Lore

Pre-Space Expansion(35,000-20,00 Before Arrival)

The recorded history of the galaxy extends back tens of thousands of years. Though the Praug are assumed to be the oldest species in the known universe, it’s been discovered that the Kreyll were around approximately five to ten thousand years before the Praug first developed into the intelligence species they are now. Through ancient markings on Malormore where the Kreyll first called home, Praugian scientists were able to decipher the first intelligence forms of communication, of research, and of technological development around thirty-five thousand years before the Human species arrived. It wasn’t until twenty thousand years of evolution passed before the any intelligence species first made contact with the Kreyll. The Wulvern, Volkoth, Praug, Kreyll, and even Humans when they arrived all believed they were the single intelligence species at some point. As time and chance encounters would tell, though, that certainly hasn’t proven to be even remotely true.

Regardless of that the Praug may have written in their archives of history, the Volkoth were technically the first species to explore space, albeit in a more limited capacity. More focused on establishing social classes, the Volkoth built an impressive social system where the harder one worked, the faster they ascended through their arbitrary ranks.  Their obsession with their classes may have stunted their expansion to other planets initially, but it also established their species as a fierce rival, not to be taken lightly by any means.

Their home planet of Polaria features three moons, each of which contains valuable metals and minerals that they have been able to trade over the thousands of years since first discovering them. Due to either too thick or thin atmospheres, none of the three moons are inhabitable by oxygen breathing creatures. This unfortunate circumstance has proven beneficial, though, over the years, as very little preparation was needed before the conglomerate Mandel Mining corporation was able to begin extracting these metals and minerals. Mandel Mining remains the largest extractor in the galaxy, hauling billions of tons of material to Aegis Prime, Coropolis, and other manufacturing behemoths.

Prior to being the first intelligent species to truly explore the vastness of space outside the orbit of their home planet, the Praug were successful in cataloging 99.8% of all lifeforms on their home planet. The near completion of cataloging lifeforms on Praug eventually led to the decision to explore other planets within the Core system.

The banding of packs kept the Wulvern both alive, and occupied, until they were first visited by the Praug almost twenty thousand years ago. Though the initial meeting between the two resulted in a less than ideal outcome, there was eventually a mutual respect developed between the polar opposite species to the point where they became as close to allies as they ever would. The unique floating land masses, wildlife and flora on Praetor also enticed the Praug to continue to study the planet for thousands of years, eventually leading to a mini-sect of Praug permanently calling the strange planet home. Research on the minerals within the floating islands provided the Praug with enough knowledge to create the first anti-gravity vessels, approximately 10,000 years ago. Though the first hundred iterations were crudely built and lacked precise control, they nevertheless added to the growing list of inventions by the amphibious science-obsessed species. Labeled Element AG, it now powers most anti-gravity vehicles and magtrains throughout the civilized worlds in the galaxy.

A species that prides itself on masterful tunneling deep beneath the surface of their home planet, Malormore, the Kreyll were, and still remain, the least technologically advanced species in the galaxy. Though they have some electronically powered devices and structures, they still rely on more primitive tools and methods to maintain their existence. The eventual arrival of the Human species roughly twenty thousand years after the first Kreyll queen hatched her colony propelled them into a state of industrial revolution, and relevancy.  

First Space Expansion (10,000-1,000 Before Arrival)

Zandar was the first new planet explored by the Praug, with a few hundred deciding to create the first official settlement there, allowing them to further study the planet. The mountainous landscape and huge lakes were a welcome change to the amphibious species. Eolian was seen as a near-perfect planet, rich with natural resources that the Praug extracted for an extended period of time before the Humans arrived. A reverence for the serenity the planet brought them kept the Praug from fully colonizing it, making it ideal territory to settle for the Humans after their arrival. Unmanned space crafts were sent throughout the universe, allowing the Praug to make millions of new discoveries in the hundreds of years after they first began their research in distance star systems.

Until thousands of years later when Humans arrived, the Praug naming of solar systems was quite interesting, if not unremarkable. The core system, where Praug and the other main habitable planets orbit through, was originally named Sol when translated to basic. The name was intended to represent the soul of the galaxy, and to most that sentiment rings true to this day.

Creation of the MAG Rings (1,000-5 Before Arrival)

Though space travel was viable within most solar systems, travelling the vast distance in between them was still extremely cumbersome. The Praug searched for answers in different scientific theories, before experimenting with the Aether. A magical energy that creates the fabrics of reality, and other planes of existence, a few select Praugian scientists were able to harness the energy to open a portal. The first couple hundred of tests were unsuccessful, seeing thousands of brave souls lost to the cruelty of unproven science. A single successful test changed everything, and the demonstration was enough to gather enough funding to continue refining the technology.

Test after test, calculation after calculation, all eventually led to the creation of the Matter Accelerated Gate Rings, or MAG Rings for short. Early trips between a MAG Ring were, unpredictable at best, catastrophic at worst. There were multiple issues, which included insufficient hull integrity, lack of reliable water filtration, and most importantly, no gravitational center mass for the ship. The lack of gravity often led to the ships becoming distorted in some fashion, or outright pulled apart since there wasn’t a singular object that the Aetherial wormhole was jettisoning, it was millions of tiny objects held together with traditional means that usually didn’t make the trip unscathed. This prompted the scientists to come up with a solution that would modernize, and commercialize, interstellar travel indefinitely: the Gravity Field Generator (GFG).

Excelsior was the first vessel with a GFG installed that made the trip between MAG Rings from Zandar to Praug in two standard days. For comparison, the previous record was around two months. Additional refinements cut down the trip even further when the planets are closer, and the longest a trip was recorded when the planets were at opposite ends of their path was three and a half standard days.  It wasn’t deemed simply a success, but a massive breakthrough in perseverance, and in scientific research. To this day,

The Arrival (5 Before Arrival – 0 After Arrival)

In the year 5 B.A., a strange distress signal was picked up on Volkothian satellites orbiting their home planet of Polaria. Though most who heard it thought nothing of it, a select few decided to hold a meeting between all space faring species to determine the best course of action. Weeks of intense deliberation ensued, and it was against the wishes of both the Wulvern and Volkoth that the Praug made the brash decision to open a MAG portal to the estimated origin of the signal and see if anything came through. Weeks turned to months, and months turned to years, yet still nothing arrived through the gate. That is, until the Humans arrived on Day Zero. The arrival marked the first day that started a new calculation of linear time commonly referred to as After Arrival (AA). Though time had been recorded for tens of thousands of years prior, it quickly become apparent since the Human colony ship landed on Aegis Prime that most things revolved around the Human’s self-importance. 

Roughly ten years later, another space anomaly was detected within orbit of a planet in a remote part of the galaxy called the Fringe where the Kreyll call home. This opening of a second portal was the arrival of another Human colony ship, which claimed and swiftly colonized the dangerous windswept planet now called Valorium. The name was derived from the ship that delivered the passengers, the Valorant. Far removed from the technological advancements available in the Core, the Humans on Valorium nonetheless adapted, as all Humans do, and built a commodity empire that still supplies many products to other systems, including the Core, to this day.

UNAMENTE INVASION (5,110 After Arrival)

Almost a century ago, a hivemind-like alien race referred to as the Unamente invaded the known galaxy. The many-tentacled creatures were highly intelligent, as well as attuned in some fashion to the Aether. Their affinity with the magical source was never fully understood, likewise with their sudden and deadly arrival. Despite their best efforts, the galactic military of the Dominion was unable to fend off the initial wave of invaders, allowing them to push deep into the Core Worlds.

Nearly a decade passed as the Unamente slowly made their way towards the Core Planets, conquering and beginning to settle the far reaches of the galaxy. After establishing a base on the Wulvern home planet of Praetor, the Dominion refused to strike back and trap the Unamente force, believing that a diplomatic approach was still a viable solution to the conflict. Civil unrest began to break out like wildfire as citizens of Core worlds, and others, rejected the passive approach taken by their leaders. A young, headstrong general fresh out of training refused to stand idle and watch the worlds he swore to protect be terraformed into monstrous living landscapes the Unamente created from those worlds they already conquered. Together with the backing of his military, he staged a coup to overthrow the millennium old bureaucracy in place. Once those in positions of power were ousted, he worked quickly to send a resounding and deliberate message to the Unamente: no matter what the cost, they would not win this war.

After years of fighting and countless defeats, the war was decided at the heart of Coropolis. A daring suicide mission was carried out by a half dozen of the newly renamed Galactic Imperium’s best soldiers. The mission: capture and/or eliminate the Unamente queen. Though only a single member of the team survived, the mission was ultimately successful in eliminating the alien queen and forcing the remainder of the Unamente back into the far reaches now labeled the Void. The sole survivor, General Tenon, promptly claimed the title of Emperor of the Galactic Imperium and thus his rule began.

Despite promises that they would never return, many wonder if it’s a matter of time before the Unamente exact their revenge on Emperor Tenon and the rest of the charted galaxy.

CORPORATIONS

• Aegis Prime Industries – Slogan “API is always the best buy.” Also known more commonly as API or AP Industries, they make up the R&D wing of the Galactic Imperium. Largest research contractor working for the government.
• Astro Armaments – Slogan “Astro puts the A+ in Armaments.”
• Asaki Arms – “Trust Asaki to save your ass.”
• CeeMe – A site typically enjoyed by those on the Core Worlds, it’s common to find individuals steaming games and post videos of themselves doing risky activities, ultimately hoping to get famous and sponsored by one of the few massive corporations running the galaxy.
• Gorble Gear – Slogan “If it’s good gear you want, make it Gorble.”
• Infinite Cosmos – Slogan “Achieve infinite possibilities across the infinite vastness of space.”
• Mandel Minning – Slogan “Mine with Mandel. It’s your best choice, and your only choice.”
• NVision Entertainment – Slogan “Nvision a better future. Achieve it with Nvision.”
• OmniFit – Slogan “For the best fit, choose OmniFit.” Clothing line that the traitor to the Galactic Imperium, Lilliana Rose, prefers to wear due to its durability and flexibility. Unlike more mass-produced clothing lines, the Zandar-based OmniFit line is highly regarded and sought after.
• Osai Gadgets and Gear – Slogan “Whether it’s a reinforced Tritanium Vault or a pesky band of murderous pirates, Osai has a gadget or gear to help.”
• Pheenom Solutions – Slogan “phenomenal solutions, phenomenal results.” Organisation started by Jacob Slate, who suffered from numerous physical ailments before finding solutions to cure each of them with advancements in medicine and neurologically enhanced implants.

• THE AETHER
  • Aether: the lifeblood of all living things that binds the worlds around us together and weaves into our very existence. It is our greatest discovery, and our greatest resource. After thousands of years of tense coexistence, it’s become an age whispered among the downtrodden as: The Aetherial War.
  • Aetherials: Once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, now only a few hundred remain. Emperor Tenon has nearly wiped them from existence, and his twisting of their history continues to create disdain and distrust of the few who cling to the hope for a better galaxy. They are able to channel Aetherial energy through their body and manifest it in many different ways, but choose to use it to protect, heal, or serve others.
  • Aetherial Schools – Before the fall of the Aetherial Order eighteen years ago, young Aetherials who displayed any affinity to using their ability to tap into the Aether were divided into different schools of teachings. These schools, established millennia ago, helped guide young beings with a magical gift so they did not follow a dark path of despair, agony, and corruption. Because with great power, comes great temptation. With the right guidance, Master Aetherials would mentor their pupils on one of these five archetypes.
    • Archivist – The archivist has very little experience in, or willing to participate in, any form of combat. Instead, they focus on preserving the history of the Aetherials, Nekrofiends, and their eternal struggle for power.
    • Channelist – These are some of the most powerful Aetherials ever known, and very few have fully mastered their abilities before meeting an untimely end. Due to their deadly nature, these Aetherials often find themselves conflicted between staying a righteous path, and the temptation of dipping into the corrupted side of the Aether.
    • Elementalist – An Elementalist is extremely in tune with the world, and creatures, around them. Because of their image ability to read the signs around them, they are often are the best trackers in the galaxy, regardless of which species they are.
    • Mender – These specialists aren’t normally as powerful foes as Elementalists or Channelists, but their ability to mend wounds (both emotionally and physically) of others after years of dedication make them nonetheless valuable.
    • Seer – Though they can’t predict the future with 100% certainty, they are accurate more often than not. They are extremely good tacticians since they can anticipate a foe’s strategy and counter them with precise strikes. The most esteemed members of the Council of Elders were normally Seers, before the Aetherial Order was disbanded.
  • Council of Elders: Once a respected group of specially selected Aetherials, the Council of Elders was disbanded after the tragedy on Praetor eighteen years before the events of Chaos and Consequences. At least one member from each school was selected to represent other Aetherials with those specific gifts, and to provide a unique voice among the Council members.
  • Nekrofiends: These beings are also able to channel Aether, but unlike their more stable brethren Aetherials, they seek power, dominance, and chaos. They often enslave lesser and greater fiends once banished to one of the Six Hells to serve their will and create hell among the living. Their power had dwindled throughout the centuries as the Aetherials continued to rise to power, but Emperor Tenon has seen fit to turn a blind eye to their resurgence. No one knows if there is more to his willingness to look the other way, and no one dares to ask.
  • The Planes of Aetherial Convergence: A coexistence of planes of reality exist both within and separate from this reality. These planes are all connected with our living existence through the Aether Nexus, a web of pure Aether that beings use to travel between MAG Gates from one planet to another. This technology was developed and eventually refined by the Praug after centuries of unstable travel through the Aetherial tunnels opened by the devices. Thankfully, travel is much safer now between planets, and the only real threat comes from parts on the ship malfunctioning during MAG travel.
• THE SIX PLANES OF HELL
  • There are six parallel planes; all exist within ours, yet are also distinctly separate in existence. The strings of the Aether loosely hold together the six planes, maintaining their existence as they constantly threaten to spill into the realm of the living. Should one enter any of these planes, there is little one can do to return to where they belong, unless a Nekrofiend accidentally summons you forth from the hell of your eternal existence.
  • The Planes and their associated cardinal Sin
    1. First Hell – Gluttony
    2. Second Hell – Lust
    3. Third Hell – Hatred
    4. Fourth Hell – Deception and Betrayal
    5. Fifth Hell – Apathy
    6. Sixth Hell – Despair
• ADDITIONAL HISTORY
  • In their ignorance, the Human species always believed themselves to be alone in the universe, the pinnacle of scientific research and technological power. They also believed they were at the top of the food chain: galactic apex predators. They found out the hard way, they were wrong about both.
  • Throughout the known universe, countless factions raid and scavenge to gather the most notoriety and wealth, while many religions claim to be superior to the rest. The struggle for physical and spiritual dominance continues with no end in sight; all the while a struggled known as the Aetherial war between the Aetherials and the Nekrofiends rages on since the discovery of Aether thousands of years ago.
• Dead Dozen – The original Nekrofiends are believed to have originally been Aetherials who dabbled in dark experiments thousands of years ago. Once they learned of the Council of Elder’s decision to ban the exploration of darker Aether usage, they defected from their Aetherial brethren and followed Apophis the Corrupted One. The first Nekrofiend. Their names have been lost to time, but rumors and forbidden recounts of that time speculate they were all former Aetherial Masters and some even on the Council of Elders. It’s rumored some, possibly even Apophis himself, are buried near the once highly populated Aetherial Haven on Aegis Prime, but no one has been able to confirm this theory. After most of the Aetherials were wiped out by Emperor Tenon, no one has been curious enough, or foolish enough, to go spelunking around the former Aetherial base.

• FACTIONS
  • Crimson Skulls – A consortium of intergalactic gangs, the Crimson Skulls have made a name for themselves by daring the Galactic Imperium itself to interfere with their business. Known for their ruthless deals, smuggling of various precious creatures and other living cargo, and iconic skull tattoos, they promise those with bleak futures fame and fortune; for a price. After all, everything has a price. Galactic Imperium – A military coup during a galactic invasion a hundred years ago led to the eventual creation of the Galactic Imperium. Ruling with a holy fist, many members are convinced their emperor is divinely blessed to lead them to conquer the known galaxy, and beyond. However, a small resistance rose up five years ago to challenge the rule of the Galactic Imperium. Betrayed, they were all but annihilated through experimental with weaponry, leaving them broken and scattered. There are whispers that the uprising still exists, though there has been no concrete proof yet. Nekrofiends – These beings are able to channel Aether, but unlike their more passive Aetherial brethren, they seek power, dominance, and often pure chaos. They often enslave lesser and greater fiends banished to one of the Six Hells to serve their will and create hell among the living. Their power had dwindled throughout the centuries as the Aetherials continued to rise to power, but Emperor Tenon has seen fit to turn a blind eye to their resurgence. No one knows if there is more to his willingness to look the other way, and no one dares to ask.
• • Resistance: Once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, a resistance force was all but eradicated in one battle within the Terminus Cluster. Galactic Imperium reports estimate only a few hundred, at most, remain of the uprising. Aliens from many species once were part of this self-proclaimed liberation force hell-bent on establishing a more lax governing body to replace the military-focused Galactic Imperium. Emperor Tenon was swift in eliminating as many of these puppets and often boasts how he crushed them in a single day. Though their hope is fleeting, their base of Last Bastion remains the final central location for their operations. It has yet to be discovered by the Galactic Imperium spies.
  • Space Wolves: More commonly referred to as “pirates”, the Space Wolves have dozens of different factions, each with their unique characteristics and aesthetics. However, the motivation of almost all of them seem to be the same: make as much money and glory as possible while causing a little chaos along the way to infamy.
• PLANETS
  • Aegis Prime: Home planet of the Human species, it was colonized relatively quickly by the technology inclined species upon arrival. Its expansive forestry provides plenty of resources, as do the many lakes and two oceans. The fickle Human race is relatively docile by their standards since establishing a republic of mankind, and their best interests are represented by their politicians on seated in the Galactic Council on Aegis Prime. Together with the Praug, they’ve made impressive strides towards the creation of full conscious AI, seamlessly integrated artificial limbs, and Aether-infused technology.
  • Belarium: Named after the sweet-smelling fauna that covers many of the forests and reaches the numerous beaches, Belarium’s name masks deadly plant life and wildlife. Though the planet is beautiful, it’s equally as deadly, as is the heavy air that causes slow deterioration to a being’s internal organs if exposed too long without proper filtration. Only the Kreyll, with their unique organs and cellular makeup, are able to withstand any deterioration from the toxins. Their bodies perform a similar to function to that of trees on the long-forgotten planet called Earth, producing gaseous waste as carbon dioxide.
  • Brae (brā): The sole inhabited and colonized planet in the Abyss’ Edge System, it’s the least populated out of all planets with a MAG ring in orbit. The bug-like species Kryell are the main space-faring beings on the planet, as they often mine the moons of Rayze for precious metals they sell on the galactic trading market. The Kreyll here are a long way from their home planet of Belarium in the Serpent System
  • Carak: A gas giant that serves as a major revenue source for Mandel Mining, and other aspiring entrepreneurs who are willing to risk everything for fame and fortune. Floating in the Nomad System, Carak’s atmosphere and low orbit is rife with ship debris from betrayal and murder.
  • Coropolis: Named due to it being at the core of not just the universe, but also everything associated with the underbelly of the galaxy. Illegal fighting pits, slavery, and corrupt merchants can all be found, if you know where to look. The sky-breaching towers are home to tens of billions of residents and corporations provide a stark contrast to the vastly less developed outskirts of the thirty-nine districts that the world is broken into. The neon lights and busy air traffic provide a distracting façade for how downright dangerous it is to live there. Underneath the massive skyscrapers are a labyrinth of tunnels that more closely resemble ramshackle slums for a large unfortunate portion of Coropolis’ citizens, where more sinister activities occur with surprising frequency.
    • Broken up into different territories, the underground tunnels vary in risky activities depending on where one wishes to travel. It’s generally accepted that the higher numbered districts above ground harbor the most dangerous of criminals and residents beneath. For example, districts one through three have the least dangerous society called the Exalted Ground. Conversely, districts thirty-four through forty-one sit above The Burrows, where the infamous Blood Bath Arena is nestled between cramped apartments and winding tunnels. In the middle of Coropolis is the Dead Zone, where the Unamente attack took millions of lives in a concentrated assault that almost won the war for the invading force. Only the bravery of a few soldiers, led by Commander Tenon, were enough to limit the damage to only eleven districts above ground, and an additional six rendered uninhabitable by poisonous radiation.
    • Now, those suspected of being Aetherials, or harboring one in their home, can expect a visit from a locally assigned Galactic Imperium captain and their loyal squad of foot soldiers. A few knocks are all you’ll get before they breach the door and come storming in, with the captain confidently guiding his troops to search and secure the drab apartments.
  • D’Arno: A planet featuring slightly upwards of 80% oceans, the few land masses that do exist feature drab cities with multiple species that call it home. Were it not so far from the Core Worlds, D’Arno would likely be seen as a much more attractive place for immigrants searching for their next home, despite the lack of technological advancements of Aegis Prime or Coropolis. More stable governments and less faction wars would also go a long way to creating a warmer welcoming.
  • Darklight Prison: Built on the moon of Vos, it is one of the least desirable places to both work and be held prisoner. Its extremely light atmosphere makes any sunlight it receives from its red dwarf star at the center of the small solar system extremely deadly. The lack of atmosphere prompted the original creators to design the prison to reach deep into the moon with its labyrinthian structure, quickly becoming a maze of floors and stairways that seem to lead to nowhere.
  • Deesolare (dē-sō-lăr): One of the moons of a a gas giant in The Fringe, from its very poor beginnings it was a haven for refugees from neighboring planets in the system. Devoid of sunlight for 20 of the 30 thirty-hour days, it’s vast distance between anything remotely pleasant on the eyes is just one of many reasons it remains impoverished; forever struggling against its nature to rise above its bland landscape and inconsistent trade market. Still, it seems to attract quite the traffic from both Space Wolves and Crimson Skull Underlords seeking to stake their claim to fame in Deesolare’s unstable landscape.
  • Eolian: A resource-rich planet, it lacks the neon glamour of Coropolis or the political vacuum that is Aegis Prime. However, what it lacks in other areas it more than makes up in its beautiful continents of rolling hills, nine oceans, short but stocky mountain ranges spread across two continents, and highly technologically sophisticated cities. Even the small cities with tens of thousands of citizens are self-sufficient and export the extra resources to neighboring planets in the Core like Coropolis, Zandar, Praug, and even occasionally the home planets for the Wulvern and Volkoth, Praetor and Polaria respectively. Golden City, the capitol of Eolian, proudly shines in the blue sunlight from the pure golden roofs spread across the enormous city. Home to tens of millions, it has its seedy districts, but is overall a relatively harmless city for its residents.
  • The Fringe Systems: Rarely spoken about among citizens of the Core Worlds, the many different systems that make up the Fringe provide valuable resources to the rest of the galaxy. Whether it is spice trade, mining of metals, or shipyards where a range of colossal to single-pilot sized vessels are assembled, the Fringe Systems play a crucial role in the galactic economy. An infamous Aetherial by the name of Kai Stormbringer is rumored to be from one of these lesser developed systems, though only the man himself knows the truth.
  • The Helios Field: Nearly as rich in resources as the moons of Polaria, this asteroid field is vastly farther in distance from the hustle and bustle of the Core Worlds. The asteroids in this stellar formation are as abundant in valuable metals as it is in cutthroat mining operations.
  • Jotun: Covered in dozens, if not hundreds, of feet of solid ice, Jotun is unique in that the metals found deep under the frozen exterior are extremely valuable. Getting them extracted, however, is no simple tasks, and with temperatures dropping below -200 degrees Fahrenheit, even the wooly Volkoth shiver at the mere thought of the deadly conditions. This ice giant appropriately derives its name from ancient mythologies of the Humans, and surprisingly the Praug as well. Both believed in a realm of giants covered in ice, though their interpretations of the beings, and the nature of the realm, are where the beliefs in their mythos differ.
  • Last Bastion: Hidden inside a hollow asteroid, Last Bastion provides the resistance faction and few remaining Aetherials working with them a remote base of operations. The desolate location provides a tactical advantage: only the exact coordinates will lead one there due to the smaller nature of the asteroid and uncharted space around it. One parsec off and you’ll likely end up floating in the cold of space in a million pieces. It was named after the desperate hope that the resistance would survive and eventually mount an offensive front to eventually reach and eliminate the Holy Emperor Tenon.
  • Malormore: It lacks the glitz and glamour of Coropolis, Aegis Prime, and even some Eolian cities, but it nonetheless is home to many Humans and Kreyll. The integration of the two species is highly unusual, according to Praug studies, due to the inability of Humans to seamlessly blend in with the culture and customs of other species. The dozens of massive lakes on the desert-laden planet serve as watering hole hubs for the two species, as well as any other travelers finding themselves out in the Fringe. Though the cities aren’t vertically impressive, they are quite large, for a planet in the Fringe that is.
  • Motav: The volcanic planet of Motav is in its dying stages. Once stated to be a luscious planet by Praug scientists, it no longer harbors much life above the sulfur covered surface. As many of the volcanoes have already erupted and life nearly exterminated, the planet holds precious remnants from the volcanic activity, ripe for the taking.
  • Polaria: Polaria’s geography consists of mainly oceans that span over 65% of the planet, save for the 35% or so that makes up the mountainous rainforests home to the Volkoth. Numerous cities dot the four continents and are home to roughly two billion beings. While not nearly as gargantuan as those found on more advanced counterparts like Coropolis, it is often called home by those seeking a more docile lifestyle. Its real attraction are the metal-rich moons where the rare metal tritanium is often mined. Mandel Mining, the largest mining operation in the galaxy, typically has at least a handful of seismic drillers harvesting the metal to make experimental and pricy technology to sell to the highest bidder.
  • Praetor: Floating islands suspended in mid-atmosphere by rare anti-gravity minerals, this planet has become the home away from home and new example of military superiority for the Galactic Imperium. The floating cities have existed for countless millennia, and still stand as a beacon of strength and stability for the Wulvern, a wolf-like species who call this planet home. This luscious planet is resource-rich but fiercely guarded by both the Wulvern and other dangerous wildlife inhabiting its varied geographies. After a tragic attack on their capital was blamed on the Aetherials nearly twenty years ago, the rulers of Praetor urged Emperor Tenon to eliminate the Aetherial threat once and for all. Emperor Tenon eagerly obliged, and gained the trust and loyalty of the Praetor Fleet, a formidable force of ace pilots and excellently trained ground troops. Strikes against rumored Aetherial hideouts are often accompanied by one or more Praetor trained hunters.
  • Praug: A wetlands planet that more or less resembles a rainforest with occasional mountains jutting towards the sky, it is the home of the frog-like Praug. Highly intelligent, they focus most of their time on scientific experiments, with the most recent breakthrough the creation of the Rhonar almost give centuries ago. Their unique building architecture resembles an egg-sac, with sinew-like walkways stretching between them. While the height of their constructs typically doesn’t reach anywhere near that of humans, it makes up for the size in its immaculate articulation and perfect texture.
  • Q’Tar: A haven for outlaws of all sorts, this barren hub world is the only one in the Nomad System that is connected to the rest of the galaxy through a MAG ring. Sparse in both wildlife and space ports, the few cities on this tiny planet rival Coropolis for highest in debauchery and muggings, while taking the crown in murders.
  • Rayze – This volcanic planet is home to volcanos, rivers of lava, and dust clouds that can be seen from beyond the atmosphere. Though the cooled volcanic rock is valuable, the isolation of the planet from a MAG path makes obtaining it extremely risky.
  • Solidun: A barren planet commonly described by Core World citizens as “backwater” due to the lack of technologically advanced species and almost non-existent intra-galactic travel and trading, it is the foundation on which the Rhonar are built upon. Abandoned there by the Praug after experimental tests and injections granted them unexpected intelligence and speech, they are fiercely loyal to their brood mates. The harsh conditions found on Solidun forced them to be a more nomadic race, and to this day the hundreds of tribes rarely stay in the same place longer than necessary. Only a handful of vast cities exist on the planet, and those are just as dangerous as the deserts and plains between them.
  • Terminus Debris Field: What remains of the Fifth Resistance Fleet is scattered among the Terminus Cluster. A previously resource-rich asteroid field was converted into a graveyard for tens of millions during the MAG Conflict. Matter Accelerated Gate technology, which allows the bending of space around a ship through an Aetherial wormhole for faster than light travel between planets, was highly contested for countless years. The Terminus Cluster provided the battleground for the climax of the war. Betrayed by their cowardly admiral, the Fifth Fleet was the largest in the Resistance’s military, until they were lured into a trap, ambushed, and obliterated within hours.
  • The Veil: Little is known about The Veil, aside from it being currently inhabited by the parasitic alien Unamente. Any ships that have dared to explore The Veil have never been heard from afterward their entry, and some wonder if it just a literal black hole that has engulfed the systems. Strange transmissions have been intercepted on planets bordering The Veil, but have been dismissed as static interference by all but the most skeptical of believers. Those zealot believers are convinced that time operates on a much slower scale beyond the Veil, or that it moves at a vastly sped up trajectory in the known universe. Based on this theory, the Unamente would have waited possibly millions of years before invading, and could have been waiting thousands, or longer, before potentially returning to exact their inevitable revenge. Any of the theories related to the Veil is purely speculation, of course, until it can be proven by the brightest minds in the galaxy.
  • Valorium: Harsh weather caused by a thick atmosphere and constantly moving tectonic plates, this aesthetically beautiful planet was the unintentional destination of the Human colony ship: the Valorant. Though the original colonists never reached the technologically marvelous heights of Coropolis or Aegis Prime, it’s the prettiest sight for sore eyes in this system. To anyone who has spent time on the Core or New Frontier systems, that may not mean much. To those on Malormore, or any of the planets in the Frag Mentum System, it’s a welcome respite, minus the abundance of crime and illegal trafficking.
  • Vos (Vōs): Home to a small number of residents, Vos boasts a particularly unique climate that includes occasional acid rain. If that wasn’t enough to worry about, there are always the town-devouring beasts known as Splinter Wurms; giant, armored worm-like creatures with massive toothed maws for a mouth and projectile-resistant armored scales. Their sightings are rare, but each one leaves mass death and destruction in its wake. Despite the constant threat from wildlife and weather, the few residents here either work at the nearby Darklight Prison, or simply do not wish to be found.
  • Xar: The moon that orbits Carak serves as the closest celestial formation for those who are brave enough to syphon the previous gases of its planet. The gas giant it circles around at a rapid speed is devoid of lifeforms, and massive electric storms pepper the clouds. It’s a dire place to be, even if the promise of riches floats just outside the siphoning ships.
  • Zigarr: A planet that defies normal physics, Zigarr is uninhabited for many reasons: flying whales the size of small islands, boiling hot oceans, and trees that produce a variation of carbon monoxide. Despite being a potentially resource rich world, that possibility hasn’t been explored, yet.
• Other Celestial Bodies
  • Aken Nebula: The remnants of a supernova, this beautiful mix of blue with yellows leads to the Black hole of Stixx. Some believe that the souls of the lost travel through here on their journey to the Black Hole of Stixx.
  • Belt of Mortem: To those who do not follow the faith of the Benevolent Mother, or other commonly shared beliefs, the Belt of Mortem likely holds a special place in their mind. A massive asteroid field, no one knows how long it’s existed, or how it came to be. It was present long before the Praug began initially exploring the stars; a millennium before other species followed suit, and three millennium before Humans arrived. Some say that’s where the souls of brave warriors are sent to bask in their glory of battle. Others believe it’s a more heavenly retreat for those who lived a pious and righteous life, gifted an enjoyable life after death with any number of almighty deities.
  • Black Hole of Stixx: Some believe the souls of the impure pass through the Aken Nebula, and those deemed unworthy by the Holy Mother are sent to the Belt of Mortem, while those worthy of a desirable afterlife are granted passage to the Helios Field.
  • Collapsed Star of Ikarus: Once a galaxy filled with hundreds of thousands of stars, the star Ikarus collapsed millions of years ago. While it didn’t form a black hole, it did form a beautiful teal Neutron star visible from a few of the Fringe systems, and the core worlds in the night sky.
  • Eye of Osyris: A Helix Nebula, the Eye of Osyris is rumored to always keep watch over those committing crimes throughout the galaxy, and especially in Outlaw Territory. Though the Galactic Imperium has made a legitimate push to wrangle control from them and establish some semblance of order, their atrocities have been just as severe. Anyone who commits a crime worthy of retribution, eventually receive it, one way or another. Or so they say.
  • The Great Asteroid Belt of Thoria: The largest celestial body next to the Eye of Osyris, this asteroid belt serves as a separation between the Midnight System and the Nomad System in Outlaw Territory.There are dozens, if not more small stations built into various asteroids throughout, serving as a resting spot, or easy ambush by Space Wolves, depending on the luck of the visitor.
  • Three Horsemen Nebula: Visible from a handful of other systems with the naked eye of many species, the Three Horsemen can be spotted in the dead of space by curious eyes. A mixture of light greens and blues form the canvas that the black outline of three horse outlines ride upon. Their presence signals the end of an era, and the new beginning of hundreds of stars yet to be explored.
  • Uncharted Space: A name fitting of the unknown reaches of space. No one has traveled this far and lived to report on their findings. Some whisper that an ancient civilization exists beyond this galaxy, while others believe it’s a massive black hole sucking up everything into its maw. Regardless of the threat beyond, one thing is clear: it’s deadly enough to never allow any ship to return.

SPECIES

1. Humans: A fickle and often belligerent species, Humans settled on Aegis Prime over two millennium ago. The destruction of their previous world was of their own doing, and many other species fear the day that occurs again isn’t too far off now. Still, they are quite adept with scientific research, and their uncanny attunement to channeling Aether has made them perfect specimen for other species to study.
2. Kryell: Truly a unique species, the Kreyll have existed for tens of thousands of years. Though they were the last to master space travel, and still rarely leave their home planet of Malormore in the Frag Mentum system, they are the only species that has been able to work with the Human with little conflict. The bug-like aliens are ruled by and fearlessly protect their queen, who is nestled deep underground on Malormore. The Humans interacting with the Kreyll have learned a rough interpretation of their clicking language, allowing them to communicate with them at a very basic level.
3. Praug: Frog-like in appearance, the bipedal amphibious Praug typically stick to their home planet, rarely venturing to other reaches of the Core Worlds or beyond. The Praug seen on other worlds are typically those their society deemed “undesirable” for one of their many classes, from laborers to scientists to engineers, everyone has their place in the Praugian societal structure. Their unusual fascination with the Aether has led to many extraordinary discoveries, and some that are more disturbing and best left unspoken.
4. Rhonar: Brutally strong and divided into hundreds of clans, the Rhonar are a more infant race since their creation by the Praug roughly four millennia ago. Abandoned by the Praug on the deserted plant of Solidun, the Rhonar are a proud species that thrive in the face of overwhelming odds. One of the bulkiest races, they protect their own to the death, and once enraged their fury can be brutally swift and deadly. Sought after for their natural ability and inclination to fighting, they are often hunted, captured, and forced into underground fighting rings for the enjoyment of others. Fighting between the tribes and the harsh conditions, along with constant poaching, continue to dwindle their numbers by the day. Though once a rarity, a few have recently been spotted on Core Worlds like Coropolis and on Zandar.
5. Unamente: A century before the events of Chaos and Consequences, a parasitic alien species invaded the known galaxy. These weird creatures, the self-titled Unamente, fed on the lifeforce of planets and terraformed them to fit their own view of perfection. While they were ultimately defeated, the damage they inflicted on the galaxy is still felt to some degree on every planet. A few fringe planets are still heavily desecrated from the attempted corruption by the foreign invaders.
6. Volkoth: Four-armed and Sloth-like and in appearance, their nature betrays their docile look. The normal black or white hair covers their body, while padded dark grey fingers give them a definitive advantage in hand-to-hand combat. Brutal and unforgiving in nature, it’s wise to never double-cross a Volkoth. While a large portion of their race still inhabit Polaria and mine its multiple moons for the precious metal tritanium, some prefer to run underground crime syndicates in the Core Worlds. This often leads to mid or elevated positions with the Crimson Skull syndicate that operates mainly in the Core Worlds, but sometimes prefers to expand further.
7. Wulvern: The wolf-like Wulvern travel in packs, and are extremely territorial. Their ability to run on all fours makes them excellent hunters and their advanced sense of smell also makes them the preferred bounty hunters due to their tracking ability. Their tendency is to never stray too far away from Praetor or its moon of Illian, but they do sometimes frequent the Core Worlds, assuming that’s where their prey is hiding. Like most aliens, it’s best not to get on their bad side.

RELIGION

There are hundreds, if not thousands of different religions throughout the known universe. Some are more simple, such as a holy deity that provides protection in exchange for worship, while others are far more complicated and involve dozens of celestial beings that provide different requirements to receive their blessings. Though none are recognized as the correct, or preferred religion, it is commonly known that the Church of the Holy Mother is one of the fastest growing, and therefore largest, in the universe. A Human-centric religion, it is based around a matriarch deity that provides their blessings and good fortune on those who help others around them.

TECHNOLOGY

Bio-mechanical advancements: The future is promising, as are seamless biomechanical augmentations to normal beings. Old augmentations of the past were extremely limited in their use and appearance, but the line between natural and enhance is being blurred more and more every day. These innovations allow beings to overcome birth defects, unfortunate ailments, and perceived deficiencies in their body. New enhancements now come with the question: at what cost are we willing to be aesthetically and physically perfect in the eyes of others?

Cosmic Engines: As galactic travel became more desirable for trading, and eventually waging war, simple engines were no longer a reasonable source to transport goods and beings from one planet to another. Thus, Cosmic Engines were eventually created which were able to mimic the nearly weightlessness of a zero-mass object. The original integrity of these devices proved problematic, and decades of research eventually paired them with a Gravity Field Generator (GFG) to increase stability. The move to mass production of these devices led to the creation of the now-conglomerate corporation called Infinite Cosmos, who specialize in multiple tiers of these massive engines that can power one-person crafts, to devastating dreadnaughts crewed by thousands of individuals.

Gravity Field Generator: This device is installed on all MAG compatible ships, and allows a ship to reduce its center of gravity, thus making jumps through MAG gates possible. Early attempts to travel via slipstreams proved wildly inaccurate and disastrous, leading to the creation of the first Gravity Field Generator. A ship with a damaged GFG will find it extremely difficult to traverse a MAG safely. They may end up half a galaxy away from their desired destination, or exit straight into an asteroid field. Either way, use of MAGs without a working GFG is highly unadvisable. GFGs are also used to provide consistent gravity throughout a ship while traveling through space.

The Grid: An interconnected web of databases, servers, and communication nodes combine to form the Grid. This technology allows species from across the charted galaxy to interact, wage virtual wars with one another through interactive entertainment, and countless other uses, some more nefarious than others. It has been recorded that the Humans from Earth once had a similar technology, though that one is believed to have been held together with flavored gum and shoddy adhesive.

Matter Accelerated Gate (MAG) Ring: Besides the obvious benefit of faster travel, spacefaring in this manner drastically reduces time dilation when traveling through MAG Rings, so those utilizing this technology may travel a lightyear in a matter of days. Especially when the cargo is biological in nature, MAG rings are extremely crucial to delivering freight in living condition. However, smugglers beware, all ship id signals are run through the Galactic Imperium’s database. Any ship producing an id not found in that database will be promptly reported, detained, and held for questioning. A highly skilled cracker may be able to modify the database, but those with that expertise are few and far between.

Reinforced Hulls: Reinforced hulls derive their durability due to a synthetic blend of metals with weaved with pure Tritanium. Certain space-faring ships are designed and built with intergalactic travel from the core out, and without consideration to the astronomical cost. They normally contain both a GFG and thicker hull to ensure they arrive at their destination safely, even if local Space Wolves threaten to pirate their crew or cargo at every MAG relay in Outlaw Territory.

Shielding Capacitors: A much simpler technology in comparison to Gravity Field Generators, shielding capacitors project an energy field around a ship’s hull to protect it against incoming fire. Small metal plates are strategically placed around the ship’s hull, that when activated, can project a transparent shield that deflects plasma and laser shots, for a limited time. Once depleted, the shield will disappear and the ship will be exposed. It’s recommended that pilots do what they can to avoid fire when the shield is recharging, because a stray shot to one of the shield capacitors will render that part of the ship permanently exposed until it’s repaired.

Water Recycling Systems: It’s important for those traveling in space to stay clean and refreshed, which is why the Humans devised a system that recycles used water. This allows the ship to be its own renewable water source, and this saves on both space and makes traveling safer, since before this system was devised, it was necessary to stop more often to refill the water tank.

WILDLIFE

Armored Scampers

When it comes to an Armored Scamper, looks are certainly deceiving. Reaching lengths of longer than three meters for full grown adults, these lizards are rarely seen near settlements. They prefer to feed on bugs and plants, very seldom attacking another creature unless they have no other choice when it comes to survival. Found only on Erdas, the scales are highly-valued among the residents for their glimmering properties. Some ancient armors were originally based on these creatures with overlapping scales, long before Humans arrived in the universe. Now, they are viewed through enhanced optics and research drones cataloging endangered species throughout the galaxy. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. III

Brown-Bellied Bull-Lions

Native to the planet Vos in the Midnight System, these furry felines typically travel and hunt in packs. Due to the vicious nature of the wildlife on the planet, including Splinter Wurms, a stampede of Bull-Lions usually signals an approaching predator much larger, and deadlier. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. II

Burrowers

Large enough for a trio of Volkoth to ride, the burrower has an obvious favorite hobby. These large lizards are excellent diggers, which suits the mountainous and resource-rich planet of Polaria. Studies on the unique way in which they dig eventually led to huge improvements to the Mandel Mining excavators that constantly run on any of the planet’s three moons. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. IV

Caped Meerkat

The appearance of a cap between this animal’s legs is where it derives its name. Sinewy webbing stretches between their front and back legs, making it look like they are gliding with a parachute whenever they fly from tree to tree. They are normally docile creatures, preferring to glide between trees on Erdas searching for the next tasty grub for them to enjoy. Their curious nature usually lands them in trouble with predators in the wild, but makes them excellent pets among the locals looking for some furry companionship. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. III

Cloudborne Crane

A near-extinct bird only found on Coropolis, it’s one of the few creatures that haven’t been exterminated by the human colonization of the planet. Originally cataloged by the Praug during routine research of wildlife over five millennium ago, the long feathers covering the majestic bird used to have a light tan hue. However, as they were eventually forced to live above the clouds with the uber-rich inhabiting the towering sky-light buildings, the feathers have adapted by changing into a bluish-tan color now. The long wingspan and thick tail feathers are still just as admired among wildlife lovers, and are now featured in elegant clothing worn by the extremely wealthy. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. II

Crowned Hawk

This beautiful bird can only be spotted on Eolian. They prefer to catch fish jumping out of the stunning lakes to catch flies as friendly competition between them.The proud nature and fierce defense of their territory struck a chord with the original settlers of Eolian immediately. The bird’s temperament and regal fur that resembles a crown on their head led to it becoming the planet’s crest, along with a hammer in one talon and a beating heart in the other. The proud residents of Eolian defend their land and liberty with hammer and heart, similar to that of the crowned hawk. Neither should be trifled with unless one expects a fight. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. III

Fogar Forest Fly Trap

Native to the expansive Fogar Forest on Praug, this deadly plant is roughly the size of an average human. Long leaves extend out from the base, enticing its next meal to dare to munch on them as a snack. It’s base is extremely flexible, and can even extend an extra handful of feet to get the perfect angle to devour their prey. The sharp teeth on each flap are hidden whenever they are completely closed, making it difficult for most wildlife, and intellectually inferior space-faring species, to identify it as a threat to their wellbeing. It also produces a sweet nectarine scent, which is sometimes just what it needs to find that next unsuspecting snack. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. IV

Frost Scarabs

Found in the cavernous tunnels under the surface of Jotun, these Human-sized scarabs are some of the only wildlife found on the planet and feed on the frosty moss that thrives in the pitch-black mines. Not known for having an aggressive behavior, they will become agitated if their breeding ground is accroached upon. They furiously protect their queen, and have a very intricate system established for retrieving food for her and bring it back to her so she can continue to produce offspring. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. II

Giant Tusked Mammoth

This creature is rumored to have gone extinct centuries ago. Originally sighted on the forested planet Erdas, only rough sketches exist to show what it may have looked like at one time. Four huge tusks that curve out beside the beast’s mouth accentuate its huge furry trunk that it uses to detect potential prey, or predators. Those who have written accounts of the creature insist that though it appears to be an herbivore, it’s actually an omnivore and feeds on the flesh and bones of those who have tried to capture it. Were it to truly exist, it would likely make its home in a cave in one of the few mountain ranges on the planet. – Mythic and Legendary Beasts of the Universe

God Whale

This ginormous beast can be seen floating around the skies of Zigarr. Measuring hundreds of feet long, and a two hundred feet in diameter at its widest, their ability to float among the clouds seamlessly still boggles the mind and defies known and respected scientific theories. Their six fins are also used as wings, giving the appearance of angelic beauty. No other creature in existence is as large and yet can still become airborne without a little help. – Mythic and Legendary Beasts of the Universe

Lava Lizards

Lava Lizards, also known as the molten skin salamanders, are one of the only surface-dwelling creatures still in existence on Motav. Praug scientists have studied their unique molten shells for ways to create better heat resistant suits and armor plating for ships. Thus far, their research has been successful in creating both better suits for harsh heat conditions, and improving heat resistant materials to lengthen the requirements for exterior maintenance on interstellar ships. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. I

Leviathan

The only identified creature that can rival the size of the God Whale, the underwater Leviathan is a gargantuan creature that prowls the depths of Linoria. A total of three unique Leviathans have been recorded, and it’s believed there may be only one or two others that haven’t been identified yet. A jet from one of their blowholes can send hundreds of small fish airborne, only to come raining onto nearby islands or back into the water on the mostly oceanic planet. A trench near the middle of the northern part of the planet is where they are frequently spotted, mainly because of the extreme depth of the ocean in this spot. Extending over 15,000 meters beneath sea level, it makes a cozy home for the huge oceanic beasts. – Mythic and Legendary Beasts of the Universe

Lightning Snaps

These bugs light up the massive lakes on Eolian, and are highly revered as the souls of the dead by those on Eolian. The common belief is that for every one of these bugs that lights up, a soul of the departed finds its way to the afterlife. The locals call them snaps because they produce a snapping sound with their legs whenever they clap them together to produce the friction that lights up their thorax. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. III

Long-Haired Moles

The Long-Haired Mole makes its home on both Malormore and Valorium, likely due to the Human presence taking them from one planet to the other for breeding. Though it isn’t known which planet they originated on, these six-legged creatures have a habit for eating rusted metal as a daytime snack. They are used as garbage disposals, and their waste is considered a delicacy on these two planets on the Frag Mentum System. A nickname that’s stuck over the years for these rust-loving mammals is the loving moniker of “trash pandas”. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. I

Rathiti

The Rathiti were named by the Rhonar, who have grown very familiar with these large predators on Solidun. In the native language of the Rhonar, Rathiti roughly translates to “armored demon beast”, with less animosity in the interpreted meaning. Tiny, interconnected plates of armor coat the back, head, and tail of these creatures, making only the neck and underbelly vulnerable to easy penetration by weapons. These beasts are very large, giving even the massive Rhonar a worthy challenge, and they compete with them for food as well. Unlucky, or unknowing, Rhonar who aren’t able to distinguish them from a rock formation will meeting a quick and gruesome end if they get too close. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. IV

Silver-Striped Taurus

Six-legged and packed full of testosterone, there are few other mammals that match the rage of a Silver-Striped Taurus, except maybe a Rhonar. Perhaps it’s fitting they can be found on both Valorium and Malormore after a failed attempt to transplant them from one planet to another, they exemplify the ruthless nature of these worlds. A variation of brown or black fur covers their body, with a silver stripe starting just above the nose and goes to the tip of the tail. The females don’t have any horns like the males, but they are still just as aggressive over their offspring until they hit maturity around the age of three standard years. Every male has multi-pronged horns that never stop growing; the more prongs, the older the Taurus. Any with more than four prongs it is highly recommended to steer clear from if one values their life.  – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. IV

Snowpelt Cougars

Native to the frozen wastelands of Jotun in the Frag Mentum System, Snowpelt Cougars were hunted nearly to extinction hundreds of years ago. In addition to a few valuable minerals on the planet, these massive felines were seen as trophies by exotic hunters. They are an extremely rare sight on Jotun, and even more rare off-planet. Anyone with a Snowpelt Cougar is either extremely rich, lucky, or both. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. III

Soul Eater Dragon

Little is known about this supposed creature. Rhonar on Solidun have passed down tales of a creature that resembles a dragon, which every hundred revolutions around their sun awakens from its slumber to feed on the flesh and souls of tribes it deems unworthy. No being that has encountered it has lived to tell the tale, if there is a tale to tell assuming the beast is real. – Mythic and Legendary Beasts of the Universe

Splinter Wurms

The Splinter Wurm is of the largest non-mammals recorded in the known universe and are only found on Vos. An adult Splinter Wurm measures at nearly a mile long, and three hundred feet in diameter, these underground beasts feed on whole herds of Bull-Lions in a single pass. The few settlements on Vos are always on high-alert when a herd of Bull-Lions is spotted or a flock of birds scatter wildly in every direction. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. II

Spotted Alta Colli

Eight legs aren’t the strangest feature of the Spotted Alta Colli. In addition to their extremely long necks that can extend up to 50 or 70 feet long to reach the higher branches of the Brae treetops, these particular ones have dark fur with white spots. This makes them easy to spot in the dark, and easy for predators to hunt them. The spiked tail does help these creatures fend off any hungry predators, even at night.  – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. III

Three-Headed Striped Vipers

The three heads of this snake constantly fight over which feeds next, since it has three separate digestive tracks leading to the single tail. It isn’t uncommon to see one of these with a missing head or two, as their venom is deadly to even the largest of creatures, including itself. If a stranger to Praug were to see these in the wild, they are advised to keep their distance and stand perfectly still if one spots you. Its three heads make it unable to see focus on prey that isn’t moving. They are easily distinguishable by their orange stripes that rung from the top of their triangular heads to the bottom of their dark-green bodies. Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. I

Thunder Rays

Found only on Praetor, these flying creatures have a manta-ray appearance with nearly translucent skin. It lights up whenever they fly through storm clouds, attracting electricity and sending brilliant light coursing through their veins. The presences of a flock of these large beasts have been a signal to the Wulvern of a coming storm for thousands of years, and even to this day are a reliable sign. Their skin is highly valuable to those with enough money to pay for their capture and skinning, thus making the Wulvern weary of them possibly becoming endangered. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. II

Two-Toed “Screamer” Frogs

Found only in the rainforests of Praug, these small amphibious creatures may not also be easy to spot with the bare eye, but can always be heard when they are near. Their normal croaks are recounted as high-pitch screams, akin to that of a small Human child. They are ear-piercing when produced by a large pod of these frogs. Unlike all the other species, the Praug regularly dance to the different pitches in their croaks during rain dance festivals, and mating seasons. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. I

Yellow-Bellied Bull-Lions

Native to the planet Vos in the Midnight System, the yellow-bellied versions of their Bull-Lion cousins are more hostile, though slightly smaller in size on average. They tend to actively avoid any settlements; instead they would rather travel in packs across the desolate landscape looking for their next meal. – Exotic Animals From Around The Galaxy Vol. II