Space:
Civilization spread from the galactic core. A generalization that is
accepted, even promoted by most of the Coreward races and resented by the
Rim Worlds. The more advanced civilization, at least technically do tend to
reside Coreward, such as the Plodex and the Race/organization/Empire called
the Interstellar Concordium. On the other hand there are several advanced
races among the galactic arms, the Zarlon Empire, the decadent Syrillians
even the malignant cancer of a race called the Tyranthrax seemed to
originate in the Rim.
The Rim is the most vibrant place in galaxy at the moment. Trade, war
and communication flow with abandon between thousands of inhabited worlds as
races jockey for territory and resources. Overall "government" is limited.
Among the largest, the Zarlon Empire is a group of long standing that has
recently (approximately 10 Terran ago) suffered an internal split breaking
into the Empire and the Republic though most outsiders would be hard pressed
to tell the difference between the two. The break up created a large power
vacuum which several smaller groups leapt at the chance to fill. The
Syrillian's lay claim to several abandoned Zarlon worlds and their slave
populations, the noble houses setting them up as retreats and hunting
reserves much to the general disgust of other races. Some political and
trade pressure forced the Syrillians into realizing the planet but the damage
done was immense.
When the Interstellar Concordium arrived and offered "assistance" to
these damaged worlds, they accepted thus sealing their fates. Many were
quickly annexed and absorbed into the Concordium. A few resisted and the war
rages to this day, the fledging races receiving covert support from
sympathetic races or mercenary aid from whomever than hire.
As far as overall galactic civilization goes, there isn't one. There
is not "standard currency". What one race values or craves is too often so
different from another that there can be no standard. Barter thrives,
however, with traders plying a brisk business as well as pirates. Several
planets have become trade centers due to their complimentary environments,
positioning or just plain luck. These worlds show of the best and the worst
of the Rim but are never boring.
Terra lies on the edge of an area somewhat unfairly labeled the
Barrens. Thought to be desolate and lifeless except for primitive races
(such as humans) the recent attack of the Tyranthrax and their defeat has
drawn new attention to a small blue planet. Just how a backward people
managed to fight off one of the most persistent intelligences in the galaxy
is a mystery that few can resist. Add to that the fact the Concordium has
been spotted in the area and contact of some sort seems inevitable.
Major Races