Atlas
cultural encyclopedia
"In the great expanse of the universe, we are but a speck..."
THE PLANETS of the GALACTIC PEACE COALITION
During this time period, the planetary maps showed the allied systems within the Coalition of Planets. There are the systems that co-existed within the Senate and function under the Proclamation, indicating all planets must follow the Galactic Laws agreed upon by the respective senators. This time period was generally one of peace - though beneath the surface, the occasional political intrigue made for complicated diplomatic affairs.
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AXIS
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AXIS
|| Planet
Axis is, to its core, technologically superior. The very veins of the world run with electrical pulses. Even at a distance, the shock of blue can be seen, tracing across the surface. At the center of Axis lies a massive city, a source of trade and a hub for transport ships.
At the heart of Axis lies the Crucible - a triangular spire at the center of which lies the source of odd electrical glowing. This location is considered sacred for the native people of Axis, and trespassing is considered the greatest crime one can commit on Axis, punishable by immediate eradication.
|| People
The Axium people, known as Cerebrals, are a supremely severe race - Despite being entirely organic, they appear more machine than not, with bodies covered in thick exoskeleton suits of a black rubber-like material, their spine bearing a similar glow that runs through the surface of the planet itself.
They are immensely tall - generally between 7-9 feet in height, and thin, with extremely long limbs. Deep-socketed eyes rest on the sides of their skull, and they bear concave noses and a thin mouth. Their skin is rough, and reptilian in feel, and they poses no hair. It's extremely difficult to tell the difference between male and female Axium - even among the species, themselves.
The Axium speak a broad spectrum of languages, from ancient dead languages of their own people, to languages of those spread throughout the galaxy. They are exceptionally intelligent, and rarely express emotions of any nature, outwardly. There's is an ancient race, said to have been in existence since the dawn of time.
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POLARI
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POL'ARI
|| Planet
Pol'Ari is so named for the distinctly different sides of the planet, itself. Due to a natural phenominon involving planetary rotation, half of Pol'Ari is never exposed to sunlight, while the other does not experience natural darkness. As a result, these two polar-halves exist, generally, in opposition with one another. Civil Rights are the common most issues, with those from Nox being unwelcomed or discriminated against within Solas, and vise versa.
Also contrary are the climates within each half- Solas presenting as arid, and desert-like outside of city limits, Nox a frozen wilderness beyond their city. The cities themselves are encapsulated within domes, which provide the citizens with artificial sunlight or nightfall, as well as protect from the elements outside. The border between planets is the only neutral ground, and is where most diplomatic incidences are handled. Pol'Ari is overseen by two government officials - and each hold a seat within the Coalition of Planets.
|| People
The citizens of Pol'Ari are humanoid in appearance - thought to be descendants of Earth from long ago - though little remains of their history to confirm these suspicions. When Earth that Was was destroyed, a number of Earth Dwellers settled within Pol'Ari, and over time, it became impossible to tell the settlers from those native to the planet.
Citizens from Solas are most typically darker skinned, their complexions honed by years beneath harsh sunlight. Protective eyeware is also customary, and it's rare to find a Solasian without some form of sunshades. Those from Nox bear a nearly unnaturally pale complexion, and an aversion to strong, harsh lighting. Pol'Ari people speak a broad range of Old Earth languages.
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MERIDIEM
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MERIDIEM
|| Planet
Meridiem is a complex hub, located just outside the Klangbar Asteroid Belt. Most of the population reside below the surface, in deeply rooted bunkers. At the core of these bunkers, like a pipe line that runs from the center of the planet, an enormous conduit resides, which provides power throughout the planet. The material within the conduit is called Gris (grease), and harvesting this is extremely dangerous, due to it's toxic nature, but lucrative. Because of this, guard posts are set up every few miles along the conduit, to prevent poaching.
|| People
The Meridians are a peculiar people, who have adapted to their mole-like life below ground in many ways - the most notable of which are eyes that glow a vibrant greenish yellow, thought to be a side-effect of their near constant exposure to Gris - an effect which incidentally gives the race the ability to see in the dark, as well as at a great distance. Otherwise, they most closely resemble a humanoid species.
Very few Meridians live above ground, and these do not associate with the below-grounders. The above-dwelling race possess masks to protect them from the elements and unstable environment.
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TARNIGARTH
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TARNIGARTH
|| Planet
Tarnigarth is a planet located in the central of Coalition space. The planet exists within the shell of another dying planet - functioning almost as though it were the core. On the planet itself, life exists mainly below the surface - the dwelling spaces dug into the ground like scars in the earth. Below these dwelling spaces, a river runs with an unusual bioluminescent substance known to the planet's people as Cir'aq (Seer-Ach). This substance is used as a source of power, as well as harvested and processed for it's healing properties on Tarnigarth and the other Coalition planets.
Due to the unstable nature of their planet's shell-structure, Tarnigarth is home to many natural disasters, the likes of which are very difficult to survive, without proper planning and provision. Because of this, visiting the planet isn't generally recommended.
|| People
Tarnigarth is largely populated by citizens from Earth-that-Was. Whether there was a species prior to the settling, few can tell, but indications suggest an ancient race once dwelt there. The humans who settled on Tarnigarth have become, over time, particularly militaristic in nature, and some go so far as to refer to the planet as The Barracks. They have adapted to the turbulent nature of the climate, as well as the natural disasters that are apt to strike at odd times.
Their ethnicities are varied, but most Tarnigarth people wear some degree of warpaint, to set them apart from the people of Neo Earth and other colonized planets and space stations.
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OCHA
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OCHA
|| Planet
Ocha is a dry, rocky planet, with the brunt of the population living in or around the mountainous regions. With very little in the way of technological advancements, the people rely heavily on their abilities to build using the materials around them. Because of the intuitive nature in the designs of their homes and the small military compounds, they've become known as the Architects of the Galaxy.
Ocha's weather is generally dry, with one rainy season. Because of this, and their lack of natural water resources, they have designed an aqueduct system to preserve, filter even lengthen their water supplies.
|| People
The Och'nari are a burly people, brutish in appearance, most closely resembling the alien creatures in early human lore, with broad, dome-like heads, wrinkled and hairless and orb shaped eyes, deeply socketed. Despite their somewhat unsettling appearance, they are neither violent, nor unintelligent - enjoying deeply rooted cultural experiences, such as literature, art and music.
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HAVA
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HAVA
|| Planet
Hava is a smaller rocky planet located near the rim of the Coalition territory. Known for it's warm, dry climate, the massive trees, called Flatbacks and it's unusual bird-like natives, the planet is also a wealth of trade and export opportunities. Rings of rocks orbit the planet, and tucked safely above these rings, the dual space stations Israel resides.
|| People
Hava's is made up of an avian like species. The men possess beak like mouths and a ridged, dome shaped skull, as well as sharply taloned feet. The women, softer in design, have multi-colored feathers that cover the length of their form. Despite their bird-like qualities, neither member of the species are flight-capable.
Humankind have also taken residence on and above Hava and coexist quite peacefully with the native races. The Hava people speak a language similar to birdsong of Earth that Was, though most of the species are also capable of speaking some degree of Neo Earth languages.
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NEO EARTH
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NEO EARTH
|| Planet
Like Earth that Was, Neo Earth is a planet that reflects many different cultures, environments, languages and regions. Technologically advanced, the planet is a source of trade, and is host to the Coalition Senate, where those within the planetary alliance meet once every five years, to readjust terms and galactic law. New Earth is overseen by a counsel, elected by the people, the vote for which occurred every ten years.
|| People
Neo Earth is a melting pot of Galactic life - Humans make up the majority population, but there are all manner of species who make their home on the planet, most cities possessing an 'Embassy' of sorts, to oversee relations and diplomatic incidences.
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LEELA
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LEELA
|| Planet
Leela is known among many as the Pearl among the stars. A bright iridescent purple, she shines from miles out, a beacon of beauty. There is very little surface to Leela - most of the planet covered by water, beneath which the planet's civilization makes their home. Because of their lack of above ground living space, humankind did not settle on Leela, but it has become something of a popular vacation spot, when the proper protective gear is available.
|| People
The Leela people are an aquatic race, possessing fins and gills. They most closely resemble the earth creatures of legend, mermaids. They are adaptable to life on land, but only temporarily. There are no species on Leela who reside above land, but over the planet, the space station Paris resides.
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RANIX
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RANIX
|| Planet
Ranix is a harsh environment - one hemisphere desert, the other a frozen wilderness. With little in the way of settlements or cities, the people live in huts or tents, the main structural aspects of the planet the spire-like columns, which, when activated, surround the planet in a field of energy - This energy is generally protective in nature, used as a shield, but it can also be utilized as a pressure device, which, when combined with the volatile nature of the planet's surface minerals, can turn the planet itself into a bomb.
|| People
Referenced often as The Mercenary Planet, Ranix people are a violent, cold race, with very few ethical limitations. So gone is their sense of morality, that their violence does not escape even their own kind, evident in their appearance, which is often some degree of self-mutilation or injuries.
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KALAZAR
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KALAZAR
|| Planet
Kalazar is an intimidating sight, even at a distance, a blackened, charred looking planet, devoid of plants or visible water sources. On the surface, Kalazar is home to many cities, which function on varying levels and degrees of advancement. Below the surface, hundreds of thousands of factories exist, churning out everything from every household materials, to war machines.
|| People
Kalazar is home to a mixed race of people, but the most prevalent species are the Drackspar and the Vela. The Drackspar are volatile in nature - They are humanoid, but for their grey, black, beige or metalic shaded skin and the horns and sharp spikes, jutting their bodies. The Vela are similar in build, though smaller, their coloring varying from blues and reds to purples and pinks. While rare, albino Vela have been witnessed before, though they are often ostracized, thought to be cursed.
Kalazar has been under scourge from a large band of anarchists and political rebels, who refer to themselves as the Cult of Invarience. Thus far, support has held, but the government is weakening and some fear a revolt might not be far off.
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FANDRIGIL
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FANDRAGIL
|| Planet
Fandragil is best known for the shape of its mountain range, which from space resembles the silhouette of a serpentine creature. The planet is largely temperate desert and has the largest mining colony within the coalition of planets. Mining is their greatest export - making them a diplomatic benefit to most other planets within the Coalition.
|| People
Fandragilians are reptilian in nature, with scale covered skin and large, brightly colored eyes. Their innate sense of smell and direction make them exceptional miners. Accustomed to working with their hands, the species grow exceptionally bored and aggravated when there is little work to be done. It is a long standing tradition, then, that during any Coalition summits on Neo Earth the Frandragilians receive no maid service in their resort rooms.
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BINX
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BINX
|| Planet
Binx is a frigid ice planet, entirely encased in frost and snow capped mountains. Largely considered a wilderness, there is little to Binx worth seeing. The only sight worth mentioning is a palace carved in the side of a mountain cavern, which boasts well over four hundred rooms, and stone furnishing. This palace, however, it completely abandoned and has been for centuries.
|| People
Binx is home to a small population of traveling nomads, their name, in their language translating to the Nowhere Men. These nomads travel in packs, incredibly territorial and violent when challenged. They wear masks to cover their features and even in diplomatic settings this holds true. No record exists of what they actually look like.
There is also rumor of enormous mountain sized beasts that roam the lands, though none have ever actually been seen.
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DRANDMA VI
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DRANDMA VI
|| Planet
Drandma VI is a large planet located on the outskirts of the coalition territory. Primarily desert, Drandma VI's temperature runs fairly hot during the day and cooler in the evening. Once run by an ancient race, the planet is host to a number of curious structures, including a massive wall that runs for miles without end, and strangely marked bunker-like buildings.
|| People
Drandma is host to a race of people called Sifters - These people are possessed of an ability to manipulate or 'sift' sand into near-sentient beings, weapons, structures and even transportation. Their gift is highly revered and very few are able to master it.
Due to it's generally temperate living conditions, and relatively peaceful natives, many from Earth that Was have settled on Drandma VI.
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BLIGHT
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BLIGHT
|| Planet
Blight is, to put it mildly, a difficult planet to travel to for any not already native. The vast majority of the system consists of volatile lava-like surfaces, hardened mountainous crags and deep, cavernous tunnels. The planet itself is nearly unbearably hot, without the proper protection, and there are very few solid areas for crafts to land safely.
|| People
Blight is home to many strange creatures, attracted to the smoldering terrain. Most prevalent are the pack-like Bogdins, round rock like creatures with fire breathing abilities and The Ashen - these are humanoid beings from which the earthen legend of the Phoenix was born. Creatures capable of being regenerated anew when their bodies are burned
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NMORIA
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N'MORIA
|| Planet
Located on the edge of Coalition territory, N'moria is a stunningly beautiful planet, with very little in terms of technological advancement. A forest planet, there's very little of N'moria that isn't heavily populated by trees and plantlife and the N'moria race are extremely sensitive to their environment and nature in general.
|| People
N'morians are a species deeply rooted in nature and tradition. With little to do with life on other planets, they are a private race, and extremely territorial. Visitors to the planet are generally not well received, though exceptions have been made in the past. Native to their root, the N'morians speak their own language, and hold to traditions passed along to each new generation.
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RYLOTH
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RYLOTH
|| Planet
Ryloth is occupied both above the ground and below water, with large, glossy cities, technologically advanced and environmentally conscious in very many ways. To Neo Earth, which Ryloth most closely resembles, they are known as something of a posh Utopia.
|| People
The Ryloth people are humanoid, and incredibly intelligent. They are heavily involved in both matters of environmental awareness, as well as matters of government, and are largely responsible for introducing Earth that Was, as a whole, to matters of universal and galactic exploration and protection.
As of 3075, Kalazar has been overthrown by the Cult of Invariance, and with their new regime, they have begun an attack on the allied planets the likes of which have not seen since before the formation of the Coalition, itself, when the tyrannical Thral-dax Armada ruled the skies. This map indicates the planets Kalazar has successfully overrun in their planetary invasion.
Space Stations
scattered among stars
Located above five of the allied planets, space stations revolve in orbit, containing citizens of or descended from Earth that Was. These Space Stations are considered ambassador ships from Neo Earth, and are under authority to all Neo Earth and Coalition laws. The stations vary in size, and while they are named for various countries and cities on earth, their population is extremely diverse. Most space stations require yearly fueling and oxygen dumps, and for this reason, it is imperative that relations between their host planets remain peaceful and friendly.
SS PHILADELPHIA
Flying above Drandma VI, the space station Philadelphia is run by a man named Galifrey Morris. One of the smallest of the five, her population is only 25,000 and citizens are required to live in 'communal' areas, instead of being afforded separate pods. Despite close quarters, crime on the SS Philadelphia remains nearly non-existent, in part due to the close-knit nature of the community.
SS NEW YORK
Hovering about Pol'Ari's Solas hemisphere, SS New York is vastly and diversely populated, much like the city it was named after on Earth that Was. Administered by Elyas Green and his Sector Handlers, they do their best to keep all crime at bay. New York boasts the highest population, which makes it considerably more necessary to dock, frequently as possible.
SS ISRAEL
The Space Station Israel resides in comfort over the rings of Hava. Actually two stations, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel remains one of the most populated space stations within the alliance. Run by Vana Satrine, Tel Aviv is the smaller of the two, her sister station Jerusalem overseen by Casamir Steinman.
SS LONDON
Run by man, Tobias Sharpton, who claims to be a descendant of the once famous SIS, Space Station London is the third most populated Space Station - making berth over Fandragil. London is run like a clock, with an exceptional history of lower crime and a marketable high efficiency rating. Unfortunately, during a meteor collision, part of the station was permanently damaged, and has since required more strict usage of oxygen and supplies.
SS PARIS
The SS Paris resides over Leela - as beautiful as the Pearl, herself. Sleek and sophisticated, she is nevertheless a powerhouse, and within Paris, hundreds of thousands of Earth dwellers have made their home. Overseen by Chancellor Nelson Renoit, Paris is a place of culture and class... with an undercurrent of darkness, all too efficiently covered up.
the badlands
KLANGBAR ASTEROID BELT
Klangbar, so named for the ancient warrior of old, remains one of the most dangerous locations within Galactic Territory. Hundreds of thousands of asteroids revolve in constant disarray, creating a nearly impenetrable field. Within the field, however, lie massive meteors, within which a near endless bounty of minerals exist for those willing to dare the treacherous journey.
Drilling teams are sent into Klangbar every few years, to gather resources. Because of the risk, these members are heartily rewarded for their efforts, provided they survive. In the event that they do not survive, their families are heavily compensated.
the fall
FROM THE ASHES RISE...
Located hundreds of miles beyond the Klangbar asteroid belt lies what is known as The Fall - a graveyard of dead, abandoned planets. Among them is an unnamed planet, so ancient, no history exists to determine who or what lived there, prior to it's desolation. It is from this mysterious planet that the heroes known as the Lightbearers eventually rise.
the cult of invariance
MERCY FOR NONE
The Cult of Invariance has no known conception. Without origin, they simply were, and their numbers were such that their imminent overtaking of Kalazar was achieved seamlessly and nearly without flaw. Few know who the members of the cult are, as they appear to have no names or designations, and even their species varies in all shapes and sizes... But working together, nearly as a singular entity, they have spread out among the stars, their numbers growing daily.
the obsidion
WHAT WE FEAR IN THE DARK
The Obsidian are a race of creatures from a dying star, who feed on light and energy in order to survive. With very few left in existence, they've managed to stow aboard a ship destined for Planet Earth, and in the year 1950, when mankind has its first encounter with another alien species, they arrive.
the formless
WHAT YOU DESIRE TO NEVER SEE
The Formless are a deadly race of unknown origin, thought to have been in existence for thousands of years. Spreading out across the galaxy, they are able to take multiple shapes, however, once a new form is taken, they cannot manifest unless they are first seen. Because of this, their favored form to take is artwork of any kind. Their greatest strength, however, is also their greatest weakness, for their ability to shift perception to better help them hunt makes it impossible to see them, except where they exist visibly only in in the space of peripherals, at the corner of the eye.
the ancients
THE FALSE GODS
The Ancients ruled the galaxy many many years ago, arriving from out of no where to bestow upon the people gifts of wisdom and technological advancements beyond time. They became forces of great strength and majesty, revered by many as gods. Their lust for power, however, drove them to commit atrocities galaxy wide and from this came a rise of dissonance among the people.