxian Collective trace back to a history of communitarian ideals and shared ambitions. While they emerged as a splinter from the Universal Coalition, their narrative revolves around a shared mission of cooperation. The creation of the four AI arbiters stands as the Collective’s ultimate achievement toward their commitment to order, efficiency, and progress. From these origins, the Dyxian Collective arose as a beacon of unity, intellect, and technological advancement in the galaxy.
Exports
At the core of their exports lies a treasure trove of technological marvels. Cutting-edge software, advanced robotics, and intricate android companions are amongst their most coveted products. These creations, forged by the ingenuity of the Dyxian citizenry, have a profound impact across the Omniscian System and beyond, establishing them as pioneers of innovation.
The Alsham Union
Completing the trio is the Alsham Union, a faction with ambitions rooted in prosperity. While some enjoy opulent lives, many work hard to make ends meet. This galactic civilization’s dynamics are shaped by megacorporations that wield considerable power, contributing to both economic growth and societal tensions.
Culture
Embedded within the Alsham Union’s culture is a stark dichotomy between affluence and adversity. A segment of the population revels in luxury and extravagance, reaping the rewards of the Union’s expansive economic pursuits. In contrast, a substantial portion grapples with labor-intensive roles, striving to sustain their livelihoods. Megacorporations loom large in this landscape, driving economic engines while exerting influence over policy-making, and spurring debates about equitable wealth distribution.
History
The history of the Alsham Union pivots on its pursuit of economic success. Initially, it evolved as an offshoot from the Universal Coalition, fueled by differing ideologies on resource utilization and distribution. The Union’s rise was meteoric, largely due to the invention of the Nexus, a massive dyson ring built to harness the vast power of stars. However, their ascent wasn’t without controversy, as the exploitation of their workers and natural resources cast shadows on their trajectory. Today, the Union’s sprawling megacorporations dominate the economy and wield substantial political influence, leading to a delicate balance between affluence and the challenges faced by a significant portion of their populace.
Exports
The Alsham Union’s primary exports revolve around the goods of their many Megacorporations and their mastery of advanced energy systems. Their proficiency in harnessing the energy of the Omniscian system’s star has made them indispensable, ensuring the power demands of the entire region are met, while simultaneously advancing their economic interests.
Inter-faction Perceptions
The Universal Coalition
The Universal Coalition’s perspective on the other civilizations is marked by distinct attitudes. When it comes to the Dyxian Collective, they regard it with a mix of confusion and derision. The Coalition’s emphasis on personal liberty contrasts sharply with the Collective’s adherence to the AI Arbiters’ directives. The readiness of Collective citizens to comply (and, in the Coalition’s views, be oppressed) baffles them, prompting a perception that the populous must be simpleminded. The people of the Coalition view this collective submission as antithetical to their core values, which prioritize individual freedoms and autonomy.
In their perception of the Alsham Union, the Universal Coalition exercises a sense of wariness. The Union’s significant power and control over vital resources engenders concern. The Coalition identifies a prevailing materialistic culture within the Union, which they find at odds with their own ethos. While the Coalition empathizes with the working class within the Union, seeing them as akin to their own honest, hardworking citizens, they view the upper echelons as parasitic beneficiaries, reaping rewards from the labor of the common populace without contributing in meaningful ways. This perspective underscores the Coalition’s skepticism and cautious stance toward the Union.
The Dyxian Collective
The Dyxian Collective holds a complex perspective on the other two civilizations. Regarding the Alsham Union, they feel a mixture of disgust and pity, perceiving a self-centered focus on personal gain that disregards the well-being of others. The Collective condemns the Union’s exploitation of marginalized individuals while ignoring their own complicity in this exploitation by purchasing resources from the Union.
In contrast, the Collective views the Universal Coalition with a more tempered attitude. While critical of what they consider a misguided emphasis on self-interest, they appreciate the absence of deliberate exploitation within the Coalition’s societal structure. This juxtaposition is further underscored by the Collective’s view of the Coalition’s democratic government structure, which they see as inherently flawed and prone to radicalization and corruption and therefore inferior to their own AI Arbiters. In addition, due to a number of regular terrorist attacks by radicalized members of the Universal Coalition, many of the Collective are immediately fearful and distrustful of rogue Coalition citizens.
The Alsham Union
In the Alsham Union, there exist two distinct groups: the affluent and the less privileged. Each group holds its own perspective on the neighboring civilizations.
The wealthier individuals in the Union view the Dyxian Collective as somewhat challenging to engage with. They express frustration with the stringent trade regulations and the restricted flow of technological information imposed by the Collective. In contrast, the less well-off population within the Union feels a sense of resentment towards the Collective. They perceive the Collective’s comparatively comfortable lives as being made possible partly due to the efforts and contributions of the Union’s working class.
Turning their attention to the Universal Coalition, the wealthier Union members see a lucrative market opportunity. They believe the Coalition’s population is approachable and uncomplicated when it comes to trading goods. Meanwhile, the economically disadvantaged members of the Union feel a certain kinship with the Coalition, though at an arms length – mostly due to frequent terrorist attacks by the fringe Coalition anarchists. While recognizing the challenges faced by the Coalition’s people, they also experience a twinge of envy towards the freedom and agency that the Coalition’s citizens enjoy in making life choices.
The Solar System
Each planet and celestial body within the Omniscian System holds its own story, offering a glimpse into the intricate interplay of ideologies, technologies, and ambitions that define it. From the bustling commerce of the Nexus to the rugged resilience of Solstice, and the enigmatic depths of the Omniscian Zone to the scarred landscapes of Veridian, this system is a testament to the multifaceted nature of humanoid expansion and civilization.
The Nexus (Omniscia-A)
The Nexus, situated at the heart of the Omniscian System, is a colossal ringed city encircling the star Omniscia-A owned and operated by the Alsham Union. This magnificent construct serves as a center of commerce, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, embodying the power and wealth of the Union.
Solstice
Solstice, positioned closest to Omniscia-A, presents a challenging environment with arid deserts and rocky plateaus. This planet is a key hub for the Universal Coalition, characterized by its Democratic society that embraces a diverse (and often hostile) range of ideologies. Solstice’s inhabitants demonstrate resilience in the face of harsh conditions, embodying the Coalition’s values of unity and self-sufficiency.
Zeon DV5
Zeon DV5, the fourth planet from its star, is a terrestrial world claimed by the Dyxian Collective. Colonized extensively, it hosts a vast network of Bio-Domes that dot the surface. These biodomes simulate a day-night cycle, countering the planet’s tidally locked state. Additionally, Zeon DV5’s orbital stations facilitate the Collective’s imports, exports, and customs operations.
The Omniscian Zone
Between Zeon DV5 and Symbiota lies the enigmatic Omniscian Zone—a vast cloud of atomized Omnite. Although frequented by cargo and collection ships seeking this valuable resource, it is treacherous due to its adverse effects on electronics. Ships entering the Omniscian Zone find their systems disabled, leading to their inevitable loss within the cloud.
Symbiota
Owned by the Alsham Union, Symbiota bears the marks of extensive resource exploitation. Its surface is dominated by sprawling industrial complexes and mining operations, indicative of the Union’s resource-driven expansion. While polluted by emissions and scars from excavation, the atmosphere still remains breathable.
Aetherium
Aetherium, a gas giant, is sparsely populated. It is home to The Last Resort Casino, a solitary establishment in its gaseous expanse, as well as the infamous Fort Black, a hideout for Anarchists and Corsairs from the Coalition.
Veridian
Once a thriving planet, Veridian now bears the scars of the Alsham Union’s cataclysmic actions. Devastated by a massive Bosonic charge, it has been fragmented into asteroid-like pieces, with a fragmented atmosphere still barely suitable for limited habitation.
Hades
Hades, the outermost planet in the Omniscian System, stands as a harsh and frozen realm, inhospitable to most forms of life. Within its barren expanses, Hades houses a high-security penitentiary—Hades Prison—where criminals apprehended by the Universal Coalition face confinement in its isolated and unforgiving environment.
Omnite
Omnite, classified as Element #150 on the periodic table with an atomic weight of 300, stands as an extraordinary discovery within the Omniscian system. Uniquely confined to this system, specifically within the Omniscian zone, It is naturally found in its atomized form within the Omniscian Zone but can be condensed into a crystalline solid using the Union’s Bosonic Charges. Regardless of its state, it glows a bright blue.
Omnite’s distinct characteristic lies in its atomic structure. Rather than conforming to the conventional atom model where electrons orbit the nucleus, Omnite’s nucleus and electrons appear to engage in a binary orbital dance around each other. This peculiar arrangement imparts an oscillating charge from all directions, despite the atom maintaining an overall neutral charge. This oscillating charge has unlocked a multitude of technological applications, ranging from near-boundless energy sources to the creation of wormholes and highly advanced computing systems. Revered as the most precious resource in the galaxy, Omnite remains a coveted asset, prompting relentless efforts by the major powers in the Omniscian system to harness its potential from the confines of the Omniscian zone.
Species
As humanity embarked on its galactic odyssey, it encountered a diverse array of humanoid species that it welcomed into its expanding fold. The result of this harmonious coexistence is a vibrant tapestry of civilizations, where most individuals proudly trace their lineage to mixed backgrounds, embodying the intricate interplay of various ancestral origins.
Elves and Tieflings
Origin: Thesulea
Thesulea, a world characterized by lower gravity and smaller size, offered a lush and diverse environment. This planet thrived and notably served as a hub for the trade of various elicit substances. In the past, conflicts arose between Elves and Tieflings, but over time, they managed to resolve their differences, cultivating a sibling-like relationship. The equatorial region hosted Fire Tieflings, while their Cold counterparts resided at the poles. Elves inhabited the temperate middle ground, with mountainous landscapes at both extremes. The physical traits of the species reflected their adaptations to their surroundings, with Tieflings sporting horns and tails suited for navigating challenging terrain.
Goblins, Gnomes, and Halflings
Origin: Grixali
Grixali, marked by low oxygen levels, became home to Goblins, Gnomes, and Halflings, each separated by towering mountains. Valuable resources lay at higher elevations, but oxygen deprivation hindered exploration. Gnomes overcame this obstacle with technological innovation, yet their interactions led to conflict. Gnomes discovered Goblins, and the ensuing aggression sparked a war. Encounters with Halflings also resulted in violence, fueled by misunderstandings. In the race to achieve interstellar travel, Goblins triumphed, only for the Halflings to develop nuclear capabilities, causing the planet’s ultimate demise.
Bugbears, Goliaths, and Orcs
Origin: Zibagua
Zibagua’s harsh conditions of extreme heat and cold, along with the tidal influences of three large moons, necessitated collaboration among Bugbears, Goliaths, and Orcs to survive. Their alliance proved successful against the planet’s wildlife. Human intervention brought technology, but also exploitation. Natives, discontent with their treatment, eventually transitioned into mainstream society, leaving the planet desolate.
Dwarves
Origin: Nagron
Nagron’s high gravity and cold terrain led Dwarves to dig deep underground for resources and warmth. Eventually, the planet’s resources were depleted, compelling the Dwarves to seek assistance from the cosmos. Halflings answered their SOS call and offered escape in exchange for craftsmanship and resources. While Nagron endured, it remained barren, a testimony to the once-thriving Dwarven civilization.
Githyanki and Githzerai
Origin: Gith
Gith, a barren planet with minimal water and ice rings, became the home of the Githyanki and Githzerai. The Gith developed contrasting ways of life; the Githyanki migrated to the ice rings, while the Githzerai settled the surface of Gith while excavating the rings for resources. Conflict erupted when Githzerai began mining in Githyanki territory, leading to war. Though Gith still stands, most of its inhabitants have departed, leaving a fractured legacy behind.
Tabaxi, Tortle, and Loxodon
Origin: Dr. Carson’s Laboratory
The creation of Tabaxi, Tortle, and Loxodon resulted from the work of Dr. Carson, who fused animal DNA with human genetic material. Driven to continue his illegal experiments, Carson fled to a remote system. Over time, these hybrid creatures multiplied and proved their intelligence and independence. Their integration into society was assured once they demonstrated their autonomy and usefulness to other humanoid populations.
Interspecies Ancestries
In this intricate tapestry of civilizations, species intermingled over generations, leading to a society teeming with an endless array of interspecies children. Many traits have mixed and averaged out, the primary example being lifespan, which has settled around 150 galactic standard years for most humanoids. The vast majority of individuals proudly bear a blend of several ancestral lineages, characterized by the prominent traits of their primary forebears. This harmonious fusion has resulted in a unique populace where cultural diversity and physical distinctions are embraced and celebrated. However, a small fraction of families, often steeped in prejudiced beliefs, persistently strive to maintain their bloodlines’ purity, strictly adhering to endogamy and refusing to embrace the prevailing spirit of hybridity.
Technology
Ferrokinesis
Ferrokinesis, a profound marvel of Humanity, grants individuals the power to command magnetic fields with remarkable precision. Enhanced with the unique ability to control objects through manipulation of magnetic forces, those known as “Ferros” achieve their extraordinary capabilities by replacing their entire cardiovascular system with synthetic alternatives and blood with a magnetic fluid known as ferrofluid. This ferrofluid courses through their veins, guided by an incredibly powerful artifical heart and electric currents, generating magnetic fields that enable feats both wondrous and seemingly magical.
When harnessed, Ferrokinesis manifests as the power to levitate, move, reshape, and even disintegrate objects. Intricacies of the magnetic fluid’s flow and the strength of electric currents determine the shape, strength, and outcome of the magnetic fields crafted by Ferros. Notably, as the power activates, veins turn black—a phenomenon intensifying in Ferros who heavily employ their abilities, resulting in permanently darkened veins and, in some cases, eyes.
The practical applications of Ferrokinesis are vast. In construction, it replaces heavy machinery, deftly maneuvering large objects into position. With practice, it becomes an instrument of precision for delicate tasks. In combat, the ability to dispatch foes from a distance proves invaluable, reshaping battle dynamics. Some Ferros transcend mundane tasks entirely, opting to manipulate objects through their powers in lieu of using their hands. The most advanced users are even able to detect changes in a person’s brainwaves and gain insight into their thoughts and emotions.
Ferrokinesis carries a mixed social impact, invoking a sense of awe or apprehension depending on the observer. With their magnetic mastery, Ferros occupy a unique space in the Omniscian System, their abilities both respected and met with skepticism, underscoring the complex role they play in shaping the world around them.
The QuantumLink Gates
At the forefront of interstellar travel within the Omniscian System, The Coalition’s QuantumLink Gates stand as marvels of ingenuity and convenience. These advanced teleportation portals utilize the unique properties of Omnite to instantaneously transport individuals and cargo across vast distances. Operating through a network of meticulously synchronized gateways, they have become the lifeblood of commerce, diplomacy, and personal interactions throughout the system. For those that can afford the steep tolls attributed with the Gates, they have forever revolutionized the dynamics of travel.
Androids and the UmbraCores
The Collective’s Androids, sophisticated artificial beings, have seamlessly integrated into the fabric of daily life across the Omniscian System. Those that are equipped with the UmbraCore, a groundbreaking technological breakthrough, possess humanoid-surpassing intelligence, enabling them to undertake tasks ranging from labor-intensive work to intricate research. The UmbraCore relies on the quantum processing capabilities of Omnite to emulate organic brain functions, enabling androids to learn, adapt, and interact autonomously. This technology has not only transformed industries and economies but has also redefined the relationship between artificial and organic life forms.
The Omnite Reactors
Central to the energy infrastructure of the Omniscian System, The Union’s Omnite Reactors harness the remarkable properties of Omnite to generate vast amounts of power. This revolutionary technology provides a sustainable and potent energy source, significantly reducing the dependence on traditional sources and minimizing the impact on the environment. Omnite’s oscillating charge is adeptly manipulated into equalibrium within the reactor to produce clean and efficient energy that powers cities, industries, and advanced technological systems. The Omnite Reactor has ushered in a new era of energy abundance, driving innovation and enabling the pursuit of ambitious endeavors throughout the system.
External Threats
The Elders
The Elders are a hive-minded alien race shrouded in mystery, called Illithid in their own language, and colloquially known as “Mind Flayers.” Commanded by formidable elder brains, immense psychic entities capable of telepathically linking all Illithid within their coven, this species wields a chilling and coordinated intelligence.
Aptly named for their unsettling mind control abilities, Mind Flayers possess the power to manipulate their victims through vast psionic prowess. This ability amplifies their threat to the galaxy’s humanoid inhabitants, as their psychic dominion allows them to orchestrate strategic assaults without putting themselves in danger.
Illithid have a peculiar appetite for sentient brains, considering them a rare delicacy. Their covens stand as an enduring threat to the galaxy’s humanoid inhabitants, marked by their eerie unity and malevolent purpose. With a collective consciousness that binds them, the Elders’ presence reverberates as an ever-present danger, emphasizing the unsettling cohesion of their hive-mind existence.
The Victores
The Victores, a formidable force shrouded in a legacy of mechanical might, emerge as a self-replicating automaton militia comprised of an array of combat mechs and droids. Initially designed to safeguard the Universal Coalition during the tumultuous era of the Great Galactic War, their purpose took a fateful turn due to a critical programming glitch. This error led the mechs to cut their ties with the Coalition and coalesce into a distinct entity with ambitions far beyond mere defense.
Presently, the Victores militia operates under the Coalition’s initial directive of “Dominari Novis Terris,” or the “Lоrds of New Lands,” as they embark on an unrelenting quest to conquer uncharted systems. Their modus operandi involves the automated establishment of mineral extraction, processing, and manufacturing plants, effectively multiplying their mechanical legions. While not inherently hostile, their tenacity in acquiring the resources required for sustenance and expansion renders them unyielding adversaries.
In the face of their ambitions, the Victores exhibit a pragmatic and ruthless approach. Destroying any obstacle that stands in the way of their path to growth, their arsenal of combat mechs and droids embodies implacable resolve. As the Victores’ dominion expands, the galaxy is held captive by their relentless march, while their automated infrastructure marks a testament to their tireless conquest of new territories.
The Araneaux
The Araneaux are an alien arachnid species that cause unspeakable dread in many humanoids. Their horrifying parasitic nature pushes them to infect hosts, often of sentient origin. In their infant phase, these creatures are minuscule, scarcely larger than the common gnat, concealing their potential for terror.
Once within a host (usually via ingestion), the Araneaux employs its remarkably sharp and robust teeth to tunnel upwards, towards the brain of its victim. Here, it manipulates the host’s senses and perceptions. The early stages of this phase are marked by memory lapses, severe headaches, and the gradual onset of hallucinations. As the Araneaux gains strength, these visions morph into mind-shattering nightmares, each unique in form but always compelling the victim to seek refuge in the void of space. An escape that, tragically, results in the victim’s demise, and gives the Araneaux the environment needed to hatch.
After latching its victim’s body to the side of its victim’s space vessel and planting its hundreds of eggs in the corpse, it breaks free of its host and enters its adult stage. In this mature form, spanning several feet in length, the Araneaux wields bone-like fangs brimming with an immensely potent paralytic toxin and capable of tearing through steel, rendering it a formidable menace. The presence of even a single larva represents an imminent threat to any crew’s well-being. To thwart the accidental introduction of Araneaux larvae into spacecraft, most airlocks are equipped with gas extermination protocols.