Age of Isolation
Prehistoric Hyperborea (before 10000 B.S.T):
Since the dawn of time, various races and species inhabited the Hyperborean Galaxy. Before the arrival of humans, the galaxy was presumably dominated by the Demiurge, an enigmatic god-like race of unknown appearance. The recent archeological findings suggest that they mysteriously vanished in an instant. The Demiurge left behind powerful artifacts imbued with magical powers. These artifacts, characterized by glowing magical runes, come in various shapes and sizes. They provide a range of powers, from enhancing magical abilities to strengthening the firepower of ships’ weaponry.
Native Hyperborean Species (around -10000 B.S.T – 0 A.S.T):
Before the arrival of humans, entire civilizations of native species dominated the galaxy. Glyphens, a race of immortal sentient asteroids, discovered a gas-like substance that opened their mind and made them rethink their worldview, so they delved into philosophy. Hyxxar, a race of sentient insectoids obsessed with the idea of space exploration, progressed in technology and built tower hives, aiming to elevate above their planet’s atmosphere. Sirens, humanoid beings with fishtails, found a way to imbue their voices with ancient artifacts, which gave them the ability to manipulate objects and living beings with the power of their vocals.
Human Origins (around -10000-5000 B.S.T):
Some fringe archeologists and pseudo-scholars harbor the idea that humans arrived from another galaxy. After all, why else would human civilizations develop separately on different planets? To back up their claims, they bring up the Ancient Demiurge murals depicting humans as hostile colonists on giant spaceships. Alas, none of these supposed spaceships have ever been found. Nor there are any traces or documents of any ancient spacefaring human civilizations. According to the historical canon, no human has ever been to space until the invention of Solar Sails.
Solar Travel
The Invention of Solar Sails (-4 B.S.T – 0 A.S.T):
On the sunny planet of Hyxon, the technologically advanced insectoid species of Hyxxar developed the first working means of space travel. It started with Braxxar, a wealthy Hyxxar entrepreneur obsessed with space exploration. He built a tower that rose above the atmosphere and powered it with solar panels. Once reaching space, Braxxar discovered clouds that produced solar energy ten times more than the sun. Messy and disorganized as he was, Braxxar forgot his space suit. Luckily for him, these solar clouds produced oxygen, so Braxxar lived to tell about it. He then built a boat with an engine powered by a solar panel, and circumnavigated the planet, all while enjoying the cosmic breeze. Thus, Braxxar invented the very thing that would change the galaxy forever.
Solar Trade (0 – 92 A.S.T):
With his new invention, Braxxar established an interstellar corporation – Solar Industries LTD – and invested in building vessels powered by solar panels. He launched expeditions across the galaxy to introduce his technology to other species and attract potential clients. During one of the expeditions, Hyxxar encountered humans and established trade relations with them. Hyxxar gave them access to solar sails technology, while humans taught Hyxxar ship architecture based on their already existing water sailing ships made of wood and metals. Thanks to mutual trade with various planets and factions, Braxxar has connected the entire galaxy.
Relocation to Space (92 – 178 A.S.T):
Later on, Hyxxar developed gravity stabilizers powered by solar sails, allowing the denizens of the galaxy to build structures in space with their own centers of gravity. Following this novelty, the majority of the galactic population found living in space to be more efficient than staying on planets. Instead of traversing the atmosphere to reach their homes, they would dock their ships right next to their houses in space. For most people, planets became places of luxury and vacations. For space cities and interstellar governments, planets served as hubs of resources – water, wood, and provision. Many people lived their entire lives in space, without ever visiting any planet. Slowly but steadily, most of the galaxy became dependent on solar sails.
Great Galaxy War
Monopoly on Solar Sails (178 – 241 A.S.T):
As time went by, profit-driven Hyxxar displaced Braxxar from his position and took over Solar Industries LTD. They monopolized the production of solar sails, brutally suppressed any competition, and sanctioned entire planets at will by withholding the supply of solar sails.
One of the sanctioned human planets, Stygion, known for their wide use of the Demiurge artifacts, refused to bend the knee to the Hyxxar monopoly. They found a way to reanimate ancient Demiurge constructs and sent them to terrorize the Hyxxar trade routes. In response, the Hyxxar outlawed any Demiurge items and started hunting for those possessing them.
The harder Solar Industries choked the Stygian economy, the more hateful Stygians grew towards the Hyxxar. The two factions were on the brink of a real galactic war. Stygians craved a strong leader who would lead them against the Hyxxar hegemony.
Great Galaxy War (241 – 252 A.S.T):
With the rising hatred against Hyxxar, a Stygian prince Daemon Lance gained popularity by advocating human supremacy. Daemon was a kind prince who loved a siren and always advocated for tolerance and acceptance. But when the Hyxxar murdered his beloved one over a bunch of artifacts, blind hatred clouded his judgment.
Returning from a pilgrimage to the ancient ruins, Daemon came up with a revelation – ancient humans were immortal beings who traveled in space using advanced technology lost in ages. But the rival alien species grew jealous. They crafted magical artifacts and used them to drain human powers. As a result, humans lost their immortality and their knowledge. Thus, by outlawing the artifacts, Hyxxar wanted to prevent humans from reviving their legacy.
Fueled by hatred, the majority of Stygians blindly followed Daemon. He united all of Stygion under the Empire of the Holy Lance and proclaimed himself as its Emperor. The Empire built a mighty fleet empowered by ancient artifacts. The new Emperor launched devastating Holy Crusades across the galaxy, eradicating Hyxxar and other non-human species.
Fall of the Empire (252 A.S.T):
After years of devastating war, the galaxy united against the Empire and retaliated by besieging Stygion. The desperate Daemon turned to the ancient Demiurge murals for aid. After some research, he found Pandora’s Box – a gateway to another dimension – deep at the planet’s core. Daemon believed that with the powers stored in it, Stygians would restore their ancient powers, and gain immortality. Daemon ventured into Stygion’s core and opened Pandora’s Box, which opened a dimensional rift that ripped the planet apart. Stygion exploded in a supernova, killing everyone in the vicinity and destroying what was left of the Empire. And so, the Great Galaxy War has ended.
Post-War Galaxy
Healthy Nation (268 A.S.T):
With the defeat of the Empire and the crash of the Hyxxar monopoly over solar sails, a new superpower emerged – the Galactic Federation from Tanaris. Even for such a modern, science-driven society as Tanaris, the immense power stored in those ancient Demiurge runes was too much to ignore. After years of study, the Federation scientists came to a conclusion – these artifact offered vast knowledge from a bygone era. One particular cosmic wisdom caught their eye – “Wars are won by the healthy”.
Remembering their past failures from the Great Galaxy War, the Federation aimed to make its citizens healthier and fitter for navy service. The Federation Senate enacted a prohibition on rum, fatty foods, and pasta. They propagated the idea of a “Healthy Nation” by scaring its citizens with dreadful stories about the side effects of “dangerous foods”. According to the Federation doctrine, those foods made humans lose their physique and intelligence. That, in turn, would make them unfit for spacefaring – the biggest shame for every Federation citizen.
Rise of Piracy (272 A.S.T – 287 A.S.T):
While the “Healthy Nation” policy made the nation healthier, it caused the rum market to collapse. Rum traders, along with other affected citizens, organized protests that quickly escalated into a rebellion. In response, the Federation brutally suppressed it, crushing any hopes of future uprisings. After the failure of the rebellion, former rebels turned to smuggling and piracy, causing rum, fatty food, and pasta to become valuable commodities on the black market. The Federation started hunting down pirates and smugglers, eliminating them one by one. But piracy endured and lived on the outskirts and outside of the Federation’s domain.
Pastafarians (124 A.S.T – Today):
For over a century, the religious community of Pastafarians who worshiped the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a mysterious cosmic deity made of giant spaghetti and meatballs, had been at peace with the entire galaxy. Pastafarians mostly engaged in philanthropic activities, such as cooking pasta in giant space bowls to feed hungry space travelers. But as the Federation enacted its prohibition on rum, fatty food, and pasta, Pastafarians became outlaws by definition – since pasta has always been their traditional meal.
Refusing to conform to the tyrannical regime, Pastafarians started collaborating with pirates and actively supporting the black market for rum, fatty food, and pasta. Since the Pastafarian doctrine forbids violence, they preferred to go into hiding. But some Pastafarians grew tired of their pacifism in the face of imminent danger. As a warning, they mentioned the Demiurge. Pastafarians believe the Demiurge were ancient Pastafarians who were wiped out because they refused to fight. To avoid their fate, they raised their cannons in self-defense.
Rising Tensions (Today):
Seeking to bolster the might of their fleets, several galactic superpowers turn their gaze upon the ancient artifacts. The Galactic Federation doesn’t just collect them for studying anymore, but actively uses them as weapons. Seeing it as an opportunity to make a fortune, pirates, and smugglers roam the galaxy in search of any mysterious artifacts they can find. Meanwhile, rumors circulate about an emerging cult that calls itself the “Holy Lance”. Its members claim that the devastating Holy Lance fleet is about to return and their everliving Emperor Daemon Lance would once again plunge the galaxy into a devastating war.