Guide to the Universe
From AUWiki
Contents |
Timeline
The Galactic Year (GY) is the duration of time for the Milky Way to make a complete rotation upon its axis. Approximately, one Galactic Year is equal to 250 million Earth years.
0 GY: Big Bang
0.4 GY: Birth of the Milky Way
36.8 GY: Birth of the Sol System
39.6 GY: Life appears on Earth
53.795208864 GY: Mass extinction on Earth
54.799208864 GY: Appearance of modern Humans
54.800008864 GY: Current Date
58 GY: Estimated time of extinction of all life on Earth, due to Sol’s growing luminosity
72 GY: Estimated time of Andromeda-Milky Way collision, creating a super massive black hole
135 GY: Estimated time of the end of the universe according to the Big Rip scenario
Species
Escaping the bounds of the Sol System, Humanity discovered they were not alone. Shortly after First Contact, various humanoid species began finding their way to Earth.
Earth holds its reputation with the galactic community as a rich planet seeded with vast amounts of opportunity. Space-faring species interact with the Terran (Human) home world, forming trade alliances and settling in cities. Humans are sometimes overly cautious and suspicious of aliens, as xenophobia is apparent. Though aliens are often scrutinized by law-enforcement, most find their niche within the Shipyard district of San Francisco. Whether they have arrived on Earth to exploit its resources or to seek refuge from an unwanted past, foreign species play a vital role within Humanity’s future.
Roles
Citizen
The citizens of United Earth are protected under the constitution established by the Global Authority. Whether born or naturalized, these individuals live in this industrial metropolis, working in one of the many establishments and/or municipal organizations available. Not limited to the human or hybrid races, aliens are very rarely considered citizens since it's only been several decades since Earth's discovery of extra-terrestrial life.
Drudge
You’re the heart of the labor force, dwelling in the shadows of the industrial jungle. Whether you’re lurking on the surface or in the old underground parts of the city, you’re commonly overlooked and witness to illicit activities or rumors. Whether a native or immigrant to Earth, you do the best you can with the little you have to survive.
Drifter
Like a nomad or gypsy, you have has traveled from different space stations to planets, unable to settle. Lacking commitment, you have so far been unable to keep any long-term affiliation to an organization. From hitchhiking on freighters to interstellar transports, you go wherever opportunity knocks. In this chapter of your life, it takes you to planet Earth.
Privateer
Traveling the galaxy, you’re either captain or crewmember of a small ship or freighter. You’ve found opportunity at the port of South San Francisco. Depending the cargo and trade you run, you’re considered a merchant or a smuggler.
Philosophies
Citizenship
As mankind adjusts to unification, many are charged with the belief that they are part of the greater good. It is a mindset, now taught at early age, which encourages selflessness, reject capitalism and achieve knowledge. Many who keep this belief grow into governmental careers, such as the Civil Sentry Force, Medical and more.
Cyberpunk Movement
In a world now united with a central governing body (Global Authority), there are those who continue to distrust and dissent such overwhelming power. Rebellious by nature, they are often found in conflict with hackers, authority and any megacorporation. Their commonly marked at all ages, covered in cybernetic gear and bright colors. Rader Records is a common "hotspot" for the cyberpunk movement.
Seekers
Within a century, religions and philosophies were shaken to the core. With the discovery of extra-terrestrial civilizations to the near apocalyptic results of the third World War, groups of survivors turned to alternative beliefs. Known simply as the "Seekers", this cult-like belief institutes rituals, often sexual and nearly demonic, and the worship of ancient beings, known as the Elders.
They meet in dark corners of the city, often underground, in fear of persecution or the discovery of their genetic experiment, dubbed "Relex". It is there, in those labs, do the Seekers attempt to incarnate their sleeping gods.
Terra Prime
This is an extremist view of xenophobia, bent on the belief that Earth and the Sol System should only be inhabited by Humans. With an influx of Hybrid settlements and the immigration of aliens onto the planet, some individuals to groups protest and discriminate against the newcomers in the city.
Government Operations
Several organizations were established to maintain peace through unity throughout Human domain.
Corps of Engineers
This large organization employs millions across the planet with cutting-edge skills to low-tech laborers. Established during global reconstruction, this branch of the the GA expanded into newer projects. In the city, some work on constructing super-rises to the new interstellar vessel, hence, the Shipyard.
Civil Sentry Force (CSF)
A division of the Global Authority, this organization is charged with law enforcement. Every major metropolitan has its own local division.
Global Authority (GA)
Shortly after World War III, nations of the world came together and established the concept of "United Earth". As a result, the Global Authority was established to oversee the reconstruction efforts across the planet and govern as a central authority. It is also umbrellas various divisions, including research, law-enforcement, military and medicine.
Infirmary
The infirmary, also known as a hospital, is part of the Global Authority and employs doctors in both medicine and lately, xenobiology, to treat humans, hybrids, and extra-terrestrial species.
Galactic Organizations
Syndicate
This secret organization, rumored to be operating on Earth now, is of alien origin. Operating like an interstellar mafia, this group has settled into the older part of the city. Consisting of various species, including Humanity, the Syndicate maintains a growing influence in the Global Authority and other powers within the galaxy. Its operation includes slave trafficking, exotic smuggling and drug production.
Galactic Connection
The purpose of the organization is to protect and rescue the galaxy from the consequences of the various secret projects that the governments of the universe have established, which are unknown to the public at large. The people on the Galactic Connection are chosen and called on for their specialized skills in a variety of areas, from military personnel, intelligence agents, police detectives to scientific researchers, academics, athletes, former criminals and assassins.
Businesses
Cantina
The Orion establishment is located only within the Shipyard district of San Francisco. The bar's exotic blends of alcohol and exotic dancers tend to attract a surly crowd of adventurers, drifters, and the occasional criminal element. It has a reputation of being a hotbed for illicit activities and a point of congregation for Syndicate members.
Rader Records
The Human franchise is located throughout the Human domain. As a popular distributor of music, it is capable of offering sounds of any era from any place in the galaxy to its patrons. Generally, it attracts people who describe themselves as living 'on the fringe' of society as well as self-proclaimed cyberpunks.
Monolith Burger
The Ionian franchise is spread throughout the galaxy. While species from all over the galaxy may patronize the establishment, it's mostly a social hub for transients and low income earners.
Daily Grind
The Human franchise is located throughout the galaxy. Established in 2006, it soon spread throughout the world and lately into the stars. Trendy people with moderate to high incomes frequent this establishment.
Shipyard District Enterprises
Information Exchange
An organization dedicated to exchanging information of anything and everything within the Shipyard district of San Francisco. They buy and sell information. The types of information can include (but not limited to): businesses, organizations, species, individuals, or contemporary movements.
Employees come from a wide variety of species and occupations, ensuring that no information is missed. When buying or requesting information from the Information Exchange, the organization assures the patron all business is kept confidential.
Krova Inc.
A developer of medicines, drug goods, weapons, fuels, human and droid augmentations, and transportation.
