Colonial Powers of the Circinus Stream
(K.Cycle 3375)
(K.Cycle 3375)
After the Great Jump, it has fallen to the Ark survivors to rebuild new footholds, colonies and civilizations in a brand new galaxy.
Here you will find information on the five major races, colonial governments, and societies that have been taking hold in the Circinus Stream in the the Great years since the Great Jump.
Here you will find information on the five major races, colonial governments, and societies that have been taking hold in the Circinus Stream in the the Great years since the Great Jump.
The elven-like Kalimshari are gifted psychic spacefarers. A mystical and fair people, they dedicate themselves to rebuilding their glorious, orderly realm.
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The Hhrot are predatory warriors, the last legacy of the Precursors. They are also a noble, proud, hierarchical society. Little will daunt them to spread.
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The Mewei are seclusive keepers of knowledge and harmony. They seek to be left in peace to understand the secrets of the universe.
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The first to settle in the Stream, the Hiderid Coalition is confident society geared towards the acquisition of wealth and business at all costs.
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Stubborn traditionalists who long to roam on open steppes, the Zaalans are often found scavenging for tech to keep their world aloft.
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Major Factions & Guilds of particular importance
Not everybody toes the government line, and sooner or later, expansion is wont to overwhelm colonial powers.
Here are some of the most notorious factions for hire in the Stream that may be of particular interest to any up-and-coming spacer - may they be dedicated to trading, discovery, or straight-up mischief.
Here are some of the most notorious factions for hire in the Stream that may be of particular interest to any up-and-coming spacer - may they be dedicated to trading, discovery, or straight-up mischief.
A faction of high-tech thieves led by a brilliant tech wizard, Vi's Fixmen are bounty hunters that favour unconventional guerilla methods once seen used by disgruntled Kalimshari space miners, such as mid-flight shipjacking or planetside comm disruptions. They rarely use sheer force in their operations. |
Daring, rugged and fiercely independant, Express Courier Services carry data and precious goods too sensitive to ship through mainstream shipping companies such as ShipSec Freight Co. Really, they are adrenaline junkies and space racers competing at breakneck speeds in one big endless race. |
The Cult of the All-Code is a recent but pervasive phenomenon. They worship Triune as the True Trinity after it gifted the newcomers with its Signal. Loosely affiliated to other Triune worshippers, its visionary leader Djan Djild seeks out to hoard ancient technology away from the uninitiated - or else. |
Starlyft Inc. is a salvager operation that operates across the sector and specializes in 'asset acquisition'. Their organization is a tangled mess of secretive, semi-independent contractors. Despite insisting on being a legitimate business, they tend show up in...convenient places. |
The monastic agents of the Order of Solaris are keepers of the peace. Unhappy with colonial law and order, they push to be seen as a superior independent force for good across the sector. Established colonial authorities, including other Solarian orders, frown upon these sun vigilantes. |
Cartography of the Circinus Stream
The Circinus Stream is a Far Space star cluster on the very edge of the spiral galaxy its inhabitants call Desna's Path. With only 31 charted star systems, so much hides within sight of the establishing colonies - and even more awaits in the empty abyss beyond.
There is only one Drift Beacon in the Circinus Stream, in orbit of Embassy Station. Using Drift Engines is the only reasonable way to access the rest of the galaxy, since the star cluster is too far from the galactic rim for slower FTL methods.
Within the Stream, travel is done using old-fashioned Spike Drives, the ancestors to the dreaded PSDs. Spike and Drift engines do not interact well and are seldom placed together on one ship. Embassy Station has built its power on providing a galactic break-of-gauge for Pact Worlds and colonial travelers alike.
Whilst Coalition and Kalimshari space is relatively policed, the Zaalan Tribes and Yawin Corridor remain lawless and poorly-charted. Many explorers have sought to discover the secrets hiding deep within the Aerie Empty, the Serine Gap, or the Unsung Depths - and fewer still have returned.
There is only one Drift Beacon in the Circinus Stream, in orbit of Embassy Station. Using Drift Engines is the only reasonable way to access the rest of the galaxy, since the star cluster is too far from the galactic rim for slower FTL methods.
Within the Stream, travel is done using old-fashioned Spike Drives, the ancestors to the dreaded PSDs. Spike and Drift engines do not interact well and are seldom placed together on one ship. Embassy Station has built its power on providing a galactic break-of-gauge for Pact Worlds and colonial travelers alike.
Whilst Coalition and Kalimshari space is relatively policed, the Zaalan Tribes and Yawin Corridor remain lawless and poorly-charted. Many explorers have sought to discover the secrets hiding deep within the Aerie Empty, the Serine Gap, or the Unsung Depths - and fewer still have returned.
Isochronic Projection
Some map elements (C) Cecil Howe 2019-2020
Welcome to Embassy
Where Pact Worlds and Arkers come together
Hey spacer. We're glad to have you with us! Embassy is the largest spaceport in the entire Stream, right in the middle, and with the highest density of Drift Beacons.
Please dock at your assigned landing pad. If you're willing to behave, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you here. Just a few rules & regulations : Weapons must be stowed away prior to stepping aboard the station. That means no explosives, either. Keep these on your ship. Armour is restricted to civilian-grade suits, too. We know how Hhrot can be offended by this rule - we have Vesk in the Pact Worlds, too! If stun batons don't fix it, we'll have to resort to plasma gatlings. So behave!!! Be aware that intoxication is an aggravating factor when committing an offence. Penalties could involve the seizing of all your assets, your ship, your bike, your clothes and your boots. Embassy Defence Force The EDF is manned by a mixture of Pact World and Ark races. What better opportunity to bring our galaxies together! However, if you decide to cause trouble, the EDF doesn't mind bringing the full might of the law on you. So play nice. The Trading Auditorium Because we know nothing brings two galaxies together like friendly hedge fund managers sharing a Fusion Ale together! Bring all of your riches and trade them away on the market floor! The Pact World Embassy The Embassy is an association of lobbies and interests, dedicated to bridging that gap between our two galaxies and make Ark dwellers feel right at home. Oh, and for you Coalition or Kalimshari agitateurs trying to worm your way into spheres of influence and to gain control of the station through your agents, syndicates, gangs, and what not : you will fail! Don't even try! Most of our special agents are constantly looking to root out any potential spies and wanna-be coup leaders. Enjoy your visit, spacer. Mind the Drift Beacon on the way out! |
Taken from Stellaris - Gigastructure Mod
Background for this section and below from Endless Space 2 |
Embassy's Impressive Stats brought to you by WikiDex, the free galactic codex
Population : 255,120 Head of State : Zhovia Kharasa Atmosphere : Breathable inside the station and non-allergenic to all tested* Ark races Government : What Zhovia says goes. We accept Credits and UPBs! Kalimshari Tharni are welcome too. Ysoki are not valid currency on this station. Why don't you visit our sponsors on the Promenade...
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A colonial history of the Circinus Stream
The Great Jump upended countless civilization across the old galaxy. Only a blessed few found salvation in the Runewarden's majestic Precursor Arks.
Yet the history of those who survived in the Circinus Stream goes on ever stronger, for the dreams of the future are worth more than the regrets of the past.
A Circinus cycle (or CC) is based on a year on the new Hiderid homeworld of Prospect. Coincidentally, such a period of time is less than a minute lesser than a year on the old Kalimshari homeworld (KC). While local time and calendars are often used, C- and K- cycles are interchangeable enough, and remain incredibly useful for standard business transactions and timekeeping across the Stream.
Yet the history of those who survived in the Circinus Stream goes on ever stronger, for the dreams of the future are worth more than the regrets of the past.
A Circinus cycle (or CC) is based on a year on the new Hiderid homeworld of Prospect. Coincidentally, such a period of time is less than a minute lesser than a year on the old Kalimshari homeworld (KC). While local time and calendars are often used, C- and K- cycles are interchangeable enough, and remain incredibly useful for standard business transactions and timekeeping across the Stream.
Cycles 0-80 :
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Cycles 80-150 :
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Pyxis Globula before the Great Jump
Even though the likelihood that civilization survived back in the home Pyxis Globula is extremely low, the shared history of each of the major surviving factions in the Stream remains relevant and important. Most characters would have some passing knowledge of life before the psionic attacks, and the Great Jump marks a rupture in time as much as a high point in each civilization's continuous history.
Here is a very quick summary of the commonly known timeline of the Pyxis Globula.
Here is a very quick summary of the commonly known timeline of the Pyxis Globula.
Edited from Endless Space 2
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The Primordial Era (-500k : -15k KC)
It is common knowledge that a single civilization usually known as the Precursors (or Kash-Dalit) occupied the pioneers' home galaxy from 500k to until roughly 15k cycles ago. Very little is known about the Kash-Dalit. It is believed that as a species, they made heavy use of bioengineering and cybernetics. A few Precursor ships, such as the lost Kalimshari dreadnought Windward, made heavy use of biocircuitry and neurotransmitters, leading some to believe that most Precursors travelled the void of space on living bioships. The Precursors may hold the key to one of the galaxy's oldest paradoxes : if most species do not derive a common origin and if DNA is not as universal in its structure as once thought, why do most sentient species all converge towards similar builds and bodies? The authoritative work of Coalition scientist Anya Mattaya has shown that the Precursors were very busy "seeding" the galaxy with their DNA and forcing evolutionary paths to suit their whims. Indeed, it is now generally agreed that most races in the Globula were genetically engineered over thousands of years to resemble the Precursors. It is not known whether the Precursors were aiming to cultivate a galactic garden or exploit sentient life for labour, though judging by the Hhrot's particular position as the "First Slaves", most historians tend to agree that Precursor society must have been imperialistic at the very least. It is unknown why the Precursors fell. It is theorized that they went and settled other galaxies, leaving their own Pyxis Globula behind on mighty Arks, such as the three ships used by galactic refugees thousands of cycles later. Thus were their creation free to evolve on their own terms and blossom in the space left behind... |
The Coalition Wars (-15000 : -5000 KC)
Another enduring legacy of the Precursors were their hyperlanes - and the technology that made full use of it. Younger races achieved FTL on a very limited FTL method: the Free Zaalan Tribes, the Hhrot Dominion, and the various races that would eventually coalesce into the Coalition all made use of the remnant network using what can best be described as nulldrive "grappling hooks" for their stellar expansion. This era was extremely chaotic as younger races grew in the Precursor's wake at roughly the same time. Records show a possible twenty-three different sentient races trading at one point - all with Precursor DNA. Warfare was common, as all powers were restricted to a limited choice of hyperlane nodes. It was not possible to reliably reach systems outside of the network, except through the use of relativistic slowships. As the Hroth Dominion swelled in the galactic rim, many other powers vied for control. Records make mention of ancient wars between the Reldi Cartel, the Free Zaalan Tribes, the Hapekia Conglomerate, the glitched AI Concordat and the Exalted Tonaak States. The Coalition Wars lasted for centuries, The lone world of Erda Ar established the Protectorate in order to promote peace and cooperation. Soon other powers joined it, though this initially did little to alleviate the near constant skirmishes. The Protectorate would nonetheless become relevant when the Voidborne attempted their first dimensional invasion of the galaxy. Despite the destruction of Erda Ar, Protectorate powers took on the burden of driving off the invaders. In the Battle for Xionia, a decisive victory was scored by ageing Zaalan war hero Azuka Cheimka. The formal creation of the Coalition of Four Suns was proclaimed. Other powers slowly joined the growing movement, and the Hhrot sought to capitalize on Coalition war weariness to pursue their own expansion. |
The Degenerate Era (-5000 : 0 KC)
Even as the Hhrot opened fire on every front, a bigger threat soon had Coalition scientists worried : the hyperlane network was collapsing, suffering from critical lack of maintenance. Unable to solve that problem, the Coalition instead sought for a new FTL drive. A Zaalan scientist named Aina-Insa soon invented the Spike Drive : a powerful nullfield generator that effectively weaved its own temporary hyperfield as it sailed the stars. The theory had long proved elusive to use in practice due to the hyperlane interference caused by the everpresent network. It took a mere ten cycles for the network to completely collapse, and thus the Coalition's initial priority was to reestablish trade between their member worlds using their new drive. By most historical accounts, they dealt very well with the forced replacement of their FTL infrastructure. The Hhrot Dominion, which was not as prepared and had dismissed claims of a total hyperlane collapse, found its worlds cut off from each other and became completely splintered. Shortly after, the technologically advanced Mewei Domain had just emerged into the FTL community, pushing very unconventional FTL of their own : psionic jump gates. Their giant rings, home to thousands of psyker-monks, linked far-flung stellar clusters together. These jump gates predated the Mewei - more likely, they were "hyperlane scaffolds", used by the Precursors in their endless hyperspace web-weaving, and simply left behind. Whilst the isolationist Domain did not share their FTL secrets (nor did they adopt the Spike Drive), they freely entered into research agreements with most other factions in a variety of other fields. |
The Psionic Era (0 : 3250 KC)
Soon after, it was the turn of the Kalimshari to step into the galactic spotlight. A mystic and splintered race, they were notable for their extreme psionic proficiency. In an unlikely turn of events, they turned the venerable Spike Drive into the ill-fated PSD, which boasted tenfold the range and tenfold the speed for similar energy costs. This, in turn, linked several other minor civilizations together as the Globula had become reasonably visitable within a single individual's lifetime. The Kalimshari and their Ophoni allies also saw off a Hhrot attack - the Dominion had finally seen fit to adopt the Spike Drive and reclaim its lost worlds, which the Kalimshari had settled in the meanwhile. Negotiation proved pointless and the first interstellar conflict in centuries took place. The Hhrot did not gain a significant foothold : Kalimshari Captain Linariel Delore skillfully drove off Hhrot Legate J'Hgara at the Battle of the Binary Quasars. Thus did the Kalimshari Ascendency begin in earnest. Collaboration between the Kalimshari, the Ophoni and the Mewei led to the discovery of terraforming, and the later psionic era is marked by the wanton creation of endless new worlds. Political unrest was at an all-time high : governments sought to regulate this sudden threat to their monopoly on such commodities as foodstuffs and habitable space, while the Coalition did everything it could to avoid being sidelined by galactic newcomers. All of these efforts were in vain, as soon after, the Voidborne war started in earnest, and with it a psionic scream to tear a galaxy asunder... |
Edited from FFXIV
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Lore Archives of the Circinus Stream
This setting was always made for more sandboxy types of play - bringing some of the Frontier feeling of Stars Without Number to the Starfinder gameplay loop. Here are some holotapes that shed some light on some of the strange lore that goes on in the Circinus Stream.
Knowledge is power.
Knowledge is power.
Uhlsyrd Aleurden
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Archmage T'une
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Odval Arulaq
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This website is meant as a non-profit, personal side project and an archive for my tabletop antics. No copyright infringement intended.
Credit is normally given where due and some pictures are placeholders. Use the contact form if you have any issue or would like your work removed.
Background images on this page were taken and edited in FFXIV (C) Square-Enix 2010-2020
Credit is normally given where due and some pictures are placeholders. Use the contact form if you have any issue or would like your work removed.
Background images on this page were taken and edited in FFXIV (C) Square-Enix 2010-2020
This work was imagined and written by Yuriko Kimura ( 木村 由里子 ). 2017-2020.
No commercial use is allowed.
No commercial use is allowed.