[CupcakeDolly]

~ The Asgard System

The Edge

The outer Edge planets reign over the Asgard system. On the Edge, life is good, flush with technology. The rich and prosperous have laser guns, holo-scanners, and flying cars. Food, shelter, and health care are readily available – which gives people time to think on more than the basics. Their culture focuses on science and knowledge, and their superior weaponry makes them the reigning military force. They rely primarily on lunar and wind power for their computerized machines.

The Core

On the innermost worlds, known as the Core, folks have to make due with the most basic technologies. Having been closest to the harsh sun, planets on the Core were the last to be populated, and its pilgrims have had to learn to adapt to the heat. The newest of the terraformed worlds use machines that run on coal and steam, rather than microchips. Lacking hovercars, people ride horses and trains. Lacking lasers, they make due with bullets. Survival and innovation take precedence over education and manners.

Government

Though the Core is given a sense of power over its own territory by assigning independent governors to each planet, the Edge – ruled as a whole by the Council of Seven, and backed by an impressive armada of high-tech fighter ships – hold true power over the Asgard system. The two territories rely heavily on each other. The Edge provides medical supplies, access to the Cortex and other vital technologies, and factories for refining raw materials. The Core provides agriculture and mines with precious minerals. Both wish to avoid any disputes, despite their differences, though the Edge seems intent on keeping the Core planets from becoming too self-reliant.

The Cortex

Strung between the Edge and the Core is the Cortex – a system-wide information network that can be accessed on ships or groundside with a terminal or dedicated sourcebox. News, communication, law enforcement bulletins, and online shopping are all available. Nodes are placed throughout the system, allowing for unrestricted information to be accessed just about anywhere by just about anyone.

Cults

Religion has all but vanished in the process of settling the new system, and in its place small but powerful cults have risen. The two primary cults are the Circle of Light and the Sons of the Dark, named so for affiliation with either the Light or Dark beings. The Light beings are said to be on the side of the humans, and provide miracles and assistance through the use of their superior powers. The Dark beings despise humans, and their followers seek to rise above their humanity while destroying those they find unworthy.

Ships

Ships come in all sizes – from giant space stations to tiny single-passenger shuttles – and they serve just as many different purposes. Most are used for shuttling passengers or cargo between planets. Most combat ships are commanded by the Edge military, though smaller mercenary vessels are not uncommon. Special documentation and permission is usually required for transport between the Edge and Core territories. Landing illegally on a foreign world, transporting illegal cargo, or simply picking a fight with the wrong people automatically brands a ship and its crew as pirates – a crime punishable by death.




Everyone has their motivations, a place to go, and a story to tell. It's a big world out there.
Freedom is waiting.