The Galaxy Compendium

[Captain Galaxy]

Just gonna leave this here for reference considering the setting of my current "Galactic Adventure." For now, this is only a brief summary of important things. Later I will add more in-depth but brief articles concerning races, FTL tech, other technologies, governing bodies, histories etc...

The Galaxy

Throughout the universe, the Galaxy is called the Night Stream Galaxy, only to humanity is it known as the Milky Way.

As it turns out, the galaxy is not as empty as expected, but rather, full of a number of diverse and unique alien races. Governing these societies, is a uniformed consortium named the Intragalactic Systems Alliance. It was first established by the Akras and the Vestia not long after their peaceful first contact. Its mission is peace, and its purpose is to establish contact with and induct species that have achieved FTL technologies. The following relevant time-line is in earth years. The year is 3081.

EY 1588: The Akras leave their homeworld of Vellamo in search of new habitable worlds.
EY 1621: The Akras make peaceful contact with the Vestia.
EY 1645: The Intragalactic Systems Alliance is established and Nodacrux made capitol.
EY 1886: Humanity is discovered, but uncontacted due to their primitive technology.
EY 2070: The Ilmater Constructs are discovered aboard their Second Ark.
EY 2168: The branch of humanity that is to become the Olam Emperium leaves the earth and establishes Khadash Olam.
EY 2199: The Ilmater Constructs are given full sentience and accepted into ISA societies.
EY 2781: Despite already having a considerable presence in galactic space, humanity is finally contacted.
EY 2811: Humanity is inducted into the ISA.
EY 2966: Humanity makes first contact with the Lotan, accidentally triggering a brief interstellar war.
EY 2988: The Lotan join the ISA.

The Five Notable Species (a simple distinction):
Akras: A humanoid species with metaphysical abilities. Most notably, they are distinguished by tentacles surmounting their head that double as "hair". They are the premier race of the galaxy.

Humanity: Mankind is divided into two different species, one being the genetically enhanced species that dominates Earth, the other being the species that rejected Genetic Doctrine and colonized the planet known as Khadash Olam.

Lotan: Relatively new to the galactic community, Lotans are defined by their lack of nomenclature, and their manipulation of organic material. They have a humanoid shape and most known for their space-faring organic vessels, the Leviathans.

Ilmater Constructs: The synthetic creations of the mythical Ilmater, Constructs were once found drifting in a massive derelict vessel, and have since become productive members of the galactic community. A completely advanced AI community, their components are put together more like an organism's than a machine's.

Vestia: A species of green skin color, defined by their strong humanoid appearance with reptilian features. They rival the Akras in military power, respect and population numbers.

Notable Planets:
Alliance Capitol:
Nodacrux, Solcrum System, Norma Sector, Scutum-Crux Arm

Humanity:
Homeworld: Earth, Solar System, Orion-Auriga Sector, Orion Spur, Perseus Arm

Olam Empire: Khadash Olam, Kottintontu System, Cassiopeia Sector, Perseus Rim

Lotan:
Homeworld: Lotan, Tarsus System, Aquila Sector, Norma Arm.
Other: Tapio, Tarsus System, Aquila Sector, Norma Arm

SC1 (Ilmater Constructs):
Location: Expanded to other Systems, All Spiral Arms.
Location Found: Tellervo System, Sagittarius Sector, Perseus Arm

Akras:
Homeworld: Vellamo, Loviatar System, Norma Sector, Carina-Sagittarius Arm.
Other: Amada, Loviatar System, Norma Sector, Carina-Sagittarius Arm.

Vestia:
Homeworld: Aysur, Farinata System, Centaur Sector, Carina-Sagittarius Arm.

A Map of Key Galaxy Locations (will be updated as episodes emerge):

[Captain Galaxy]

All known sapient races in the galaxy have joined the Intragalactic Systems Alliance, commonly referred to as the ISA. It was established shortly after the Akras and the Vestia made a peaceful first contact. Its capitol is on Nodacrux, a heavily guarded planet that is the center of most, if not all galactic entities, be they organizations, corporations or governments.

Leadership
At the head of the ISA is a team that includes a representative from each member nation, who is effectively that nation's advocate and ambassador. Currently, each race aside from humanity is unified into one respective nation. To ensure equality, each race has a representative with power equal to every other individual representative. This has ensured that there is no bias in political problems, as each member has a vote and say even if a problem only addresses two species. However, because humanity is splintered into two nations, the Terran Systems and the Olam Emperium, power is sometimes seen as unequally distributed in favor of humans. Administrators are allowed to serve until it is deemed that they do not fairly and equally serve the needs of the galactic community, either by the leadership itself or by their respective nations.

Structure
Typically, problems are addressed only if they are present on a galactic scale. For the most part, each nation is allowed to handle its own problems. Likewise, a planetary government system, while being part of the larger galactic community, is allowed to handle its own problems as seen fit to their respective social and cultural views. Only if a problem is seen as a threat to galactic stability, or if it is a dispute between two planetary bodies, does the ISA interfere.

Galactic issues are usually addressed and solved at the Pinnacle Tower, the tallest building on Nodacrux. It houses leadership chambers and is the site for the Pinnacle Court where representatives of all planets meet to discuss politics amongst themselves, and bring forward issues that require Leadership attention.

Current Galactic Leaders:
In representation of the Akras: Administrator Sila Ullis, a respected and notable Vellamo native in her monarch stage. When she reached her monarch stage, Adminstrator Ullus wished to join the ruling party on her homeworld of Vellamo. However, considering her remarkable beauty, sensibility, and intelligence, she was deemed as the best representation of the Akran species by Vellamo leadership. Although unprepared for the opportunity, Ullis took the job nonetheless out of the desire to serve her people as best she could. She serves nobly in the leadership, giving all races fair consideration, and is unassuming of her beauty, unlike Administrator Briem. She always urges she be addressed simply as Sila.

In representation of the Vestia: Administrator Hurid, a legendary warrior amongst his people, native to Aysur. Due to the social and cultural background of his people, Hurid has the greatest expertise and experience in solving military conflicts. However, this also lends to him being rather drastic in his proposed solutions to problems, which are very rarely ever voted for. Nonetheless, he is greatly revered and respected for his military prowess by the galactic community.

In representation of the Olam Emperium: Administrator Arnold De Tremelay, rumored Grand Master of the mythical Paladin Monastery. A native to the planet Khadash Olam, De Tremelay is the quietest member of the leadership, often observing more than suggesting. He is well-liked by all of its members, with the exception of Briem, and is often described as a man of statuesque physique and stance. As is expected he takes to heart the notion that all ISA nations deserve equal attention.

In representation of the Terran Systems: Adminstrator Isabella Briem, "Princess" of planet Earth and prophesied Instigator of Man's Destiny. Known for her usually extravagant attire, an unnaturally beautiful, albeit uncannily, woman at the age of 25, Administrator Briem was chosen as Earth's representative by her father, The Emperor Grissom Archer. Due to her social and cultural background, she is frequently at odds with Administrator De Tremelay, whom she considers a barbaric, lowly individual, in contrast to her "noble and queenly" upbringing and genetic heritage.

In representation of Synthetic Community 1 (Ilmater Contructs): Administrator Construct 33, also known as Messiah. Up until humanity joined the leadership, Construct 33 was referred to by that name. Afterwards, he was jokingly addressed as Jesus by human members, due to the religious significance of his Construct number. Deemed too inappropriate for the seriousness of Galactic matters by the rest of the leadership, he was renamed Messiah, though the name Jesus, and other names that refer to the biblical figure, are still sometimes used to address him. Considering that his "race" does not have a permanent home, he concerns himself mostly with ensuring that fellow Constructs are treated with respect and equality in the planets that they share with other races. Currently, his social-political stance is to encourage Constructs to find a new world to call home.

In representation of the Lotan: Administrator T12ISLF1, a female commonly referred to as Isla. Given the Lotan's view of equality and sameness, they immediately took to the idea of a person that would embody their whole species in representation. What was hard was deciding whom that person would be. Considered a poster-female of her species, Isla has done it all: aided her fellow members in the manufacturing of new creations, created better children with a fellow Lotan, and served aboard a Leviathan as an Avatar. She is often the first to successfully suggest a both peaceful and feasible solution to most problems.

[Muramasa]

Wow, that is very comprehensive for a M2M scenario. I was already looking forward to the next meeting, but this does bolster my excitement.

(That being said, I only glossed over it, I'll go over it more carefully later for a more thorough look)


Oh, can you PM me my personal character information? Thanks a bunch, man.

[Captain Galaxy]

Yeah, it isn't just for my own satisfaction, I think some of the entries I will submit later on will really help you guys take more initiative in the upcoming episodes. I really want you guys to think and act like a real crew and have enough stuff to learned to be immersed. Its just another way in which I am doing this different, and to provide a new yet intriguing form to narrate this.

[Inaaca]

Man, this is awesome. I'm glad you took the extra time to really do this.

On another note, I'm working on some character sketches, but the descriptions you gave me still leave some questions. I'd like to smooth those out in a live chat sometime.

[Captain Galaxy]

Yeah, just call me when you're free, cause I'm free most of the time, and so we'll skype it up.

[Captain Galaxy]

Intragalactic Systems' Fleet

The ISF is the Intragalactic Systems Alliance's permanent military operation. It exemplifies and promotes the Leadership's standing philosophy of goodwill and peacekeeping. Given this, the ISF accepts and encourages members of all races to join and serve. It is currently the largest single fleet in the known Galaxy. In an effort to maintain a neutral and fair police force, members of the ISF are sworn to answer only to the Leadership itself, of which whose members are in turn sworn to put aside all bias and identity in the interests of galactic peace.

The ISF is organized into two branches: the Navy and the Infantry. Though it is called a fleet, both traditional naval and infantry customs are integrated into its structure of command. Furthermore, as the chain of command rises, distinction between navy and infantry is virtually extinguished. To clarify, there is no distinction between Admiral or General, and any individual holding that position may choose to be referred to by either title. In addition, such individual is required to attend the ISF's Unified Military Academy to even be considered for an Officer's rank.

In field operations, infantry members are usually given tactical priority; in theory, all the vessels of an entire flotilla may be at the disposal of a unit as small as a squad. This privilege is given based on the nature of combat: a foot soldier fights on the frontlines, where a pilot does not. The only exception to this rule occurs when two opposing fleets are in orbital combat, at which case at least one gunship is assigned to assist an infantry unit.

The ISV Sanction
First suggested by a human leader, the ISV Sanction is based on the idea of a knight errant and vessels given this privilege function much like a privateer. The purpose of the ISV Sanction is simple, to commission crews that have demonstrated exceptional service and shown strong dedication to upholding the ISA's values. Crews given this honor are allowed to act independently of the ISF, but must nonetheless uphold the law and values of the ISA. The 'Vessel' in the designation Intragalactic Systems Vessel takes on a new meaning for ships under this sanction.

Crews that have achieved this special sanction are awarded the use of frigates that employ the latest technologies in military sciences. It is a very rare but powerful commission. These commissions last as long as 70% of the original commanding crew are in service. Current ISVs in operation:

ISV Cavalier
ISV Praetorian
ISV Paladin
ISV Bogatyr
ISV Cataphract

Rank and File
The ISF chain of command ranks members more as a group than as individuals. There are only three levels of command in the ISF: Servicemen, Officers and Commanders. Titles like lieutenant, major, or corporal are considered trivial, as individual initiative knows no rank. Only commissioned officers such as Captain, Colonel, or Admiral are considered firm ranks. Individuals holding these ranks may then organize their personnel, assigning titles and commissions as they see fit. Any member at any level can be considered for these ranks. The Supreme Commander of the ISF is called the Sky Marshall, a position that can only be filled by an individual with sufficient infantry and naval experience. He answers only to the Leadership.


Other Fleets:
Every nation is allowed to develop and operate its own fleet, but limitations and restrictions are placed upon each nation in order to ensure that no single nation has a fleet stronger than the ISF.

[Captain Galaxy]

The term Lotan(LAW-tan) is a name given by members of the Intragalactic Systems Alliance to the sentient native inhabitants of the eponymous planet and other inhabited planets in the Tarsus system in the Norma arm of the galaxy.

World
In the beginning, Lotan was a harsh natural world, wrought with danger and competition. Indeed to this day, it is still natural and fully organic, but has now been tamed to pure benevolence. Since their initial evolution, Lotans have been able to "feel" their surroundings as if the environment was an extension of their very own bodies. This ability has provided them with many advantages and has been the basis for their culture and technology.

Culture (and production)
Lotans hold all natural and organic things as sacred; they have come to believe that their planet was given to them for their manipulation. For this reason, they see all non-organic material as blasphemy. They can manipulate all organic systems to their will, in two different ways. First, they can manipulate telepathically the fluids, tissue and hormones of any biological entity to immediate effect, be it turning their blood into burning sulfuric acid, hormone manipulation, or the induction of sickness, among other things. Their second ability requires more time however and participation of more Lotans; they can telepathically manipulate the genetic structure of one or more species to create living biological organisms to suit their need, be it an organic house or starship. To increase production, Lotans manipulate the reproductive hormones of the species they wish to use in order to increase the amount of resources. Given this predisposition, Lotans are at cultural odds with almost all sentient races in the galaxy, considering that all of them use non organic materials in the making of their constructs. Lotans have also developed instant telepathic communication amongst themselves, even over distances of thousands of light-years. Lotans reproduce sexually, and deem the act the purest and most natural event in existence. They experience no sexual pleasure, but share an empathetic link with nature that no other species has attained. Females are held in high esteem for their ability to create life, though both father and mother usually dictate the genetic code of their offspring. The creation of life, is the central concept to Lotan culture. Lotans have no sense of individuality, and they have no names for anything. The recent interaction of other species however has begun to change this culture. This is the reason that things in Lotan culture are named by other species. This does not mean that Lotans are not individual, but rather do not give much power or meaning to individuality.

Side profile of a Lotan with Communications Device


Appearance
Lotans are bipedal and humanoid in appearance, although they have the ability to move quadrupedally with ease. Their skin is generally creamy in tone, and rather moist. Their hands comprise of six tentacles surrounding mouths at the ends of their arms through which they feed. These tentacles contain vesicles on the outer skin, through which they can squirt at entities over great distances, turning the fluid into whatever they wish: burning sulfur, acid, healing cells, etc. They have no speaking mouths, and thus any Lotan venturing beyond the Tarsus system are given translators that they wear that allow them to have two way conversations with any member of any species of the galaxy. Their heads are bulbous (similar to a flattened light bulb), have feelers extending from their chins, and have two large circular black eyes.

Profile of a two-deck Leviathan frigate


The Leviathans
Lotans are most famous for their massive spacefaring biological ships, called Leviathans by other races. First contact betweens humans and Lotans was not pleasant. First witnessed on the borders of the Tarsus system, a Leviathan was beheld in amazement by the crew of the FV Haelstrom, who then proceeded to fire at the "animal" to bring it in for scientific study. A brief war proceeded shortly afterward that ended in peace treaties and the submission of the Lotans to the Intragalactic Systems Alliance, displacing humanity as the newest addition to the galactic community.

Below, close-ups of forward facing Main eyes and side eyes in mid-closing action. Eyes are protected by quick covers that can activate in a split-second to shield from incoming projectiles.


Leviathans are often called whales by humans, due to their vague Cetacean appearances. They are generally engineered with hard outer shells, as capable as shields of other species's ships, and with multiple cavities allowing for habitation and operation. They are piloted via mental link by assigned Lotans, called avatars, who can also report damaged areas of the ship, due to his link with the organism's nervous system. This is usually psychologically damaging to the pilot, and for this reason, a ship has four avatars that interchange roles. They are held in high esteem, and considered the ultimate authorities of the ship. Due to necessary synchronization with the ship's nervous systems, the shift exchange of every new pilot is done only when another leviathan is present due to the ships' vulnerability. For this reason, Leviathans usually travel in numbers of two or more. These ships are designed to last, with redundant organs, and regenerative abilities. Tasks of crew members include making sure that protein stores are carried to areas of the ship that require repair as well as to the organism's digestive systems. The operation of the ships' guns require direct mental link to the user and work much like the tentacled hands of their operators.

[Captain Galaxy]

The Vestia are as equally respected as the Akras. They hold roughly an equal amount of power in Intragalactic politics and military strength.

World
The Vestia matured out of the world known as Aysur, an arid world also home to a race of winged predators known as Captors, whom constantly preyed upon the early Vestia. The Vestia are tribal in nature, giving importance to community and initiative. They value above all altruism, as an individual is expected to give himself to the service of the community. As the Vestia developed, they eventually overcame the Captors, creating techniques and methods that displaced the Captors as the top predators of the world. Due to their aggressive hunting campaign, the numbers of the Captors were pushed back to mythical numbers. It is not believed that captors are extinct, and still hold power as an idea over the superstitious Vestia. Due to their fear of the skies, the Vestia took longer than any other species to achieve flight, and eventually, interstellar capabilities.


A typical Aysurian landscape: heavy cloud canopy and black rock mountains. A foreground view showcasing the detail on a city tower, while demonstrating the usual construction of a city in the background.

Their world is rocky and ocean-less, with most sources of water collecting in various large fresh lakes scattered around the globe. The view of space beyond the sky is obscured by a dense layer of clouds that constantly envelops the majority of the planet. In their slow quest to conquer the skies, the Vestia begun to build entire cities on platforms that extended outward from the sides of Aysur's black mountains. Every new height they reached was symbolic of their will to conquer the skies.

Culture
For long, the Vestia held an indomitable fear of the skies, never willing to imagine what lay beyond their cloudy canopy. It was not until the first pioneers dared to leave the ground that the Vestia grew encouraged to extend their arms beyond their homes. Bravery and sacrifice are amongst the most valued virtues of their race. In Aysur, the strongest lead, and the most lethal protect their homes. They maintain a superstitious relationship of respect and reverence with any creature naturally capable of flight. Due to the hazardous environments of Aysur, the Vestia have grown into a strong and mighty race, never once believing that the universe is benevolent and always prepared for the worst. They rely heavily on stealth and secrecy to win their wars, indeed the first warriors who stood their ground against the Captors developed techniques of concealment, a considerable feat, given that the binocular vision of the Captors enabled them to see in great detail at incredible distances. Despite their still tribal nature, they are as highly technological and socially advanced as other species of the galaxy.

Marriage and Courtship
Males and females on Aysur are held as equally capable and there is no actual distinction in skill and ability to counter this notion. The majority of Vestian tribes practice a form of courtship in which the strongest member of the tribe, be they male or female, has the right to choose whomever they wish as a mating partner. However, humanity's beliefs about love and free will have begun to slowly influence most tribes to abandon this tradition.

Appearance
The Vestia are a strongly humanoid species, with a generally soft skin in a variety of green tones, with patches of smooth scale segments around pre-designated areas of their bodies. They display sexual dimorphism and vary in height as humans do, never growing taller than 6 feet. The number of digits on each hand is the same as humans, though their feet are more reptilian than humanoid. Though they may sound strangely like humans, they still appear highly alien and are differentiated by their tails. They are best described as humans with minor reptilian elements, including eyes that are cat-like in form and are usually shielded by dark transparent lids.


A typical Vestian female, displaying a common distribution of smooth scale patches and pitch black eyes. Scales dominate the complete backside of a Vestian and only roughly wrap around to the front, as displayed here. Not shown are the complete reptile-like legs and feet.