![[Spoilers#^DLS]] ## Prehistory >[!warning] **Primordial Past** (Pre-big bang) A void entity coalesces within [[The Bulk]]. After an age, the void entity begins to wane. [[Voldeflus]] is released into the [[First Realm]]. The [[Isys’ir]] and [[The Matron]] form from the maelstrom of voldeflus. The Isyrric progeny are created. --- [[Mayckhyn]] creates the [[Arderaphim]]. [[Hunaran]], closely attuned to the aspect of the void, feels a sense of loss as the void entity continues to wane. That emotion resonates through the [[Arderaphim]] and [[Samalek]] is driven to anger, not understanding the emotions he is feeling. Hunaran realizes that in time, another being will rise to the power of the Isys'ir. This is enough for them to plot a rebellion against their progenitors. The nature of time in [[The Hub]] is such that the future and past are ever present. In the eyes of the [[Divines]], what will happen., is already happening. Once an event occurs, it had always occurred. Hunaran desires to gain the power of the voldeflus. Samalek also desires this power and wants to empower the nascent universe to come. During the war in the Hub, [[Illurian]] was killed. The Isys'ir viewed this as unacceptable and banished the rebels to a novel pocket realm. This [[Inner Realms|realm]] would become known as the [[Abyssal Realm]]. [[Neryckahl]] left the Hub after the conflict. [[Eriti]] hid a portion of her [[Essence]] within her sister and the two of them remained in the [[Fifth Realm]]. --- Mayckhyn was allowed to create another form of life, which became known as the [[Falinjorin]]. They wandered through the universe, with the promise that they would eventually find their evolved brethren in the distant future. >[!info] >The Isys'ir told his son that humans would evolve in the future of the Fifth Realm. Wether he caused human evolution to mirror the Falinjorin or manipulated his son's creation is unknowable. There was always some degree of antics between the two of them. --- #### ~38.6 billion years ago >[!warning] The Big Bang The [[Near-Realms]] expanded out from a space-time defect within the bulk. The era of cosmic expansion begun. In this early universe, the [[Yill Maingess]] evolved out of the primeval forces of reality. They have changed and adapted to the rapid cooling and bleakness the coming eras. They toil endlessly to restrict the expansion of the inner realms, which threatens to accelerate entropy and reduce the fifth realm to a cold, dark, lifeless place. ~400 million years pass and the fifth realm takes shape as we know it. --- ## Sophont Life Begins >[!warning] The [[Milky Way Galaxy]] and Kyserian Origins #### ~100 million years ago The [[Kyserian|Kyserians]] evolved on an aquatic world near the edge of the galaxy. After about a million years, they reached the peak of their civilization on their home world. They turned towards the stars and eventually learned of the [[Inner Realms]]. Much like humans, they could not bend the laws of physics and were trapped within their local cluster of stars. They did manage to colonize nearby systems with generation ships. Their clade began to diverge slightly on these different worlds. After millennia of research, they discovered methods of breaching the near-realms without a [[Kybahl Device]]. They used the malleable nature of the [[Fourth Realm]] to create interconnected pathways through that enigmatic place. The difficulty lay within the need to travel through the fifth realm to establish the exit points for the network. This network would later be known as the [[Darkpath]] or [[Shkeuvegh]]. It was slowly expanded over a few million years. Creating a reliable but slow method of travel and communication throughout their empire. Eventually, they were able to finally breach [[Hubspace]]. This fundamentally changed the nature of their thinking and made them paranoid about other species beyond their borders. For if they could move quickly through the galaxy, so could others. --- #### ~94 million years ago The Kyserians created the [[Laciryn]] to serve as a labor and military force. They sent them out into the vast reaches of the galaxy to search out potential threats to their empire. The Laciryn reported back that no other species were detected within the Norma-Outer and Perseus Arms. The millions of stars and hundreds of thousands of habitable planets across that swath of space convinced the Kyserians to pause their expansion and build up their defenses. The Kyserians began their periods of torpor. --- >[!warning] Lacir Origins #### ~70 million years ago The Laciryn genetic conditioning had slipped over the aeons. They realized that they were likely more powerful than their masters and hatched a plan of rebellion. Not all the Laciryn rebelled, but at least 2/3rd of their forces turned on the Kyserians and their soporific empire. A great war ensued. The Kyserians awoke and joined their loyalist Laciryn and began a brutal war of attrition across of the Norma-Outer Arm. During this time, the Kyserians militarized their technology and became exceptionally aggressive and xenophobic. Eventually, the tide turned for the rebels. The loyalist Laciryn were wiped out, and the Kyserians were driven out into the void beyond the galaxy. The Kyserians retreated to their [[Planet Ship|Planet Ships]] and slipped into the darkness. Preventing the Laciryn from pursuing them further. The vast distances and emptiness made it all but impossible to track down their fortress worlds. The Laciryn raided the Kyserian worlds, stripping them of their technology. Despite breaking their conditioning, they were still uncreative by nature and had a poor understanding of technology beyond its use and maintenance. This led to them being forced to maintain what forces they had after the war's conclusion. --- >[!warning] Morocaschic Origins #### ~5 million years ago The [[Morocaschic]] species evolved on a treacherous planet. By all accounts, life should not have been able to evolve there. Their evolution was slow and irregular, and the conditions on their planet varied wildly. Their home world sweeps through a highly eccentric orbit, which leads to extended periods of cold and a few months of excessive heat. Their metabolism and physical structure was constantly in flux, allowing them to rapidly and continuously adapt to their environment. Over millions of years, their biology mastered continuous adaptation and allowed for them to alter their shape at will. Later, they would hone this ability to the point of being able to mimic other lifeforms. As they gained sapience and slowly built up their civilization, they were mostly unaware of the outside universe. Only at the aphelion of their planet's orbit could they glimpse the stars beyond their own. Curiosity took hold, and they developed a space program and finally left the surface of their world. Their near indefinite lifespan and strange perception of time allowed them to expand their territory slowly. Unknown even to the Morocaschics, their hive mind connection worked through the inner-realms. This allowed for instantaneous and constant contact, even over long distances. It was a communal function however, larger groups could maintain more detailed and longer range contact than individuals. #### ~2 million years ago They proceeded along the outer edges of the galaxy, eventually encountering a Kyserian planet ship. While initially hostile towards the Morocaschic, the Kyserians saw value in them as possible fodder for a future war. They gifted them the [[Kyserian Transit Engine]] and assisted them with their understanding of the universe. The Morocaschics expanded rapidly throughout the galaxy, seeking out red dwarf systems like their own home star. They encountered the Yill Maingess near the galactic core, finding them aloof, but defensive. The Morocaschics backed off and settled into a comfortable existence. --- ## Lost History >[!warning] The Rise And Fall Of Humanity >[!info] >In humanity's distant past, the Falinjorin occasionally visited [[Earth]]. A few of their kind stayed behind as the fleet continued their travels. This led to some early human mythologies and gave rise to occasional magic users amongst ancient populations. None of this has been remembered in even the oldest of archives however. --- Humanity began colonizing other planets and moons within their home star system during the 2100s CE. In the early 2300s CE, they looked outward towards other stars and made plans to explore and potentially colonize them. >[!tldr] This was once known as The [[Solar Era]]. >[!info] >Many technologies developed during this time are still in use in the modern era. [[Fuel Cask|fuel casks]], [[Aerospike]] engines, [[Fusion Reactor|fusion reactors]], high efficiency radiators, high pressure gas (open) cooling systems, caseless [[Ammunition]], [[AdTac Munition|AdTac Munitions]], [[Med Patch|med patches]] (and early [[Nanomedical Devices|nanomedical devices]], and the beginnings of [[Cybernetic|cybernetic]] and [[Cyberonic|cyberonic]] systems. Genetic engineering cured most diseases and extended the average lifespan to around 100 years. > Human science could not bend physics to it's will. Even reaching small percentages of light speed were extremely energy hungry. Various plans were imagined, but few were put into action. > >Much of this technology was improved upon early in the [[First Galactic War]], and in many cases far exceeded modern levels. However these advances were stifled by the stagnation during the sustainment period of the conflict. Nearby stars were found to be uninhabitable and the collective social will at the time did not have the drive to press further outward. Humanity dipped into the Great Despondence, which would last nearly a century. For many, the solar system felt like a vast cage with nothing beyond but a lifeless void. Cathedral thinking was abandoned, and many of the great works of humanity were ceased. The outer colonies (jovian moons and the asteroid belt) were abandoned and only the inner planets were maintained. --- #### 2425 CE The [[Falinjorin]] [[Transit|transited]] into the Sol System near Saturn, triggering long forgotten defenses left behind in the outer colonies. The alarms reached Earth ninety minutes later. What remained of the old fleets were activated and poised to defend the planet. Despite the sense of hopelessness, someone was coming to take what little humans had, and they would not give it up without a fight. Despite the renewed fervor of Earth's defense force, they were casually swept aside by the Falinjorin. Then, the attacks stopped. The Falinjorin sent a message to directly to the people of Earth. They were here to join with humanity and uplift them into an interstellar society. Some rejected the proposal and a brief civil war was fought, but the overwhelming sentiment was for the commingling of the two species. The Falinjorin were genetically identical to humans and far fewer in number. Within a few generations, there was no way to differentiate the two. >[!info] >The Falinjorin were highly adept at controlling powers of the [[Essence|Flux]]. This was due to their divine origins. As their bloodlines were absorbed into humanity, these powers were all but lost. However, it is exactly these diffuse descendants who are able to survive exposure to the reality warping effects of [[Flux Event|Flux Events]], gaining [[Magic|magical]] powers or becoming [[Methuselan|Methuselans]]. Regardless of their promise of collaboration, the Falinjorin withheld much of their technology (and knowledge) and destroyed it before joining with humanity. The great gift they bestowed was the [[Kybahl Device]]. Early attempts at using it caused the death of the human crews. Unlike the later [[Ahkaydies]] drives, the original device did not include the event horizon preventing seepage of [[Voldeflus]]. These early accidents led to the first of the Methuselans. A handful also gained the ability to use magic, resulting in a few powerful individuals who have existed since this era. Transits were extremely limited until such travel was able to be made safe. In the meantime, humanity recolonized the solar system and built up substantial fleets for future expansion. >[!tldr] The era between the Falinjorin arrival and the [[Ceaseless Fray]] would later be known as The (First) Golden Age. See: [[First Era]] --- #### 2772 CE Through a process that was lost to time, humanity was able to replicate the original Kybahl device en masse (in truth, this was achieved through the secretive assistance of [[Mayckhyn]]). These new transit devices were deemed safe and humans exploded outwards across the galaxy. For the next six hundred years, thousands of colonies were established across the Orion Spur and beyond. --- #### 3624 CE Towards the outer edge of the Perseus Arm, the [[Lacir]] were encountered. While non-hostile, the discovery of a second alien species caused humanity to veer towards a defensive posture. Strangest of all, the Lacir seemed to have an affinity for humans (this was due to assistance from the Falinjorin in the past). --- #### 4384 CE Deep within the galactic core, humanity encountered the [[Yill Maingess]]. Unlike the Lacir, the [[Yill Maingess|Yims]] were completely alien. Attempts to communicate failed (or were never attempted) and they remained aloof around human ships. Humanity fortified an arc of worlds in the Centaurus Arm and made aggressive moves further into the core. Despite a lack of habitable worlds closer to the maelstrom of stars, there was a tremendous amount of resources available there. For some time, the Yims seemed to ignore humanity's advances and military buildup. The Lacir warned the humans that the Yims should be left alone and if they chose to engage with them, no assistance would be given. --- #### 4493 CE (5587 [[AR]]) >[!info] >The calendar changes here. As the beginning of the war was one of the first events that survived through the ages. Although, the dates were obfuscated and rewritten many times during the conflict. >[!tldr] The [[Second Era]] and the [[First Galactic War]] begin After a century of preparation, humanity plunged into a war with the Yill Maingess. The response was overwhelming. The Yims swept out and destroyed everything short of the Centaurus Line. This sent a shock through the human civilization. The realization that they were facing a second existential threat led to a fervor not seen since the Falinjorin advanced on Earth. A new government rose up from the scattered holdings of humanity. This new [[Sol Ascendancy]] began a campaign on two fronts. One campaign continuously probed the Yill Maingess' defenses. The other swept across human worlds who refused the join the Ascendency and brought them into the fold by force. This forced coalescence was actually the primary goal of the new government. They knew that all of humanity must be focused on the Yims if any chance at victory was possible. Behind the scenes, this was simply a power grab to build a unified empire. Once humanity was united under one banner, the Ascendency focused its attention on the core. Technology advanced quickly for a time, but a need for standardization and streamlined logistical channels caused a significant stagnation. This was known as Sustainment. For the next ~3000 years, the war raged without end. There was no victory to be seen, only a constant funnel of the combined might of humanity into the jaws of the core. Losses were erased from history again and again. The Yims pressed their sphere of control outward, overwhelming the Centaurus Line. By the end of the war, revisions to history had eliminated almost 2300 years of history, leaving archivists to believe that the war only raged for millennia. >[!info] >During the war, the [[Academy Of Archivists]] was established to maintain (and edit) history and safeguard the methods and technology of the war. --- #### 2215 AR - The Stellar Decay The war ends. The exact nature of how the war was ended was forgotten or erased from history. However, the results were the same. The Yill Maingess left the galaxy and humanity was pushed back to the Orion Spur. >[!tldr] There is no canon reason for the end of the war as of yet. However, a group of Methuselans assisted humans in finding a way to strike directly at the Yims, forcing them to leave. It took some time to recognize it, but the [[Stellar Decay]] had begun. It would be several centuries before it was fully recognized and efforts were made to understand and stop its spread. --- >[!tldr] 2215 AR to 2015 AR is known as the [[Reconfiguration]]. The [[Second Golden Age]] and the [[Third Era]] begin in 2014 AR. #### 1978 AR A group of Methuselans enter [[The Hub]] in an attempt to meet with the [[Isys’ir]] and seek an end to the Stellar Decay. [[The Bargain]] was struck and all but one of the group stayed behind in the [[Fallen City]]. >[!info] Despite these efforts, the decay reached the Orion Spur, and [[Earth]] was lost (and forgotten). On the far side of the galaxy, the [[Morocaschic|Morocaschics]] had suffered greatly from the decay. Red Dwarf stars dimmed across a greater swath of the galaxy than the hot, bright stars that humanity inhabited. They developed a form of religion to deal with the sudden loss of their preferred worlds across the galaxy. >[!info] Unknowingly, they began worshipping [[Dematicus]], who also assisted them in creating the plague. *The Morocaschic hive-mind link was able to penetrate into the Abyssal Realm and made contact with Dematicus.* For the next 1400 years, humanity's military strength waned. The Lacir remained stalwart allies and no other threats had been encountered. The [[Second Golden Age]] began in earnest. There was a renewed emphasis on expansion. With the loss of the Orion Spur and the colonies in the Centaurus Arm, humanity pushed outward towards the Lacir borders and around the circumference of the [[Dead Zone]]. Transit mathematics were greatly improved upon, extending the stable range out to around 25kly. Designs were drawn up to attempt a transit directly to the [[Andromeda Galaxy]]. Considerably more research and development was required, however. Eventually, probes were sent out to explore and test the limits. Several had been able to make a single transit about halfway to the neighboring galaxy. Later, a handful of probes were able to execute a second long range transit and reach the outer halo of Andromeda. They used the transit portal to relay information back in a similar method as [[HubComm]] is used today. The next goal was to send a fleet of ships that would attempt to gain a foothold and build a Transit Ring for effortless movement between galaxies. --- #### 637 AR A strange plague sprang up in colonies at the extreme up-spin end of humanity's territory. The cause was never determined, nor was any cure found. Rumors and fears escalated as the plague continued to spread, despite quarantines. Some speculated it was related to the war. Perhaps a delayed retaliation of the Yill Maingess. Others believed it was natural or even some kind of divine retribution for human arrogance. In truth, the Morocaschics had deeply infiltrated humanity over the past thousand years. The plague was the first step in their genocide of humankind. >[!info] >The plague proved lethal to older generations of humans (although the Methuselans were not affected, leading some to blame them). Younger generations fertility rates declined sharply. Over the next half millennia, the human population would be reduced to 10% of its peak before the outbreak. --- #### 581 AR With humanity's fear spreading faster than the plague itself, the decision was made to send the fleets to Andromeda, despite needing to make at least one stop along the way. Coordinating a group of ships was much more difficult than the single probe. Two fleets were lost to the void, having been unable to make the second transit or make their way back home. The third fleet's first transit was successful, but they did not reappear in the fifth realm at their intended location. They were considerably off course, and some of their ships had been scattered or lost. Unwilling to risk a long-range return transit, they opted to evaluate other options for returning to the Milky Way. Their last communication was bleak. The only option they had was a series of short-range return hops, but the voyage would take over 25 years. Even with their extended supplies, they would only survive a few years at best. They became known as [[The Lost Fleet]] and further attempts to reach Andromeda were canceled. --- #### ~500 to 400 AR >[!info] >In hindsight, 500 AR was set as the official start of the [[Second Galactic War]]. Even though there was no open conflict until near the end, the plague and sabotage caused irreparable damage and paved the way for [[The Collapse]]. Humanity was in a state of utter despair. The plague had spread to every corner of their territory and existed in every living human. The few children that were born were infected with the plague in the womb. Artificial gestation could produce children who were free of the plague. But as in the past, even while quarantined, the plague infected them in time. During these dark times, a spark of hope emerged. While unnamed, a religious movement emerged that was the seed of the [[Isylorian Order]]. They had a scant few healers who could use powers of [[Theomancy]] to suppress the plague and allow individuals to live out their full lives. Their efforts were too little in the grand scheme, and the eventual extinction of humanity seemed all but inevitable. For some, this era was still seen as a continuation of the golden age that had preceded it. Science and technology continued to advance. Certain cultures refused to allow themselves to be defined by the plague. These groups refused to allow millennia of human history and culture to go out on a low note. --- #### ~300 AR Waves of sabotage began to undermine the remnants of humanity. It began with minor acts. Logistics failures, political obstruction and occasionally terrorism. This was blamed on extremist groups and doomsday cults. However, this was the Morocaschic's doing. The infiltration was complete, and it heralded the next phase of their secret war. Humanity collapsed back towards their current home worlds on the outskirts of the Orion Spur. Unknown numbers of colonies and their transit rings were abandoned. The best Methuselan estimates range from tens of thousands to millions. --- #### ~50 AR Strange new aliens attacked the remaining outer human colonies. The people fled and left behind the last vestiges of humanity outside their home systems. The Morocaschics pursued the retreat through the network of [[Transit Rings]] left behind. Leading them straight into the heart of humanity's last strongholds. A plea went out to the Lacir, but they had fallen under attack by the [[Kyserian|Kyserians]] centuries earlier, and were unable to render assistance. This was part of a coordinated effort between the Kyserians and the Morocaschics to wipe both humans and Lacir from the galaxy. However, the Lacir were able to push back against the Kyserians. Forcing them back to the Norma-Outer Arm. The Kyserian advance ceased, seemingly satisfied with the territory they had regained, and the Lacir turned their forces on the Morocaschics. Something deep within the ancient genetic programming triggered within the Lacir and they ruthlessly and relentlessly attacked the Morocaschics. Quickly sweeping them from human space and continuing their campaign into the far reaches of the galaxy. What was to be the genocide of humankind turned into the near annihilation of the Morocaschic species. Thus ended the Second Galactic War. --- #### ~20 AR Humanity was ravaged and nearly lost. The Lacir lead the survivors to the [[Core Worlds]]. They explained that it was an ancient refuge for their people and we would be safe there under their watchful eye. Instances of the plague waned in the remnants of humanity. Within a generation, it was all but gone. In this time, known as the [[Great Confluence]]. The seven worlds of the [[Demetus Cluster]] were settled and humanity attempted to start over. But the losses of the war were too great and human civilization collapsed to pre-industrial levels, cut off from other worlds. Thus [[The Collapse]] was complete. --- %% ## Recorded History #### 1 [[PC]] >[!info] Calendar change >[!tldr] The [[Fourth Era]] of humankind begins Human civilization toiled to survive. Surrounded by the great [[Aloract|Aloracts]] of the past, but largely unable to find uses for the technology. A mix of light industry and agriculture sprung up across the Core Worlds. The people knew little of their great achievements and failures of the past. The [[Methuselan|Methuselans]] of this era did their best to help hold things together and educate the people. Knowing the fragility of humanity at this point, limited warfare agreements were signed between the various factions that sprung up. This prevented many large wars over resources and [[Aloract|Aloracian]] devices. Smaller skirmishes and competitive conflicts were still fought, however. Slowly, various factions absorbed their neighbors through diplomacy or force, and larger nations emerged. --- #### ~100 PC The discovery of alien technology on [[Ganamied Island]] led to the founding of [[Farport]]. Initially, many people flocked to the city for personal gain. Seeking jobs recovering what was discovered to be a crashed Kyserian [[Planet Ship]]. It didn't take long for these settlers and workers to be exploited by the fledgling nations. Farport became a city that was occupied by various forces and the people were subjected to near slave-labor conditions. --- #### 185 PC Work was ongoing to reach the stars once again. Late in this century, the first crewed missions began. The Methuselans helped reconstruct the long forgotten transit drives, which allowed humanity to reconnect with the other groups in the Core Worlds. #### 205 PC to 230 PC Contact was reestablished with the other six human worlds. Some of those cultures welcomed the explorers, while others rejected them. This sparked a few minor wars, but the Core Worlds were quickly unified. #### 300 PC In the third century, the [[Gnaltic Empire]] was born. They had used their near monopoly of trade in Farport to maneuver themselves into power. From there, they expanded militarily and quickly conquered the other Aresian nations, which had still honored the limited warfare agreements. #### 315 PC The current form of the [[Isylorian Order]] coalesced in this era as well. Many people had turned to religion during the rise of the Gnaltic Empire and brought hundreds of millions into their churches. Through an agreement with the empire, the church cemented its power. #### 350 PC [[Samalek]] began his machinations to breach the [[Abyssal Realm]]. Causing changes within the [[Voldeflus]] in [[The Hub]]. Due to this, transit and portal accidents caused a new form of altered humans to arise. The [[Amerdus]] were born from the twisted energies that seeped from Samalek's realm. The church deemed the Amerdus abominations and encouraged witch hunts across the Core Worlds. This also led to the founding of the [[Inquisition]]. Many Amerdus were wiped out, but more were able to hide amongst the populations or created underground societies. #### 500 PC The Gnaltic Empire was under strain. Attempts to control commerce caused a schism between them and the growing power of the corporations. A brief war broke out between the empire and corporate armies in 510 PC. Neither side was able to achieve a significant victory. By 530 PC, the empire's weakness was beginning to show and quickly splintered. The other human worlds declared independence, and many nations on [[Ares]] itself broke away in a civil war. --- #### 550 PC As the empire collapsed, a new power rose in [[Ludrasaria]]. The [[Severnite Alliance|Severnite Alliance]] was formed by former leaders of the empire and a large portion of the loyalist military. Some saw the alliance as nothing but a rebirth of the empire in all but name. However, they were unable to consolidate their power beyond the northern continent and their holdings on the various Core Worlds. #### 630 PC The corporations banded together and created expeditionary fleets to explore former human territory beyond the Core Worlds. Much to their surprise, it was discovered that quite a few planets had human survivors on them. Having been cut off from the rest of humanity for nearly a millennium. Many of these colonies had collapsed into agrarian and industrial level societies. Despite the worlds being habitable, the plague had taken its toll and most planets lacked vital resources that had once been easily obtainable through the transit network. Overspecialization had led to disastrous results when trade was cut off. By 650 PC, the nations of Ares followed quickly behind the corporate fleets, establishing their own footholds on these reclaimed worlds. The nations built up their own fleets, fearing the potential growth of the corporations and their near monopoly on spaceflight. #### 691 PC Tensions boiled over between the corporations and the nations of Ares. During this war, corporate forces were no match for the government armies on the ground. But they still held a significant advantage in space. The corporations shut down transit rings, denying easy transit between worlds. At this time, the various nations had a scant few ships with transit drives and completely relied on the rings to move their forces around. The corporations tightened their grip on trade and all but cut the Core Worlds off from the rest of the human occupied worlds. By 722 PC, the embargo had strangled the Core Worlds into submission. An agreement was struck between the corporations and the governments. A new organization ([[ICL|Interstellar Commerce Legislature]]) was created to facilitate trade and security among the stars. --- #### 856 PC Expansion had been rapid and largely unregulated. Thousands of new worlds were being rediscovered. This far outstripped the ability for the Core World governments or the ICL to control. Many colonies declared uncontested independence. The governments sent their own fleets to bring these colonies under control. The colonies fought back. When the ICL tried to intervene, they were attacked by both sides. The colonial wars ended in 867 PC. Government fleets bombarded several colonies, reducing some to cinders and capturing others. The ICL once again flexed its control over the transit rings and forced a truce. Many of the colonies furthest from the Core Worlds were able to maintain their independence, but the Aresian governments continued their attempts to sway them politically. --- #### 1015 PC to 1397 PC The Severnite Alliance began a cold war against the other nations, both on Ares and the Core Worlds, and beyond. Weapons of mass destruction were stockpiled on all sides as a deterrent. Dozens of proxy wars were fought and territory changed hands frequently. Many of the current governments were formed during this time. [[EBRIS]] itself had been a part of the alliance, but sought partial autonomy partway through the conflicts (1248 PC) and was recognized as its own sovereign entity by non-alliance governments. In 1397 PC, all out war erupted as the alliance continued to pressure the other governments. It was a miscalculation on their part, however, they could not match the might of the others when they consolidated their power. Between 1397 PC and 1403 PC, a terrible and bloody war was fought across all of human space. In the end, the Severnite Alliance fell. In their defeat, they unleashed their nuclear weapons and instructed their fleets to bombard enemy planets. The nuclear war lasted less than an hour on Ares, but the bombardments went on for weeks. The Severnite Alliance had positioned their ships around many opposition worlds. The current leaders of the ICL decided to only to intervene if the conflict spilled into space itself. Ships transporting ground troops were technically outside of their charter. It was simply a ruse to increase their power in the aftermath. Those transports had been equipped with orbit-to-surface strike weapons, which violated various treaties and agreements of the time. But the Severnite Alliance was in full collapse, and their ships were given final orders to wreak as much havoc as possible before the end. The results were horrendous. Hundred of worlds were bombarded, many reduced to uninhabitable hellscapes. On Ares, many of the old capital cities and military installations were engulfed in nuclear fire. Billions died. The Severnite Alliance was shattered, and its leaders executed. A provisional government was set up to oversee the former alliance territories, with EBRIS acting as an intermediary. Late in 1403, the [[Orbital Strike Treaty]] was ratified. The ICL seem as having failed in its duty, was dissolved and its assets were disseminated among the governments and a few independent groups. --- #### 1403 PC to 1800 PC >[!info] >This era became known as the [[Dark Centuries]]. In the aftermath of the war, humanity entered into a period of rebuilding. The church seized the opportunity to sweep in and bring most of humanity into their influence. For several hundred years, many people lived lives of subsistence. The war had done enough damage that humanity was in part, back on its heels. This was a position they had sought to avoid since the Collapse. --- ## The Recent Past #### ~1600 PC The [[Isylorian Order]] began building its cathedrals. Beginning in the theocratic state of the [[Viltorian Combine]], expanding the construction to all the new capitals by 2080 PC. #### ~1800 PC The church militarized the [[Inquisition]], attempting to enforce church doctrine across human civilization. EBRIS was the only government to oppose their mission. Which has resulted in a political rift between the two to this day. EBRIS used its portion of the ICL remnant fleet to explore further out into space, discovering many more lost and abandoned worlds from humanity's peak. #### 1952 PC EBRIS annexes the old alliance territory, expanding their holdings across all of [[Ludrasaria]]. #### 1997 PC A coup occurred within the EBRIS government, beginning a civil war that would last decades. #### 2029 PC The EBRIS civil war ended and the western half of the continent was ceded to the rebels. Two years later (2031 PC), a new government calling itself [[Northern Bloc]], emerged. There were fears that this new government was essentially the same as the old Severnite Alliance, but they sent out envoys to broker peace treaties and established a portion of [[Aracosa Island]] as an autonomous region ([[Aracosa Autonomous Zone]]). Courting the corporations and the church to build their headquarters there. None refused, seeing it as an opportunity to hold sway over the fledgling, and potentially problematic government. #### ~2050 PC Waves of sabotage and revolts began afflicting the outer colonies. This was later revealed to be the work of Morocaschic remnants. The alien agitators had remained subtle for millennia, but now sought to disrupt things on a larger scale. [[Morocaschic Factions|Atoumal]] [[Morocaschic]] hardliners were pushing for a renewed war against the humans, despite their small and scattered numbers. --- #### 2146 PC EBRIS scouts encountered the Lacir and reestablished communication with them. In the down-spin extremes of human space, several colonies were found with human survivors from before the Second Galactic War. Some were barely holding on after being cut off for millennia. Others were somewhat stable and had maintained some of their ancient technology. A few were found to be under the control of Morocaschics, who had chosen to remain hidden since the war. #### 2189 PC [[Northern Bloc]] and EBRIS repair their relations and become close allies, forming a defensive compact. Despite their prior disagreements, the two were more alike than the other Aresian governments. #### 2190 PC The [[Saigatani Federation]] organized the founding of [[TASCOM]]. Which was intended to resume the role of the former ICL. This new semi-autonomous organization is funded and tasked by a committee comprising all the Aresian governments and even some independent colonies in the [[Outer Expansion Zone]]. --- #### 2202 PC A joint [[EBRIS]]/[[TASCOM]] expeditionary force discovers a frozen world with ruins dating back over 15,000 years. A huge energy source drew their attention to a bunker built within a tremendous mountain range. Deep within the facility, they discovered a device similar to the [[Ahkaydies]] drive, but larger and hooked up to long decayed machinery. The device was removed and brought back to Ares. >[!info] >Yes, this is [[Earth]]. Later scientists would propose that this may have been the original human home world based on the age of the ruins. They are the oldest ever discovere. But there is still some debate, due to a lack of any further expeditions into the [[Dead Zone]]. #### 2253 PC After a half century of tinkering with the device, EBRIS scientists, and a contingent of Methuselans, activated it. They inadvertently opened a [[Naked Portal]]. The resulting [[Flux Event]] warped the entire city of Kyrobinsk. EBRIS responded by nuking the city and killing everyone and everything that tried to leave. The [[Kybahl Device]] itself, unharmed by the blast, was later recovered. The device was given to Northern Bloc, as EBRIS wanted no further involvement with it. Relocating it to a research facility in [[Highland]]. #### 2275 PC The [[Deitech]] Corporation was founded in the [[United Republic Of Mercaulis]]. It was a conglomerate of several companies who were experimenting with [[Inter-Realm Construct]]s and flux infused technology. #### 2280 PC [[Nordmauer Industries]] was founded in Northern Bloc, becoming a primary defense contractor and headed up their flux research. They began construction of the [[Nordmauer Mountain Complex]] and restarted experiments with the Kybahl Device in Highland. #### ~2300 PC Instability on various colonies continued. While extremely subtle, the sabotage was very disruptive. Investigations into the agitators turned up very little, however. Minor skirmishes were fought over Aresian holdings on several key colony worlds. [[TASCOM]] moved to ensure that the agreements of the [[Orbital Strike Treaty]] were adhered to. TASCOM expeditionary fleets explored further up and down-spin along the Perseus Arm. Venturing further coreward proved fruitless, as the dead zone was truly dead. Many abandoned transit rings were found and stripped of their Ahkaydies devices. --- ## The Modern Era #### 2340 PC [[Morocaschic]] remnants were discovered on several colonies and identified as the likely cause of the colonial instability throughout the fourth age. Many colonies in the [[Outer Expansion Zone]] were suing for independence. The Aresian governments feared losing control and suspected Morocaschic influence. Using the Morocaschic as an excuse, [[TASCOM]] was tasked with preventing civil uprisings off world. [[EBRIS]] offered up their armies as ground forces to quell things on the ground. Backed by the governments, the [[Consolidation Wars]] began. EBRIS forces were notoriously brutal in their purges of Morocaschic remnants, sometimes rounding up entire populations and subjecting them to examinations. If the aliens could not be identified on particularly rebellious planets, scorched earth tactics were used. Entire cities were destroyed in the name of rooting out the infiltrators. --- #### 2350 PC [[Nordmauer Industries]], [[Deitech]] (attachés), and a cohort of [[Methuselan|Methuselans]] activated the [[Kybahl Device]] in [[Highland]]. This created a naked portal directly into [[The Hub]]. A scouting party entered into the endless grassy plain and began to explore their surroundings. Shortly thereafter, the scouting party was attacked by [[Arderaphim]]. Invisible to the humans who were there, the lesser divines tore apart several members of the scouting party. The ones that made it back through the portal were mumbling about, "Teeth and claws." The portal remained open for 17 minutes. [[Voldeflus]] flowed freely into the [[Fifth Realm]] for the entire duration. Washing out over [[Ares]], most of the population was affected in one way or another. However, the most concentrated effects were only felt close to the portal itself. The city was warped and twisted along with many of its inhabitants. This resulted in not only many strange creatures being created by the interaction with the voldeflus and any [[Ashkions]] who escaped through the portal were converted into [[Hazraadim]]. The facility and its personnel were lost as well. The Methuselans were affected to a lesser extent and retrieved by joint Nordmauer and Northern Bloc teams. The Kybahl Device was taken to the [[Nordmauer Mountain Complex]] for further study. >[!info] >[[Olivia Harris]] was put in charge of Special Projects Group 41 at [[Genarren]]. --- #### 2360 PC The [[Consolidation Wars]] came to a close. EBRIS forces were given a hero's welcome. However, the strain of the conflict led to their collapse as a major power. They still remain their sovereignty, but are highly dependent on their alliance with Northern Bloc. The President of the [[United Republic Of Mercaulis]] was assassinated. #### 2362 PC [[Eckhardt Clay]] was appointed to the [[Oberseher Direktorat]]. #### 2363 PC [[San Reales]] was catastrophically damaged by a [[Essence|Flux]] infused bomb ([[Flux Bomb]]). The [[Freeworlders]] are blamed. However, various groups publicly denied any involvement. Due to the decentralized nature of their movement, there was no way to be sure if they were involved or not. >[!info] >This was actually a combination of an accident and a warning to the URM government orchestrated by [[Deitech]], who were under threat of nationalization. The bomb was intended to be a small blast which could be blamed on terrorist activity. However, a major [[Flux Storm]] was going on at the time and increased the power of the bomb by several orders of magnitude. Fortunately for the corporation, all evidence of their involvement was destroyed by the blast. #### 2371 PC The [[Inquisition]] wiped out the last remnants of the 3rd Order of [[Amerdus]]. #### 2372 PC [[United Republic Of Mercaulis]] President was assassinated at his inauguration. [[Viltorian Combine]] religious extremists claimed credit. Minor skirmishes occurred between the two nations on [[Ares]]. Off-world, the URM attacked and seized several Combine colonies. This created increased and ongoing political tension between the two nations. #### 2373 PC [[Kybahl Device]] experiments resumed at the [[Nordmauer Mountain Complex]]. #### 2375 PC The [[Cartel]] led to an embargo against the [[Deitech]] Corporation. Many of their [[Essence|Flux]] infused products were seen as a threat to conventional tech and would destabilize the economic balance. The [[Saigatani Federation]], [[Northern Bloc]], [[EBRIS]] and the [[United Republic Of Mercaulis]] backed the embargo. The [[Isylorian Order]] also showed public support, but continued to buy Deitech weapons for their unique properties. [[NOMAD]] was formed from the [[Special Recon Force]] and the [[Interagency Security Force]]. >[!info] >[[Martin Forscythe]] and [[Larkin Biske]] were some of the earliest recruits to the new unit. #### 2378 PC [[Deitech]] secretly built research facilities in [[Baird's Expanse]]. [[Ryan Patterson]] left the [[TASCOM]] navy and joins the [[Northern Bloc]] army. --- #### 2379 PC [[Jeff Faulkner]] was recruited to [[NOMAD]]. Director [[Eckhardt Clay]] pushed for a resolution to shut down the [[Deitech]] Corporation forcibly. They were accused of working with the [[Black Market]] to get around the embargo, as well as aiding the [[Freeworlders]] (both are true). The public face of [[Deitech]] was wiped out in one night of raids by [[Northern Bloc]] and the [[Cartel]]. Many secret facilities were missed, however, and continued their work on [[Inter-Realm Construct]]s. >[!warning]- Spoilers >Deitech, aided by a manifestation of [[Samalek]], was attempting to connect their constructs directly to [[The Hub]] and the [[Abyssal Realm]]. --- #### 2380 PC [[NOMAD]] pulled many of the best field agents from the [[Department of Intelligence Services]]. [[Liz Westman]] and [[Ashley Warwick]] were recruited to [[NOMAD]]. [[Rottercam]] took over the old [[Deitech]] headquarters at the south end of the [[Corporate Park]]. With promises to root out terrorism and quell the civil disobedience, [[Giles Montgomery]] rose in popularity within the senate. #### 2382 PC [[Ryan Patterson]] was recruited to [[NOMAD]]. #### 2384 PC [[NOMAD]] was tasked with domestic counterterrorism operations. Pulling their units back from overseas and off-world. --- #### 2385 PC (Current Year) Senator [[Giles Montgomery]] is up for reappointment in 2386. Using [[NOMAD]] as his personal strike force, he assigns [[NOMAD Group 1]] to [[Calcinam]] and Group 3 to [[Jamestown]]. >[!info] >NOMAD Group 2 was assigned to duties outside the country. They have their own narrative which is currently unused. --- #### 2386 PC >[!warning]- Schattenkrieg Novel Spoilers >The Schattenkrieg erupts (events of the book). Everywhere is now plagued by Abyssal creatures formed from humans, machines, wildlife and physical manifestations of Arderaphim. > >Jamestown is nearly wiped out by orbital bombardment from the Kyserian (along with several other major cities). > >Aracosa Island becomes a war zone between the NB army and corporate forces. They fight to a stalemate. Without NOMAD to take out the senior leadership, they put up more of a fight than Montgomery had anticipated. > >The STF corporations beat back the rebellion there, leading to a corporate authoritarian government led by the new Saigatani Cartel. They have struggled with the loss of population during the war and the Cartel is struggling with a lack of actual commerce, much like the corporations in NB and elsewhere. > >The URM and VC are both locked in conflict with Kyserian forces roaming through their territory. > >EBRIS was bombarded heavily and has become an isolationist country. > >TASCOM lost around 80% of their fleet, mostly the transport vessels, cutting trade between the colonies considerably. The Kyserian and the BWA were able to overthrow most of the colonies in the OEZ, but as expected, the Kyserian enslaved the populations and began setting up new strongholds on those planets. > >The Lacir took the brunt of the Kyserian attacks, pursuing them to Ares and some have engaged them on the ground. Their empire is still largely intact, but they are more cautious about how they approach future engagements. > >Many other colony worlds are simply cut off after TASCOM losing much of its trade fleet. Those that were not self sufficient are collapsing and people are fleeing on what ships they are able to find. > >The main Core Worlds colonies suffered similar assaults and problems with the monsters created by the Abyssal Energy. --- #### 2408 PC (Current Year - Post Schattenkrieg) >[!info] Nothing is officially set in stone for this era yet. %%