Orleans Introduction

The Galaxy

The Empire: Heart of human civilization in this section of the Galaxy, it is the central setting of this game. More details about regions of the Galaxy can be found in the House Rules in the section entitled “The Regions of the Empire.”

The Kolbronnian Empire: A powerful “state” populated primarily by a species of humanoids that sustain themselves on the life energies of other beings—“energy vampires” as most Humans call them. While a sophisticated and thoughtful species, the Kolbronnians’ predatory nature puts them at odds with other species regularly, and particularly with the Empire, who has faced the terrifying Kolbronnian military more than once. They are currently establishing a tenuous peace with the Empire after a surprising, devastating loss to Imperial forces.

The Kingdom of Curda: A small, democratic collection of Human systems that possesses a sizeable holding of mineral and metal resources, making them fairly rich. Despite their wealth, they are very loosely organized and have no formal military, save an interstellar police force for controlling piracy.

The Kingdom of Akhar: A militaristic Human despotism ruled by successive empires of Muslim and Zoastranarian warlords. They have repeatedly threatened to invade Kryryllon & Curda, but have so far been restrained by threats from the Empire.

Kryryllon Kingdom: Titular monarchy ruled by a semi-democratic Parliament; primarily Human. Used to rule most of this sector, but was defeated in a series of wars with the Empire and with the Pleyans. Now a proud, semi-isolationist “state.”

The Dark Rim: Dangerous, unknown force that destroys any living probes sent within its space. Four systems have been identified, but further Imperial attempts at gaining information has been thwarted.

Empire of Pley: A series of systems ruled by an ancient race known as the Pleyans. After a long war with the Empire several centuries ago, the Pleyans surrendered the Pak system to the Empire and have lived in peace, even as an ally, since. Many humans now live and work among the Pleyans, and have much good to say about them. The Pleyans are quite hostile, however, to Christian missionaries, who they perceive as excessively pro-human.

Dominion of Khurr: Human technocrats rule this series of systems. They operate with a philosophy that the individual serves the whole, a philosophy that concerns the Empire greatly. They use a great deal of cybernetic technology, and sometimes can frighten outsiders with their cold, humorless ways.

Xoig Republic: Human Republic almost as old as the Empire, with a strong military and well-developed mental skill training just a notch less skilled than the Empire’s. The people of Xoig look upon the Empire as a danger to democracy and are regularly involved in conflict with the Empire. The Xoigan armies are very technically advanced due to cooperation with the Khurr, giving them an advantage in skill versus the Empire’s greater size. Morgan, Nygender and Krexx were all won from the Xoigans in recent centuries.

Ilili Hegemony: Easily the most populous organized “state” in the Galaxy, the Ilili Hegemony is loosely organized collection of perfectly equal systems with a common military force and a central legislative body formed on the “demopublic” system. The Ilili seem to be always fighting someone, as their member systems turn the Ilili forces to harrow some neighbor or another. Much trade occurs in Ilili, though not always of the legal sort.