[OS] Omega Star
Aug 29, 2019 2:13:59 GMT -6
Post by Burger Warrior on Aug 29, 2019 2:13:59 GMT -6
[Please note that this setting is an active work-in-progress and, while unlikely, its contents are subject to change]
OMEGA STAR
The center of the Omicron Galaxy as well as the bringer of life, warmth, and energy to the universe. The Omega Star has hung in the dark void of space for longer than written history has recorded, shattered by ancient events of a scale that can only be imagined. The galaxy it watches and bathes in its precious Omega Energy has seen countless struggles, upheavals, revelations, and rebirths in the millennia since. The rise of the Velikar Empire, the Galorian Crusades, the formation of the Ahain Alliance, the mass-exodus to the Outer Reach and ultimately, in recent times, the emergence and conquests of the Chohnin Dominion mark some of the most notable events in the galaxy's history.
In modern times, the Omega Star is surrounded by a grip of iron, the Chohnin Dominion having secured space for light years around the precious space-borne body. Worshipping it as a god, they have pushed outwards into the other sectors of the galaxy with zealous abandon. These invasions have led to them seizing great swathes of territory from the young Outer Reach, the struggling Ahain Alliance, the old Velikar Imperial Remnant, the Thethidell Realms, and the Galorian Kingdoms. Strife internal and external has weakened the responses of the many factions calling Omicron home, leaving few to give the Dominion much of a fight.
These are dark days for the Omicron Galaxy and the Omega Star. Will you shine a light, adventurer?
-----
Omega Star is a setting that I fondly refer to as science-fantasy: it takes place in a future with advanced technology - robots, spaceships, lasers, planet-destroying WMDs, the like - as well as elements of fantasy like forms of magic, spiritual empowerment, knights and dragons, as well as melee combat :v
...Mostly because of the magical element and the disregard for hard science, though.
So, grab your trusty blaster pistol, climb aboard your rusty star freighter, pack a few thermal detonators and glow’s radiance don’t forget to fasten your seat belt before take-off!
-----
Omega Energy
To that end, you might be wondering how everything runs if we’re discarding hard science. If you’re thinking ‘well he couldn’t seriously be considering magic!’ then you’re technically wrong. And technically not wrong. The Omega Star is ultimately the source of all energy used that is widely used in the Omicron Galaxy, shedding energy across space to be absorbed - or ‘reflected’, as the technical term goes - by a variety of elements across a hundred worlds. These materials, often taking the form of crystals, are then shaped and plugged into all manner of starships, weapons, toasters, computers, etc. for general use. Certain elements and conditions form better molecular structures for ‘reflecting’ the Omega Star’s energy, the purest holding enough energy at once to run titanic capital ships and floating cities. Most materials that reflect the Omega’s light can be recharged with proper exposure.
The Dominion are rumored to have discovered a different method of ‘refining’ the Omega Star’s energy, which would explain their obsession with the celestial body; as well as their pursuit of Omega Star shards and folks living nearby them. This would also help shed a light on their terrifying technology, and the destructive abilities they wield as a result.
Further, there is a rare and complex method to gain what is known to be the ultimate power in the universe. Since its Shattering, the Omega Star’s shards have been spread far and wide, each with some semblance of its own will and a desire to bond with a sentient being. Whether metal or flesh, if a creature seizes an Omega shard with their bare hand and the shard ‘chooses’ them (via a criteria that no scientist has yet been able to explain) and will bond, providing that being with their full and unsullied power. In ancient times this led to the birth of gods and nations. In modern times, there are very few known to have bonded with the remaining Omega shards in the galaxy, and most are killed or captured before they can get near to mastering their newfound powers.
However, should one survive and learn to wield the amazing energy contained within their bonded shard, they will have enough power to shape the fate of nations: perhaps even the entire galaxy.
The Dominion are rumored to have discovered a different method of ‘refining’ the Omega Star’s energy, which would explain their obsession with the celestial body; as well as their pursuit of Omega Star shards and folks living nearby them. This would also help shed a light on their terrifying technology, and the destructive abilities they wield as a result.
Further, there is a rare and complex method to gain what is known to be the ultimate power in the universe. Since its Shattering, the Omega Star’s shards have been spread far and wide, each with some semblance of its own will and a desire to bond with a sentient being. Whether metal or flesh, if a creature seizes an Omega shard with their bare hand and the shard ‘chooses’ them (via a criteria that no scientist has yet been able to explain) and will bond, providing that being with their full and unsullied power. In ancient times this led to the birth of gods and nations. In modern times, there are very few known to have bonded with the remaining Omega shards in the galaxy, and most are killed or captured before they can get near to mastering their newfound powers.
However, should one survive and learn to wield the amazing energy contained within their bonded shard, they will have enough power to shape the fate of nations: perhaps even the entire galaxy.
-----
Omicron
The Omicron Galaxy is home to the Omega Star and many billions of sentient beings, separated into six distinct sectors. Each sector plays host to both unique outlooks on life and the universe as well as some communities that extend across the whole galaxy.
---
The Outer Reach
Yee haw, partner. Things get wild out in the solar south-east.
Sometimes a man has got to give his troubles a break and find new ones. The Outer Reach is a region of space only properly explored in the last century or two; so most worlds in it have some colonial presence, but events elsewhere in Omicron have slowed the growth of proper civilization. To fill the power vacuum makeshift law enforcements, merchant cults, criminal organizations, the occasional research group, and religious representatives alike have flocked to the wild solar south-east to bring some semblance of order to the freedom-seeking masses. Whether they will ever succeed is anyone’s guess.
Refugees and adventurers alike travel between the stars here, often pursued by Dominion agents as the Chohnin steadily increase their presence in the region. The relatively high concentration of untouched Omega Star shards in the Outer Reach. It is a poorly-kept secret that anytime these valuable crystals are discovered, dozens if not hundreds of locals find themselves seized by the Dominion’s thugs…
The Outer Reach is home to several major worlds which form a network of popular destinations:
Azharit’s Thunder: A gas giant marking the north-western border of the Outer Reach, its tumultuous storms have led to many failed attempts at colonization. A suspicious rise in Dominion traffic in the area suggests that someone finally succeeded, however.
Araimal’s Damnation: A jungle world filled with some of the most dangerous flora and megafauna in the Omicron Galaxy. Thethidell druids might once have considered this hellhole a possible home, but Dominion occupiers have led to what is practically a war with the local predators.
Qogran’s Resolve: A frozen ice ball in space, this world is home to a unique species of gigantic alien worm that have interesting properties regarding Omega Energy reflection. This singular feature has brought many scientific teams to the world’s inhospitable surface… and some down the gullets of the titanic beasts they are so fascinated by.
Gnarth’s Folly: A bleak backwater of a planet, Gnarth’s Folly is most well-known as the first stop for most newcomers into the Outer Reach. It is also a stronghold for the largest Dominion garrison in the sector.
Elias’ Fortune: The most heavily urbanized world in the Outer Reach, Elias’ Fortune is a planet covered in mighty cities crowned by towering skyscrapers. Founded by members of the infamous Eszoh Family, it is a central place for trade in the region and well-known to quarter important members of the merchant family. It is also a hotbed for criminals, suspected to host many members of Kelly’s Gambit.
Nubvan’s Cluster: A grouping of planetoids and asteroids of all sizes, gathered close enough to provide a semblance of atmosphere and gravity. Many more asteroids drift through this area, making it a gathering point for those who choose to travel the old-fashioned way. It is generally considered good neutral ground for more illicit deals, too.
Mitsurugi’s Armory: The aging home base for the L.A.W. and its operatives, this space station hangs around a dense asteroid field littered with a variety of defense systems. What the old place lacks in sleek technology and speedy pursuit craft it more than makes up for with a huge variety of gruff, tough, trigger-happy cops itching for a fight.
Duxan’s Rock: While the surface of Duxan’s Rock has been scoured of all life, the endless networks of caverns below are all but devoid of the living. It also hides a great many valuable minerals in these caves, though its initial settlers have found themselves struggling against the Eszoh Family’s claims on said resources, not to mention the world’s natives.
Tulass and Tarker: Tulass is a world completely engulfed in incredibly toxic gasses, making any attempts to colonize it a fool’s errand. However, its moon, Tarker, is in an excellent position to host scientists and fortune-seekers alike who launch regular expeditions to collect valuable samples and useful material from Tulass.
Lucille’s Nook: A planet of dense fogs and humid swamps, Lucille’s Nook is a popular hiding place for all manner of pirates, pickpockets, burglars and career criminals. There is doubtless a major concentration of Kelly’s Gambit on this world, but flushing them out is a task that is considered to be utterly impossible.
Hajamir’s Sweep: Ever-shifting sands, a scorching sun, and a serious pirate infestation summarize Hajamir’s Sweep pretty effectively. All things that would normally keep ordinary folks and researchers alike at bay, if it weren’t for the nebulous tides of sand occasionally revealing well-preserved ruins. Thus, many groups seeking answers of the true nature of the Omega Star and its Shattering flock here to brave the dangers and fight each other to find the answer first.
Brite’s Shadow: Few planets have the misfortune to be locked in rotation, and Brite’s Shadow is one of them. Those who call this rock home find a comfortable living on its ‘twilight strip’, with only a few brave souls daring to journey out into the sun-blasted wastes of its daylight side or the eternal tundras of its nighttime side. There is good reason, however, to make these trips: the fauna and flora unique to these regions possess many strange and useful properties, and fetch a good price on the galactic market.
Oreik’s Titan: A gas giant like Azharit’s Thunder, Oreik’s Titan is far more colonized by independent parties. Its floating cities are designed to gather useful elements from the planet’s gas clouds, offering its citizens a constant supply of resources to bargain with. Some research groups have set up shop here, designing specialized suits to explore the depths of the calm Titan’s clouds in search for knowledge hidden beyond sensor range.
New Strogonar: The bountiful world of New Strogonar is home to a people displaced from an old home now in the tight clutches of the Chohnin Dominion. Despite the terrible danger the natives of this new planet bring, the headstrong Strogonians have pushed on to carve out a new home and harvest its bounty despite the risks.
Alura’s Mirror: Hovering at the very edge of the Omicron Galaxy, balanced between the homely lights of the stars and the boundless abyss, this crystalline planet glows faintly with the energy its surface reflects from the Omega Star. It has become a gathering place for eastern Glowbringers seeking to commune with their deity more closely, and some claim to find connections with others across the galaxy through the living energies of Alura’s Mirror.
[/spoiler]---
The Ahain Alliance
Whatever you might think of democracy, you can't say the Alliance isn't giving the Dominion a run for its money. 'Least, they're trying.
Held up in the solar south-west, the Ahain Alliance is not a particularly young republic. Formed centuries ago, the Alliance has been a haven for those seeking refuge from the galaxy's conflicts or those seeking to have their voices heard. Unfortunately, what with the rise of the Chohnin Dominion and their conquest of dozens of Ahain worlds, it is hard to consider it a safe hiding place; now it struggles to be one of the galaxy's few bastions against the Dominion's onslaught. So far, that hasn't exactly gone well for them, and the region is to be considered in three sub-sectors as a result. The worlds nearest Dominion territory have all but fallen, heavily occupied by Chohnin forces as they are, but are known to have tenacious resistance movements that make the Dominion's pen-pushers reluctant to include these planets in the Omega sector. Beyond these 'Occupied' worlds lie the 'Contested' systems; a series of planets that actively struggle with Chohnin invasion forces be it in full-on war, resisting a blockade; or suffering from commandos, sabotage, and skirmishes. Beyond the Contested worlds are the famed 'Haven' systems, renowned for their culture, trade, art, and democracy: while they are not without their own internal issues, these planets are entirely free of the Dominion threat for now.
[WIP]
[WIP]
The Ahain Alliance
Whatever you might think of democracy, you can't say the Alliance isn't giving the Dominion a run for its money. 'Least, they're trying.
Held up in the solar south-west, the Ahain Alliance is not a particularly young republic. Formed centuries ago, the Alliance has been a haven for those seeking refuge from the galaxy's conflicts or those seeking to have their voices heard. Unfortunately, what with the rise of the Chohnin Dominion and their conquest of dozens of Ahain worlds, it is hard to consider it a safe hiding place; now it struggles to be one of the galaxy's few bastions against the Dominion's onslaught. So far, that hasn't exactly gone well for them, and the region is to be considered in three sub-sectors as a result. The worlds nearest Dominion territory have all but fallen, heavily occupied by Chohnin forces as they are, but are known to have tenacious resistance movements that make the Dominion's pen-pushers reluctant to include these planets in the Omega sector. Beyond these 'Occupied' worlds lie the 'Contested' systems; a series of planets that actively struggle with Chohnin invasion forces be it in full-on war, resisting a blockade; or suffering from commandos, sabotage, and skirmishes. Beyond the Contested worlds are the famed 'Haven' systems, renowned for their culture, trade, art, and democracy: while they are not without their own internal issues, these planets are entirely free of the Dominion threat for now.
[WIP]
[WIP]
