Template:!Galaxy InfoboxThe River of Heaven, the Galaxy of Might, Via Aylathiya, lies in near solitude within its corner of space with only a scant few nearby galaxies visible in its skies. Home to over forty disparate interstellar civilizations and five hundred billion stars, this three cored spiral galaxy is the fourth largest in Cosmoria. Via Aylathiya lies in the intersection between two separate realms of existence, Lux Aeterna and Cybersphere, lending to all manner of phenomena unique to this galaxy alone.
Through the innovation of the many intelligent species found here, the erratic nature of thaumaturgy and the forceful order imposed by technology clash continuously through Aylathiya's saffron spirals. Even during time periods in which only one nation reigned supreme, full unification of Via Aylathiya would allude the grasp of even the most competent of leaders. Thanks to, in no small part, phenomena and entities still beyond the understanding of science, Via Aylathiya represents an ever-changing political climate often bubbling over into conflict at a moment's notice.
The name "Via Aylathiya" is the name for the galaxy in the ancient language spoken by the denizens of the Scipio. The prefix "Via," meaning way, is a reference to the galaxy's appearance in the night sky while the word "Aylathiya" is a loan word from ancient Sedruan which approximately translates to Mighty Land. Many call Via Aylathiya the "Galaxy of Might" due to the large number of powerful nations within it.
History
Ancient History
Prehistory
The earliest direct evidence of civilization dates back to about 1.1 billion BCE in a region near to the Florescence nebula. This region was likely home to a fairly late Kardashev II civilization controlling a large portion of the galaxy. Most of the information about it comes from advanced meta-materials embedded in the soil of the worlds near to the nebula that would only be available to such a civilization. The civilization is simply known as the "Trans-Florescence Civilization," given the lack of information available.
Older civilizations are theorized to have existed as well; however, they are much more speculative. The earliest known is a civilization that controlled the planet D'Naevium and the other worlds in its system. Existing 4.5 billion years ago, the only evidence of this civilization is the self-replicating nanomachines it left behind on its home world. These nanomachines are essentially lifeforms given their ability to evolve and the ecosystem they formed. The only other evidence of civilizations are stars or planets containing isotopes that could not form naturally. They range in age from 500 million to 3 billion years ago; however, which civilization they come from is unclear.
Angelic Period
The first definitive period of Aylathiyan history stretches back to over 3.5 million BCE. As the galaxy with writhing with naught but feral creatures and clouds of void, the very first Aeterna Cascade shook the saffron grounds of the cosmos. Seeded by the great Azurade, this Aeterna Cascade appeared after an increase of activity in the Lux Aeterna. The very first Aeternaborne able to breach reality was forged in the chaos. From it, Father Zaphenim, typically called the First Aeternaborne, rose and took dominion over the relatively barren galaxy. Save for minor numbers of Noirae, Artificia, and Nachleben, Zaphenim was alone as he constructed a civilization. This became the First Aeterna Society.
It is thought that in this nation, Zaphenim created a unique people by taking Cores and giving them free will, casting them to live in reality as he was. Whether or not Zaphenim was forceful or guiding in his authority remains to be seen, though it is known that his people appeared to be satisfied. Approximately 500,000 years after his emergence, ancient texts appear to reference Zaphenim's "disappearance". Said disappearance is synonymous with the date that the First Aeterna Society waned in power. It eventually collapsed several tens of millennia after.
There was but a mote of activity between the appearance of the Aeternaborne. Aylathiya remained in much the same state as it was prior, save for an increase in Esoteria. Temporary states rose to great power, only to be defeated by the procession of time. In essence, Aylathiya was still barren, and no civilizations in this time would ever graze the glory that the First Aeterna Society boasted. Approximately 500,000 years of scant activity and galactic decay gave way to the next Aeterna Cascade, which birthed another Aeternaborne. Mother Sachitel, a woman of relative peace, awoke to the barren galaxy much like Zaphenim did.
With her innate Thaumic abilities, Sachitel scoured the cosmos, occasionally encountering (and later aiming to destroy) creatures of the galactic ecosystem. To protect and care for those she deemed innocent, Sachitel created various "Hedonist Worlds". These realms were ones complete pleasure and relaxation, and were the spots where she catered for Aylathiya's few species. These people became voluptuary, relying on Sachitel's power to give them extreme comfort and joy. As Sachitel thought her purpose was completed, she created the Cherubic Sentry to watch over the Hedonist Worlds. She retreated to the Aeterna much like Zaphenim, in hopes to understand herself and perhaps gain a new purpose.
During another period of great standstill, one force stirred deep in what would become Martial Space. Mahou, a massive hive mind of billions of people, augmented itself from a primitive force to a planetary one in a very short amount of time. It took over its home planet of Callithyia, aiming to evolve ever more. During the same time period, a then-primitive species named the Un'oit rose to power, taking control of what is likely Torlak and gripping the stars as they slowly expanded. The Un'oit were a relatively fractured people, as they had no incentive to unite across the stars. Their technology was was stagnant, stuck in an awkward phase where besieging planets was virtually impossible causing them to remain in hundreds of small kingdoms. The Un'oit remained this way for over 800,000 years.
The Third and Fourth Aeterna Cascades happened as these ancient forces were stirring in their slumber. Said Cascades were but 11 years apart, occurring in 968,793 and 968,782 BCE respectively. From these Cascades, Father Rinayo and Father Isayo were born, and they observed the state of Aylathiya before meeting one another. Initial suspicion led to curiosity, and both Aeternaborne shortly became allies. They shared many common ideologies, devotedly believing that Aylathiya was a flawed, broken realm which needed to be corrected. The relentless expansion of Mahou was the worst offender, and thus they took up arms. After existing for mere decades, Rinayo attacked Mahou with Isayo.
Mahou began to crumble as it suffered severe unrest within itself. At first thousands of its minds were influenced by Rinayo, coaxed by promises of power. It cascaded through Mahou's entire structure, causing millions of minds to break off as its territory severely regressed. What remained of Mahou's center was driven to Callithyia, where it festered for many years. Rinayo and Isayo were not satisfied with the downfall of Mahou however, so they took to the stars to rid Aylathiya of 'imperfect' governments. Both Aeternaborne traveled from inhabited planet to inhabited planet, modifying the governments of many distinct societies and slaughtering any dissenting voices. This process of gleeful destruction continued for nearly 60,000 years. During which, Isayo created and raised hundreds of like-minded children alongside Rinayo.
There appear to be no attempts by either angel to forge a government of their own, as they seemed to view themselves as guardians and guides. By 891,000 BCE, both Rinayo and Isayo thought their objectives were complete, and so they returned to the Aeterna to bask in its chaotic quintessence. Rinayo and Isayo's children were left behind to spread their ideals, though they eventually merged to become the Resonant Divinity. Meanwhile, The Un'oit remained stagnant in its development as Mahou began to sprawl back to activity. Without Rinayo and Isayo's children, societies were left to evolve unchecked, allowing Aylathiya to return to a semi-typical state of emptiness.
TBA
Birth of Bloodshed
It is thought that this continued for approximately 100,000 years. At around 200,000 BCE, the Arkhosians rose and created the United Provinces (U.P.). It was the first nation in the modern sense of the word; older civilizations had no concept of hierarchy. The Arkhosians believed that they were the only species to ever have, or will, exist in Via Aylathiya. As such, they expanded with unrivaled vehemence. Upon discovering Zathaia, great unrest was spurred what archeologists call the Arkho-Zothon War, evidenced by the destroyed husks of ships near systems containing both United Province and Zathaian worlds. No further evidence of Zaithaia exists, save for the largely dissociated splinter nation of Zatherim. This implies that they were utterly wiped out in the conflict. The Zothons were gradually extinguished over many thousands of years.
While the U.P. ruled supreme over Via Aylathiya, it was not safe from internal conflict. A group of extremists named the Arkhosian Order began a rebellion named the Arkho Civil War. Their primary cultural identity starkly contrasted that of the United Provinces, as the Order believed in 'transcending' by uploading people's conscience to artificial bodies. The rebellion was swift, beginning and ending in the early 130,000s BCE. The Order and the U.P. showed great resentment for a time, though it steadily cooled as they still shared many beliefs.
In the year 129,591 BCE, the sixth Aeterna Cascade shook the grounds of the Suvaren Field, resulting in Mother Sydiah coming into being. Believing that the First Aeternaborne sent her to spread its knowledge, Sydiah quickly established Bakeyatalla, a structure which gave birth to Sydiah's Architects. She founded Aeternalism upon the creation of Vurilia Jutopati, marking him as the first and most powerful Architect. Many more were created in the following years, though the United Provinces did not seem to notice. The Chosen of Sydiah was founded as a precursor to Sedrua. It served as a method to effectively control Sydiah's Architects. Upon Sydiah's expansion, she permitted the creation of the Bahattes, the Eyes of Sedrua, and the Sacred Sedruan Gates. Both ended up spreading Aeternalism far and wide, resulting in Zushilo's colonization and Sydiah's satisfaction. Eventually, Sedrua was properly created and Sydiah's forces expanded across Via Aylathiya.
It would not take long until the Arkhosians found out about Sedrua. While both the Order and the U.P. harbored hatred for one another, they were united against outsiders. Upon contact, the U.P. was hostile to Sedrua while the Order was seemingly uninterested. Tensions quickly rose between the U.P. and Sedrua, culminating in the formation of Sedrua's military and expansion of the Eyes of Sedrua. Sedrua spied on the U.P. for a time, but it was eventually noticed by scouting forces.
The U.P. was outraged at Sedrua for their attempts of spying. As such, they began to search for and destroy and Sedruan observation posts. In response, Sydiah directed a force of over 150,000 Architects to handle the emergent conflict. War was informally declared as Sedrua breached the United Province's borders. The U.P, appalled by Sedrua's sudden actions, scrambled their military and soon met with the Sedruan front. The Arkhosian Order, seeing an opportunity in the war, aided Sedrua in hopes of vanquishing their rival. The Order believed it would deal with Sedrua after the U.P's defeat, giving them an opportunity to become Aylathiya's strongest nation.
The war reached its climax as the U.P. could not hold back Sedrua's forces. Eventually, the Order joined Sedrua in the conflict, forcing the U.P. to fight two fronts. Sakijast, the U.P. capital, was destroyed to the dismay of the Order, which believed Sedrua violated Arkho heritage. They later launched an attack of Sedrua, effectively betraying it and tipping the war in favor of the Order. Sydiah was furious upon the breakage of trust, sending thousands of new Architects across the main front. Since the U.P. was no longer a major threat, Sedrua could focus almost all of its force to the Order, which began to get overwhelmed. It eventually surrendered, an act which was heavily against Arkho cultural code.
Sedruan Era
Sedrua quickly expanded after the war, removing Arkho guerilla forces and occupying all former U.P. space. Sydiah became Aylathiya's most influential leader, holding the most political power compared to anyone of the time. Dissenting sectors of relative anarchy were taken and reformed, attempting displaying Sydiah as nothing but a benefactor of Via Aylathiya. Those in the U.P's former colonies began to trust Sydiah, though it would take several generations of people. In time, the Arkhosians were given equal status to the Bahattes. Both species were also permitted to expand without the watch of Architects.
The expansionist policies allowed Sedrua to expand its reach very quickly. They reached Central Aylathiya in the early 124,000s, with Sydiah finding promise in extracting the black hole's energy. Sedrua eventually constructed Aylathiya's Sphere, fulfilling Sydiah's internal desires of matching the First Aeterna Society. It undeniably helped with Sedruan expansion as well, making it a Superpower by the mid 114,000s. But a few decades after, Sedrua encountered its first of many lesser civilizations. These people, named the Staleyans, marked a turning point in Aylathiya's history. Eventually, five other species were found all across the galaxy, made into vassal states and given some sovereignty in turn for adopting Sedrua's ideologies.
Aeternalism spread as the uplifted species grew. They were quickly given a high status in Sedruan society, seen as equals to the Bahattes and Arkhosians. Most notably, the Zythyns of Lorokira were very fanatic about Aeternalism. Many adopted it as the one true faith, as Zythyn forces began spreading its word to the uninformed. Other species shared the same sentiment, reinforcing a seemingly unstoppable growth of Aeternalism. Near the end of the Sedruan Era, scouting forces discovered the Ambrosian Remnants, ancient relics which Sydiah believed would help her Thaumic power. She took them to Bakeyatalla, though she only managed to study the Amaranth Echoes. The Cabal of the Amaranth Truth was created, and Sydiah employed her most trusted of individuals to keep the artifacts safe.
While expansion brought great short-term success, it was clear that many footholdings were not stable. As such, Sedrua had a growing difficulty keeping its colonies under control. Infrastructure in remote areas was comparatively worse than those closer to the center of Sedrua. Additionally, numerous Architects were succumbing to Thaumic Insanity, a condition caused by overuse of one's Pylon.
Eventually, this caused distant Sedruan sectors to dissolve or break off, something which Sydiah was very much worried of. To remedy the situation, Sydiah attempted to rapidly create Architects, though it caused her Pylon to go under extreme stress, shattering and causing various adverse effects. Upon shattering, thousands of rifts were created, one of them sending Sydiah to the Lux Aeterna. In the year 104,930 BCE, Via Aylathiya was suddenly connected to the Aeterna with little to no forces capable of closing the rifts.
What followed is known as the Wane of Reality, a cascading series of chaotic events which drastically affected Aylathiya's civilizations. Initially, those who believed in Aeternalism welcomed the event, believing that Sydiah transcended reality. Many of her followers thought of the Lux Aeterna as an afterlife or heaven. As such, many people willingly entered the rifts without knowledge of their chaotic nature. Sydiah's Architects were especially coaxed by these rifts, and approximately 28% of them went through before they realized its effects. As the rifts were being cornered off, the faiths of many people began to waver.
Vurilia Jutopati, an especially skeptical Architect, believed that Sydiah's faith in Aeternalism was outright incorrect. This idea was shared by Drizuna Cluythlo, one of Vurilia's most trusted colleagues. Shortly after the main incident, they forwarded a different idea Aeternalism, creating Novel Aeternalism. While it quickly became an unpopular faith, it is thought that quadrillions of people aligned to it regardless. Several smaller and more isolated branches were created as well, creating a religious divide.
With Via Aylathiya divided and its fate uncertain, Sedrua attempted to alleviate the damage. Most rifts were closed after a few centuries, though regional damage was severe in many cases. Some regions didn't recover until long after the Wane itself ended, and even then, Sedrua was plagued by instability. By the 100,000s, the galactic climate came to relative stability, but the damage was irreparable.
Much like the climate prior to the Sedrua-Alliance War, the Triumvirate Civilization was an emergent threat which challenged Sedrua's standing. At first, Sedrua noted it as nothing but a small, adolescent nation, though the Triumvirate's growth quickly changed Sedrua's perspective. While the Alliance was arguably lesser to Sedrua's power, the potential of the Triumvirate was much different. It dominated Martial Space, projected to become a major civilization to rival Sedrua directly. To prevent national unrest and paranoia, the ever-expansionist Sedruan government made a daring mission to colonize the Borealis Arm.
Some time in the 65,000s, Sedrua's colonization efforts had early success. Hathia became the centerpiece of a loose yet promising stretch of interstellar area. It was apparent, however, that these claims were poorly funded and relatively unenforced. Even still, it gave the Sedruan populous much-needed hope against the Triumvirate. Approximately three millennia of peace followed, though were put to an abrupt end as Sedrua was still nervous of the Triumvirate's growing power. The Administrator in particular surpassed Itrian's strength, prompting a pre-emptive response like that of the Sedrua-Alliance War.
In time, its holdings around Hathia grew increasingly difficult to maintain as there was no Hyperlane infrastructure to allow for easy and cheap travel. Over the next few thousand years, Sedrua continued losing influence as the Triumvirate Civilization rapidly expanded. This nation soon grew to be a competitor to Sedrua, causing tensions to rise between the two nations. Sedrua eventually confronted the Triumvirate Civilization in 61,814 BCE in what is known as the Sedrua-Triumvirate War.
Much more thought was placed into Sedrua's tactics in the months before the war. Itrian devised a way of using most remaining Architects to destabilize the Triumvirate, hoping to prevent them from formulating a counterattack. Three divisions of Architects were assigned to breach the gates of Martial Space, aiming to remove the Triumvirate from Aylathiya altogether. Furthermore, thaumic ships of all calibers, drones, and automated forces were led by said Architects. The outcome appeared to be hopeful for Sedruan tacticians, especially Itrian and other Architects.
During 61,814 BCE, Sedrua launched a sudden offensive against Florescence, one of the cores of the Triumvirate. The Triumvirate, not anticipating such an invasion, put up little resistance as Sedrua swiftly took control over every major world in the center within years. Since Sedruan tactics appeared to work flawlessly against Sedrua's newest threat, they did not change in the slightest. The attack against Ventemir proved to be the hardest in the war, and for good reason. The Triumvirate stored the bulk of its assets in the region, backed by The Administrator.
Their defenses were formidable, as Sedrua was unable to push through the fringes of Ventemir. It was at this stage when Itrian ordered thousands of Architects to breach the Triumvirate's defenses. It showed early success, though the process of invasion was much slower than anticipated. Under-the-table funding from the QPA also supplied the Triumvirate with resources. Nearly five centuries passed before any significant improvement. They were eventually thwarted as the Triumvirate unleashed various weaponry beyond Sedrua's capabilities.
Ameliorative Period
What followed was an era in which the Triumvirate was the sole superpower in Via Aylathiya. While other nations such as the QPA were formidable, truly they could not hold a candle to the first truly intergalactic nation in Via Aylathiya's history. They integrated virtually every species into their empire, even including various primitive races that barely had the concept of extraterrestrial life. In this age, the three most powerful individuals in the known universe were the three rulers of the Triumvirate. Itrian was effectively overthrown as his empire began to decline.
Sedrua's decline after the Sedrua-Triumvirate War was very much apparent. It pulled away from Borealis as its distant sectors broke away and dissolved. One of these was Avolast, once a force of disassociated colonists. It eventually grew to gain influence over the loose clouds on Aylathiya's fringe. Avolast was the first nation to successfully separate from Sedrua, and it remained as a group of isolationists. While Avolast's area was hardly a sparse wisp of stars, it was symbolic territory. Sedruan citizens saw the secession as a great failure, and many leaders vowed to never let Sedrua fall to such depths again.
Such decline deeply effected Sedrua's people. Seemingly inferior threats were able to win against Aylathiya's strongest nation, giving rise to dissent. At first, it was a loud call to reform. Many generals, oligarchs, and senators did not approve of Itrian's apparent failure of leadership. As such, he and many associates were ousted from the Sedruan government. Most specifically, Sedruan politician Vurilia Jutopati was very much angered. As the first son of Sydiah, he felt insulted by seeing the crumbling of his beloved empire. After garnering support for years, Vurilia was officially elected as Sedrua's leader. While many of his positions were unpopular, he undoubtedly changed Aylathiya's civilizations by giving them more agency. He created a system of representatives, planned to make amends with the QPA and Triumvirate, and wished to expand Sedrua in a less aggressive manner. He intended to gain immense profit and power as a result.
Expansion immediately became the forefront of leader's minds. from the QPA to Sedrua, numerous people shared a growing sentiment of prosperity. For Sedrua, formerly useless land was repurposed and re-enforced, populated with megastructures and sites of great vanity. For the QPA, expansion was achieved with a growing sense of brotherhood and pride. Their expansion rates matched that of Sedrua and both entities gained trust for one another. Both the QPA and Sedrua freely traded by the 35,000s, though they still had suspicion from leftover tensions. Nevertheless, Sedrua became much more transparent to not only its people, but to other governments.
Thousands of years of this new leadership gave rise to a large amount of dissent. Vurilia lessened the need for Thaumaturgy, religion, and allowed anyone to freely travel or colonize. It went against the beliefs of many Architects and the Sedruan people. Nevertheless, Vurilia defied their beliefs and continued to lead Sedrua in a more democratic way. Eventually, discontent grew to the point of governmental division. During 21,473 BCE, Itrian and a colleague named Thonde Yutira came together and orchestrated a takeover of the Sedruan government.
Upon a hearing of the Sedruan Senate, a majority of the senators stood from their positions, suddenly attacking opposing members. Vurilia himself fled, surviving the coup though hundreds were killed or incapacitated. Afterward, both Thonde and Itrian justified their act, claiming that Vurilia no longer represented the will of the people. After several days of chaos, the senate voted to remove him from office. In turn, Thonde took the position as Sedrua's leader and Itrian would serve as her chief advisor. The two acted as equals, sharing authority between themselves and their newly reformed senate. Itrian immediately began acting upon his desire to build what he referred to as a "Truly fair and responsible society". It included a return to the old ways, especially religion and Thaumaturgy.
Resulting from the coup's chaos rose extremists. Before Sedrua was able to crack down on opposition, multiple Arkho-dominated groups of nationalists formed. Identifying themselves with the United Provinces, splinter nations formed out of spite for the new leaders. These rebels attempted to create secessionist movements within Sedruan vassal states, and claimed that they were independent. Lasting from 21,462 to 21,353 BCE, mass rioting and militarization led to an upheaval of regional chaos, and many thought that a civil war may have been inevitable. After a few months however, the Sedruan Government was able to silence the secessionist movement. It marked a turning point in Sedruan history, an age where the government directly and publicly silenced the people's voices.
Reform Era
While many of Aylathiya's people welcomed the changes, there were those who viewed it is corrupt and dangerous. Such dissidents appeared all over Via Aylathiya, though most were present in the Quintet Payotari Federation and Sedrua's vassal states. In order to accommodate any future chaos, Thonde implemented a system which leaned towards equality while keeping a vast majority of Sedrua's previous ideals. The people were given an illusion of choice in government matters, something condemned by the QPA though a large percentage of Sedruan reformists compiled. Sedrua increased its isolationist policy as well, cutting contact with the QPA and removing itself from embassies. It was a popular choice in the government, as they wanted to focus Sedrua's assets on their own people rather than other nations.
The following few millennia were marked by relative instability. Sedrua was hardly able to keep its people satisfied, as contrasting political movements rose from the coup's aftermath. Vassal states were unstable as well, as there was a growing need to become independent. Further pressure for reform did not sit well with Sedrua's government, as they silenced most voices that tried to bring about change. On the contrary, the Rebellion Era saw a massive increase in religious activity in Via Aylathiya. The lower class sought solace in the teachings of their forefathers, seeking out comfort in various traditions. This resulted in a rise of Novel Aeternalism, which was against most core Sedruan beliefs of the time.
As Sedrua was becoming less cohesive, Thonde attempted to directly address the issues at hand. She attempted to silence opposition, enforcing the Sedruan military against what she referred to as "Ill thinking". This was mostly attempted throughout the 16,600s, though later attempts happened as well. The lack of Architects made this goal impossible however, resulting in a punitive attempt to censor reform. Reformists were outraged, demanding a return to Vurilia's form of governance. Other, more wealthy people blamed the reformists for the ongoing chaos, citing Vurilia's leadership as a violation of Sydiah's teachings.
Additionally, new nations began to appear. One of them was Regnum Aureiga, a civilization which sprouted near the Triumvirate. It consisted of the Humeiga, a species almost uncannily similar to Humans. As they expanded, the Triumvirate encountered and annexed Regnum Aureiga, promising great economic benefits if it became an associate state. Eventually, Regnum Aureiga was given access to the Triumvirate's wormhole network, allowing many Humeiga to flourish across the Boreal nations.
The QPA noticed Sedrua's instability, believing that it could take advantage of the division. They planned to fund revolutionaries, hoping to foment a rebellion within Sedrua. At first, little success occurred, until the Staleyans were able to bolster a force of revolutionaries. During 11,691 BCE, they declared themselves as an independent state, denouncing Sedruan rule and preferring a system of democracy. Sedrua responded harshly, fueling the fire for an all-out war. A surge of exiting refugees rapidly changed the cultural climate in the Staleyan vassal state, further changing the mindset of those who remained. Most Staleyans were now focused on protecting their own interests rather than trying to maintain peace.
In the midst of the first war, the largest Zythyn vassal state also declared itself as independent during 11,619 BCE. They started their own revolutionary force after garnering funds from the QPA. Sedrua responded quickly, sending their forces with intent to crush the Staleyan and Zythyn rebels. War became painfully slow however, as vassal states had a home field advantage. While their militaries were significantly smaller, they managed to drag the revolutions into guerilla war. Leaders from all sorts of extremes united against their common enemy, utilizing every piece of leverage they could get their hands on. Eventually, all Sedruan vassals declared independence, and in the span of 800 years Sedrua lost most of its influence in Via Aylathiya. It sealed itself away in the Suvaren Field, fully embracing the ways of isolationism in 10,475 BCE.
National Procession
What formed in Sedrua's place was a league of independent nations. Namely, they were the Carant League of Aylathiya, Core Worlds Alliance, Hivollyos, Golomian Confederation, Nallanthiya, Lowyzol, and the Diunity of Peleunsk. Each nation held different ideologies and goals, separating from one another to rebuild infrastructure and their economies. Aeternalism decreased in popularity among all types of people, and the non-religious population grew. Some cultures mixed or split off, new ideas flourished, and the old ways died off.
From there, the galaxy entered a new, more crowded, era. With the total number of significant nations rising from only a handful to 18, the astropolitical dynamic shifted greatly. These emerging powers soon entered a period of competition. Without nearly as strict oversight from the Sedrua and the Triumvirate Federal government, they soon began competing with each other for resources as well as valuable systems. While most certainly sister-nations, their systems of government, general xenophobia, and unwillingness to cooperate created tension which gripped the galaxy.
Over the next few centuries however, pacts and treaties were made after infrastructure was re-established. Many trade routes opened up as well, allowing for growth between all juvenile Sedruan/Triumvirate descendant nations. They were bonded under their hatred for their former overlords, occasionally acting as allies when needed but otherwise maintaining their independence. Many exceptions to this apparent alliance were all over Via Aylathiya however, as seen by relative distrust in other terms.
Specifically, The Diunity harbored minimal hatred for Sedrua. Instead, they believed that separation gave them an opportunity to expand. Originally a group of Sedruan loyalists, cultural changes and government influence soon led down an authoritarian path. The Zythyn tendency to adopt and defend new faiths resulted in rapid cultural changes. Eventually, the Government and most Diunity citizens held closely the idea of a unified Via Aylathiya. This unification involved the discovery of an Angelic Artifact, the Resonant Divinity. It was taken to Wa-Strionarh, and the Diunity wanted it to become its leader. If used correctly, the Divinity would be even stronger than the most powerful of Architects.
One nation, Lowyzol, Lowyzol for short, harbored particularly immense paranoia and distrust to The Diunity. A common belief rose, comparing the Diunity directly to Sedrua and naming them traitors to the rebellion. During 9,197 BCE, Lowyzol attempted a preliminary strike out of fear of the Resonant Divinity. Lowyzol intended to halt production of Magi, selectively targeting manufacturing centers and disabling most local defense. Their hope was to weaken the Diunity enough to secure a victory before the Divinity could harm Lowyzol assets. It quickly became apparent that the Diunity was prepared however, and the offensive came to a quick stop. In response, The Diunity launched a massive counterattack, delaying Lowyzol forces. A struggling gridlock ensued.
Surrounding the conflict, the newly formed Sedruan revolutionaries looked on in great concern. The Core Worlds Alliance, a nation very close to Peleunsk region, thought of the war as an infringement for what the rebellion stood for. They showed little but disdain to The Diunity, viewing them as recreant traitors. Nationalism was prevalent in the Alliance, growing with each passing year of the war. To ensure their survival, the Alliance joined the war effort, citing the Diunity's efforts as "a violation to the safety of Aylathiya and her newly freed people". With this declaration, the Alliance decided on a plan to break through the blockade and attack the heart of The Diunity's power. The CWA mobilized much of its fleet, including reserves, and joined Lowyzol.
The alliance sent a small force in order to establish a foothold. The goal was to draw attention away from the main assault against The Diunity proper. While it failed at first, the core worlds eventually succeeded in creating a second front line. After two years of stalemate, the Core Wars Alliance began pushing forward. The Diunity immediately lost many of its claims, regressing to its former position before the war. Attempts at striking back were met with greater force, forcing The Diunity into a losing battle.
Both Lowyzol and Alliance fronts destroyed the Diunity's efforts to maintain stability. While they resisted with great force, the possibility of total Lowyzol-Alliance victory began to crystalize. Magi were redirected from assimilation to be used in the war, though they were ineffective, resulting from a hasty and lackluster production. Continuing efforts were later silenced by Lowyzol, especially after the modification of the Thaumic Drive. This technology was shared with the Alliance as well, allowing both fronts to outflank The Diunity's collapsing military.
By 8,981 BCE, Lowyzol approached Wa-Strionarh and clawed its way into its structure, even destroying populated sectors in an attempt to reach the Resonant Divinity. The Diunity fought desperately to hold off the invasion. However, the loss of its military meant that Lowyzol could easily overwhelm any defenses. It ultimately allowed an Alliance warfleet to orchestrate a final thrust into the heart of Wa-Strionarh. By the end of the year, the Resonant Divinity was captured. The Treaty of the Divinity was signed weeks after, with the pretense that The Diunity would dissolve and that Lowyzol would gain territory in Peleunsk.
Reconstruction Era To ensure that no such war would ever happen again, Lowyzol and Core Worlds Alliance founded the C.A.A.. The Quintet Payotari Association greatly supported the Commonwealth during this time, viewing them as fair successors of Sedrua. The Triumvirate saw the C.A.A. in much the same light, trusting them enough to establish large trade routes. This support brought light to the Commonwealth, essentially informing the entire galaxy of its creation. The C.A.A. was solely a defense and trade pact at the time, originally spanning across the two nations. It would not take long before others would join in, however.
The Golomian Confederacy joined in but a few years after, fearing that following war could affect them. Support from the QPA and economic aid from the Triumvirate also gave them a chance to send aid to Lowyzol. The Carant League of Aylathiya also joined, though it was after years of slow consideration. The Commonwealth shows great success upon its foundation, as Lowyzol rebuilt its assets in the following decades. Remaining Diunity were classified as terrorists, subsequently being eliminated in about a century. From then on, the Commonwealth stood as a major influence, eventually enticing those from other parts of Via Aylathiya.
Upon observing the Triumvirate become increasingly sporadic and unstable, the Commonwealth grew wary of their antics. Defense was made against the Triumvirate in the following years. More concern appeared after, as Sedrua finished licking its wounds proceeding the rebellions. While Sedrua remained isolationist for many centuries more, the Commonwealth thought it was best to defend itself from them as well. In the following millennia, the political climate was stable enough to allow for regular expansion and trade. The Commonwealth began to evolve, changing from a type of alliance to a confederacy.
Common Era
Post-Collapse Period
The Common Era begins with the collapse of the Triumvirate Civilization in 1 CE. The Post-Collapse Period is defined by the general chaos experienced by most inhabitants at the time, particularly within the Borealis arm. The anarchy brought about by the Split of the Triumvirate is usually considered to be the origin point of most Human monarchies, as almost all of them can trace their bloodlines to the first nobles to emerge during this time. The State of Tenshi and Erstes Konsortium formed during this period. Additionally, various organizations such as the Neo-Terrans and Omnite also formed in this time. The vast majority of nations forming lasted for less than a century before collapsing into themselves, as such, the average nation was small, often occupying a single star system.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth was faced with great stagnation. The Triumvirate was one of its largest trade partners; its collapse brought about an era of economic decline. The QPA, taking advantage of the situation, attempted to take the place of the Triumvirate though various expansion efforts. Even with increased trade with the QPA, political discourse caused inaction, leaving the Commonwealth still and silent. Diplomacy between it and the newly-formed Borealis states was met with relative unease, as those who remained did not appeal to the Commonwealth's ideologies. Instead, the Commonwealth looked to itself with little development.
Brackish Period
Upon seeing the chaos and anarchy, the Quintet Payotari Association aimed to gain influence near Borealis. In an attempt to remedy the chaos, the QPA sent assets and expansion forces towards Borealis. This was completed at around 2,200 CE to great success. They also created trade routes of their own to divert attention from Florenta. Many remnant states relished the opportunity of opulence through trade, signing themselves away to the QPA. Florenta was greatly angered by the QPA's acts, as Ibaradism's expansion was slowed for many years. The QPA noticed their anger, and despite it they went forth with gaining ideological and economic influence.
Other fragmented states were hardly appreciative, accurately seeing the QPA as an invader who wanted to profit off the post-war carnage. In the long term, the QPA set its sights on the core of Via Aylathiya, viewing them as future colonies to take from the weakened states. The general weakness of the post-war nations made it so that the QPA could expand almost unimpeded. They stopped after encountering the Konsortium, Florenta and the Un'oit Collective, promising not to steal their land. Instead, the QPA established trade routes in the 2,700s an attempt to appear good-willed.
Neither Florenta or the Un'oit bought this impression from the QPA. Much like their miniature trade partners, they saw the QPA as a malicious force, using trade to take influence them over. Borders were closed between the QPA and the two others. The Erstes Konsortium observed the action, and, likewise, wanted no part in it. While their leaders did see some opportunity with Konsortium-QPA trade, the idea was closed off by Regnum Aureiga who similarly feared expansion of the QPA's influence.
The Commonwealth on the other hand still showed stagnation. Some of the political roadblocks were cleared over decades, though more were appearing in the form of ideological shift. Often, there would be arguments between isolationism and expansionism, including quarrels over infrastructure and colonization. The QPA was a silent topic at the back of many people's minds, and the Borealis nations appeared to be distrustful. As such, the Commonwealth slowly gained an isolationist mindset. This was accelerated as Hivollyos joined in 5,125 CE, followed by Nallanthiya in 5,304. The following millennia is marked with slow-cooking tensions and inaction.
Provocative Period
Meanwhile, Sedrua saw the vast tension and noticed political inaction. Over many thousands of years, isolationism served Sedrua terribly, as its leader Thonde Yutira got dissatisfied with its development. She decided to act, allowing for great change to take place in the Sedruan senate. During a landmark hearing in 6,735 CE, She, Itrian Yutira, and Vurilia Jutopati came together on common ground, vowing to make Sedrua to rise from its perpetual state of indolence. For the first time in thousands of years, Sedrua began to stir. This activity was met with great concern, and the QPA diverted some of its colonization forces in preparation. Most specifically, the Commonwealth and by extension the Boreal states became paranoid, with the Commonwealth being seeded with ideas of non-isolationism.
Following the detection of Sedruan activity, the Commonwealth and QPA banded together to form an official alliance. While leaders between the two nations didn't trust each other, they saw Sedrua as a common enemy. By 7,200 CE, Sedrua began to expand once again, under the guise of Vurilia. Thonde managed the military with a close eye, while Itrian took the role of a strategist. Furthermore, the Oculus of Truth was brought to major use, being able to observe the whereabouts of citizens and expansion forces. Sedrua was alive once again.
Boreal states took kindly to few outsiders by this time. Paranoia from the QPA and Sedrua, combined with the Commonwealth's newfound alliance gave them a reason to seclude themselves. Florenta was most bothered by the recent developments, especially considering their stance on Sedrua's state religion, Aeternalism. Public political tension rose substantially as Sedruan and Florantan leaders showed great resentment for one another. The Un'oit Collective disliked all of its neighbors, calling Florenta, Sedrua, the C.A.A., and the QPA corrupt warmongers. By 8,500 CE, the galactic climate was tense as war seemed to be a possibility.
While other nations were involved in quarrels, the Un'oit Collective gained significant amounts of territory, including the valuable world of Petra, as reparations. From there, it began gaining both economic and political influence in the galaxy. The Collective became another great power to compete with Florenta in about 9,000 CE. Meanwhile, other nations began to catch up as well. Without the presence of the Triumvirate Federal Government, the nations of the galaxy not caught up in the conflict were able to branch out and began consolidating power. The Commonwealth in particular grew to dominate galactic politics and trade, taking great strides to economically influence the Post-Triumvirate states.
Florentan dominance on its side of the galaxy lasted for just under ten millennia. Starting in about 10,000 CE, the Un'oit Collective began rapidly expanding. It wanted to counter the QPA's presence, while also aiming to size up to Florenta. After perfecting its restoration of billions of Triumvirate artifacts, the Collective began an invasion into various places of the galaxy. Human, Rorran, Molkor, and QPA space were placed as targets for the Un'oit military. Not knowing with how to respond to such a move, the QPA began to defend itself as the Commonwealth started to come together in fear. The Golomian Confederacy was most paranoid about the First Galactic War, bolstering its defenses and lobbying for anti-isolationist movements. It would later be invaded though the Confederacy pushed back with much of its military might. The Hivollyos and Nallanthiya failed to defend isolationism, and soon the Commonwealth broke from its long gridlock.
The war would ultimately serve to increase Human influence across the galaxy. The Commonwealth also saw a gain in power while the QPA faltered. Fledgling nations around the core of Aylathiya saw a huge population boost as Human refugees fled to them. By the time the Un'oit's conquest made it to the core, its nations were well-prepared. The Vaplein Republic, being the largest of the states in the region, bore the brunt of the defensive costs. The Un'oit offensive eventually stalled halfway into human territory as they met heavy resistance from more well-established worlds. After centuries of occupying the much more numerous Ror Units and Molkor, the center of the Collective's power began shifting to Hathia, a Molkor world. In 11,391 CE, the capital of the Un'oit Collective was changed to Hathia as the nobility relocated to the world en masse.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth underwent various internal changes. Their removal of isolationism prompted many leaders to change the war in some way, aiming to gain influence over whatever they could. The Carant League of Aylathiya felt so strongly about this that they re-enforced their system of monarchy, with a fiery intention to spread it across Aylathiya. The QPA hunkered itself down for most of the duration, sporadically attacking however they saw fit. It would be Sedrua who profited off the war, utilizing its time to expand under the noses of warring nations. Sedrua also funded various insurgent groups, which plunged some warfronts into gritty battles of survival.
The most important effect of the First Galactic War was not its reinforcement of monarchy as the dominant power structure in its area, but its bolstering of the Neo-Terran movement. Reactionaries, dismayed at the fall of most of humanity to the Un'oit, joined the Neo-Terrans in large number, rallying behind their leader, Hal Drusus II. Hal Drusus II was a powerful user of Thaumaturgy on par with many of the Architects of old. He had gathered most of the human magi in the galaxy and had been using them to commit acts of terror within the Collective. Once reaching enough members, however, Drusus changed focused to Florenta.
The end of the First Galactic War, almost 3,000 years after it began, saw the reemergence of the Florenta as a great power in the galaxy. Hal Drusus II, his army of Magi, and one of the most advanced fleets in the galaxy had the goal of killing the Prophet-King of Florenta, Molonov. Drusus would end up killing the prophet, plunging Florenta into chaos. Several centuries later, in 14,007 CE, it reemerged as Empyros, a fascist theocracy. In 16,012 CE, Empyros destroyed most of the Neo-Terrans, causing them to flee into the uninhabited Martial Space. What followed was a period of rapid expansion by Empyros, ending First Galactic War as it forced the Un'oit to sue for peace and ultimately break up. It released the territory it had taken from Erstes Konsortium.
Avolast's area was quickly overtaken by Empyros. Citizens were subjugated for centuries.
By 18,991 CE, Empyros was a thoroughly different nation from its past. Molonov only believed in peaceful expansion, while this new nation expanded by any means necessary. They also interpreted Molonov's writings far differently from the modern interpretation. They began to believe that the end of the universe was imminent, forcing them to destroy as many unbelievers as possible to make way for the "New Universe." Having seized most of the Triumvirate's ancient yet still powerful military assets, Empyros was the premier military power of the galaxy.
The beginnings of the war. Empyros advanced swiftly and attacked the Boreal States.
The growing fanaticism in Empyros was noticed by all galactic powers. Sedrua was the most paranoid about it, as their rivaling religions and equal power made conflict anyone's guess. The Boreal nations, already battered by the First Galactic War, were anxious to see these developments unfold as Sedrua and Empyros became hostile. The paranoid Commonwealth and relatively neutral QPA wanted away from any conflict as well, fearing that Empyros would slaughter trillions of people for the sake of their faith.
Its dangerous beliefs combined with the military power of one of the greatest empires in history allowed for what is know called the Great Empyreal Crusade. Starting in 18,991 CE, Empyros' expansion quickly overtook neighboring nations. They were not interested in mere conquest, but genocide. Those they did not kill were brainwashed to be used as soldiers on the front lines. This sudden invasion made one message clear, what was once a faith that abhorred violence had come to view it as their divine right to inflict on the unbelieving galaxy.
The first half of the Crusade saw the rampant invasion of almost every nation. Avolast, an isolationist monarchy, was the first to fall as its sparse territory quickly succubmbed. But a few years after, Empyros launched an all-out invasion against the Erstes Konsortium, the Un'oit Collective, and Regnum Aureiga. The Neo-Terrans, an old enemy to Empyros, mounted a somewhat effective counter-attack in Martial Space, their new home-region. Besides this, there was a small amount of support by the Commonwealth and Sedrua. There was hardly any effective resistance until 20,000 CE. That year, most nations in and around the galaxy began creating an alliance, simply called "The Allies against Empyros." They formed robust diplomatic systems to counter the Empyreal threat.
Next year, the Un'oit and the Atlins, all of which were also attacked by Empyros, joined the alliance. Sedrua and the Commonwealth also joined in the war against Empyros to the surprise of many. While everyone was hesitant to work with each other, mounting Empyreal victories quickly changed their minds. Empyros continued to exert its influence across the galaxy, soon causing the Anarian Fever Crisis in the late 19,000s to early 20,000s. What would follow seeded the foundation of the Lewis Nations, as those effected by the Fever Crisis embarked to the Lewis Galaxy on twelve massive colonial vessels. Furthermore, it resulted in the eventual formation of the Neo-Terran Co-prosperity Sphere.
As the conflict ground on, virtually every nation in the galaxy and its satellites came to fight Empyros. It soon became a losing battle. After some time, Sedrua and the Commonwealth displayed their military might, successfully pushing Empyros away from their domains while simultaneously aiding many other nations. The Boreal Nations were similarly successful, as the Un'oit Collective pushed aside past conflict to ensure the destruction of Empyros. Even the QPA pitched in with the effort, delivering Thaumic weaponry to those in the alliance against Empyros. The Neo-Terrans utilized Thaumic weaponry exceptionally well compared to others, and Empyros was pushed from Martial Space during the 20,200s.
Even though Empyros was outnumbered and its enemies had a higher production capability, there was still hope for the nation. In one of the largest battles in history, the Battle of Thalia, Empyros launched a final assault on its holder, the Vaplein Republic. Were they able to take this strategic point, they would be able to launch an effective attack on Central Aylathiya and the war would have been lost for the Allies against Empyros. Allied forces, lead by the Vaplein Republic, would keep Empyros from taking this important world just long enough for the second main Allied force to take Alphos, Empyros' capital, ending the war in 20,482 CE. Remaining Empyrean forces would pester the galaxy for centuries afterwards, their captains refusing to surrender. Long after the main war ended, the last of the fleet around the core was destroyed in 21,073 CE.
Post-war Period
The Vaplein Republic and State of Tenshi contributed a great deal to the eventual defeat of Empyros. After the war, leaders from these nations were important figures in determining the future of the fallen Empyros. Empyros was stripped of its colonies in Via Aylathiya, split into two largely self-governing departments, and forced to limit its military. For the next two centuries, radical Ibaradists continued attacking military personnel in Florescence, eventually resulting in the mass execution of the priest class in Empyros and the utter destruction of Ibaradist culture, monuments, and scholarship. Within the next millennium, the religion changed to its modern form, far closer to the original practice.
The superior Empyreal craft dating back to the Triumvirate Civilization were game-changing editions to the galactic landscape. Only a handful of large empires were able to exist after the beginning of the Common Era. The reason is that the energy-intensive processes of creating the ultra-strong material needed for quickly-maneuvering craft was lost. The much more fragile space craft of the pre-Crusade period were almost entirely unable to effectively besiege planets. The advanced, and much older, spacecraft were used sparingly, often in defense of home worlds rather than in conquest. This forced most nations to remain confined to their old borders.
Expansionist empires such as Erstes Konsortium and Tenshi were by far the exception to the rule. Most of the galaxy had been ruled by single-system-states. Even the ancient civilizations of the Commonwealth and QPA were slow to expand in this period; having grown to depend on the Triumvirate for most of their advanced ship-building materials. When Empyros' records were looted by the Great Powers that put a stop to its Crusade, they gained knowledge of how to make these ancient ships as effectively as the Triumvirate had.
At once, larger empires and rapid expansion became not only possible, but desirable. When it became possible to effectively siege worlds, the system-states of the past became long gone, replaced with a smaller number of large states within the next two millennia. To this day, large scale empires dominate the galaxy.
At the same time as this advanced technology came to most nations in the galaxy, the Neo-Terrans formed a new civilization in Martial Space. Given the lack of strong nations in the region, they were quickly able to take much of it for themselves. Once the Vaplein Republic reformed into Sagittarium in 21,677 CE, its pro-Neo-Terran leaders backed their expansion in Martial Space, reasoning that having a strong ally in the reason would be helpful.
The Triumvirate Civilization, lead by Mahou, still existed, albeit in a much smaller state, within Martial Space. They had control over the Demiurge settlement, millions of stars, and a close alliance with Rune-Err, a powerful nation within the region. As Humans under the guide of the Neo-Terrans began entering Martial Space in large numbers, the Triumvirate would grow to become more hostile to outsiders. Its only remaining leader was quick to fire upon even civilian ships. Conflict seemed to be inevitable as Humans continued gaining power in the region anyways.
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Human Ascension
The Human Ascension (also called the Second Pax Aylathiya or Neo Pax Aylathiya) is a period, roughly starting in the early 40,000s CE, in which humans rose to prominence in the galaxy. As the victors most benefited and least damaged by Empyros, their nations soon dominated the galaxy economically and, later, militarily. The two main human nations were the Confederacy of Borealis and Drusidia (despite neither of these nations being entirely human). As humanity began making its mark on Via Aylathiya and beyond, it even managed to create settlements in Via Aylthia and, further, the Lewis Galaxy. While these extragalactic colonies were mostly independent, they solidified humanity as one of the most important species in the universe. Especially after Sagittarium joined the Confederacy, it had become the dominant force in Via Aylathiya.
Late in this period, the Erstes Konsortium, Vanaheimr, Ravi-Anthrovia, and other nations formed the Confederacy of Borealis. Forming in 30,108 CE, since then, the Confederacy of Borealis has been the center of democracy within Via Aylathiya. It soon rose above its rival nations of Sagittarium and the, by then, fractured Neo-Terran states. By the 40,000s, the Confederacy becomes Via Aylathiya's first modern superpower and remains as such to this day.
Commonwealth's Eclipse
Alliance Era
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Aylathiya's Totality
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Sedruan Resurgence
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Dominium Era
The severe disruption of the galaxy surrounding Sedrua's Resurgence was just enough for another species, the Vexlores to begin seizing power. Due to their similar appearance and culture to Humanity, humans and Vexlores had become almost categorically the same species. Modifications are even able to allow for interbreeding given the similar biochemistry. The Vexlores arose in a nation called Rune-Err in Martial Space. Eventually, Rune-Err and Tenshi formed a martial alliance in which the Emperor of Rune-Err, Nicodemus IV, and the Archon of Tenshi, Meiko III, married. The two rulers used Martial Space as a sort of weapon against the rest of the galaxy, eventually uniting enough space to form the Dominium of United Duchies, a superpower in every sense of the word.
The Dominium Era is a relatively short Era in which the The Dominium was the dominant force in the galaxy. Lasting from 60,134 CE until the collapse of the Dominium in 73,150 CE, the Dominium Era represented an era of tension as the newly-awakened Sedrua and newly-powerful Dominium clashed with the established galactic powers. The galaxy had to contend with not just one but five galactic powers residing within it, The Dominium, Confederacy of Borealis, Commonwealth of Aggregate Aylathiya, the Quintet Payotari Association, and Sedrua. With control over large portions of Via Aylathiya and the Ventemir Galaxy, the Dominium was unmatched even by Sedrua. The Dominium was largely willing to commit to diplomacy especially with its fellow largely Human superpower the Confederacy of Borealis leading to a stark division in the galaxy. While there was tension between the two sides at first, they largely entered a period of détente two thirds of the way through the Dominium Era. Their economies would become far more integrated as a galactic market took shape.
The Dominium is well-known for its advances in Thaumaturgy especially in the scientific application of the practice. Out of the Dominium came advances unseen since the days of the Triumvirate Civilization. Had they repaired Holo's Ring, a potent Thaumic device created by the Triumvirate, they likely would have been capable of producing beings similar to Sydiah's Architects or some other type of Aeternaborne. Having perfected the use of Magi as soldiers, the Dominium became the mightiest nation since the Triumvirate.
At its height in 73,130 CE, the Dominium was projected to become the successor to the Triumvirate Civilization. The people of the Confederacy of Borealis, long expecting that they would be the successor, called for sanctions and an increase in military spending, but its politicians decided creating a conflict and hurting the relationship with the Dominium would be a bad idea. Fortunately for the Confederacy, the Dominium's rapid ascension came to an end when its crowned prince, Prince Jeroboam, began to destroy valuable military assets across the Dominium and Confederacy. Every ruler of the Dominium was a gifted Magi; however, Jeroboam was something else altogether. This would have usually not been a big deal, any normal crowned prince would have so little experience as to render them easy to defeat. The Emperor of the Dominium, Nicodemus V, decided to personally kill the prince, defying millennia of tradition. Failing that, he ordered the military to kill him. Jeroboam possessed abilities beyond any previous emperor save for Hal Drusus II himself, making him incredibly difficult to kill. Additionally, he seemed to have possessed knowledge well beyond the average person.
Jeroboam killed the emperor, the imperial consort and Archon of Tenshi, their children, imperial advisors, and almost everyone else with significant power. Afterwards, he simply fled into intergalactic space after evading strike forces from both the Confederacy, Commonwealth, and Sedrua. The Dominium was left reeling and, for his treachery, Jeroboam lost the crown and it went to someone else. Drusidia, a Duchy of Humans, subsequently declared independence. The person who inherited the Dominium crown, Gen IX, was eager to regain this territory but abruptly lost the will to fight in 73,150 CE. He dissolved the Dominium, plunging Martial Space into chaos for the next several thousand years.
The fall of the Dominium as a stabilizing force ended the Second Pax Aylathiya. At once, the duchies that composed it were back to their usual fighting. The Confederacy attempted to reunite Martial Space in a series of wars called the Martial Campaign but these failed. Tenshi as a nation was severely weakened by the dissolution of the Dominium. They exiled Gen IX and created a clause in their constitution that the Archon does not have the power to dissolve the state without 4/5 of the nobility agreeing. There was a serious attempt by Ventemir to leave Tenshi, but this was quickly put down.
Expansion Era
Following the collapse of the Dominium came a period of expansion in the galaxy. Even though expansion rates of Aylathiyan nations slowed down greatly the time period was called the "Expansion Era" because it saw mass development far from the ancient core worlds for the first time in history. This expansion saw a general spreading out of the population in many nations. Rather than most people residing close to core worlds, many began spreading out. Population density fell greatly during this time.
An important development in this era was the culling of the interstellar forms of life common to Via Aylathiya. In the developed parts of the galaxy, the space-based life was largely driven out or exterminated. In less developed regions, the various creatures, automated fleets, von Neumann probes, and hermits had free reign to do with the galaxy as they pleased. A common threat was the occasional uploaded mind that took over entire systems for their own purposes. Militaries across the galaxy had to contend with attacks from these often less than sane individuals as well as their fleets of automated ships. Ancient Von neumann probes were also still propagating throughout the galaxy. Various governments paid bounties on these craft to drive them out of regions targeted for colonization.
At the same time, there was increased tension with the Confederacy and the Quintet Payotari Association over territory and resources in the region. Additionally, Beatrix began ravaging worlds of the QPA. The two powers began clashing over the territory of the Thulcandran Federation, neither side wanting the other to gain its territory.
The ecology of Via Aylathiya is diverse and highly influenced by both the natural and artificial species that populate the galaxy's wild areas. While many galaxies have life common across their wild areas, Via Aylathiya is strange in having a robust space-based ecosystem. Approximately one half of the galaxy is considered "untamed," meaning areas where the "natural" ecosystem flourishes and colonization is difficult. Large portions of the galaxy will likely never be colonized due to higher densities of life making colonization impractical.
Natural Flora and Fauna
Via Aylathiya has a large number of natural flora and fauna known as the "Noirae." Noirae, singular Noirum, are a domain of life that presumably have a single common ancestor given their use of the same genetic material. Noirae are most commonly space-based organisms; however, numerous planets have become host to naturally-forming ecosystems featuring Noirae through panspermia.
Common Noirum species include The Pestilence and Maledicta. Outside of these prolific species, most other species are heavily localized to a particular system or region. Over one hundred star clusters in Via Aylathiya are host to dense colonies of Noirae dating back billions of years. There exists a small subset of the Noirae that are capable of producing warp bubbles, often for faster-than-light travel. These warp bubbles, operating on ludicrously small amounts of energy, still ellude the grasp of scientific understanding. Many scientists hypothesize that this subgroup, known as the Celiratids, have an artificial origin. The Pestilence is also the most common example of Celiratid.
Artificial Ecosystem
Artificia are a form of life common to Via Aylathiya that rival the Noirae. Artificia are space-based forms of life descended from the ancient self-replicating probes of previous civilizations. Some Artificia have origins so far back in time that the civilization that created them is entirely unknown. Over one thousand of these craft are thought to have evolved into Artificia. There are also twelve models of extant self-replicating von Neumann probes that have not diverged enough to be considered Artificia. Via Aylathiya's long history of civilization has resulted in the release of thousands of von Neumann probes.
Probes launched millions of years ago still persist to this day and even the most robust protections against "mutation" in von Neumann probes usually breaks down over long enough time scales. As such, the galaxy is filled with dozens of species originating from a handful of probes. Common classifications of Artificia are "Yggdrasil," "Sora," "Raqia," "Antero," "Avid," and "Celestio." Each classification relates to the model that "species" within the class evolved from. The most ancient of the Artificia are the Yggdrasil at over 3 million years old. The newest is "Celestio," having only recently formed due to the unstable nature of some of the Celestial Plague.
Anomalous Ecosystem
There are space-based life whose origins are neither "natural" nor "artificial" but a third category, "anomalous." Creatures within this category are by far the most diverse and also the most dangerous. Commonly, anomalies emerge through the manipulation of the environment by natural agents in unexplainable ways. Put differently, anomalies often emerge not through abiogenesis and do not diversify through Darwinian means, they simply exist as they are in their current forms. Natural forms of life may become anomalous through as of yet unknown means.
Examples of anomalous forms of space-based life include The Ekrosian Guardians, Celiritas lucium, and the precursors to the Naidaran species. They exhibit strange qualities that cannot be reproduced naturally or artificially within the realms of known science. The most common anomalies are the Ekrosian Guardians, a species who forms when cosmic dust spontaneously arranges itself into a form of life. Celiritas lucium and other species within the genus Celiritas exhibit the ability to open wormholes using a fraction of the usual energy requirement. The extinct precursors of the Naidaran species were incorporeal beings capable of faster-than-light travel that were akin to hunter-gatherers. They likely originated in Palioxis before entering Via Aylathiya.
Abiotic Ecosystem
Abiotic elements of the ecosystem, excluding von Neumann probes which are considered artificial life, are simply known as "Abiotics." Quintillions of self-repairing spacecraft sometimes millions of years old roam the galaxy. They usually remain in wild areas, often destroying each other or life-forms for the resources to self-repair. Most of them are military craft but many automated harvesters continue to gather resources to this day. Many nomads raid these crafts for resources to resell them to frontier worlds.
Many modern ships, whether manned or unmanned, also become unwitting participants in the ecosystem. Ships not built to be in combat, ships that cannot out-maneuver predatory lifeforms, or ships that accidentally enter the territory of aggressive organisms will almost invariably end up destroyed. Most ships flying through unclaimed regions need military escorts to ensure safety. Even though the risk is well-known, billions of ships, usually from border worlds, end up destroyed every year.
Another common influence on the ecosystem are individuals known as "Nachleben." A Nachleben is an individual that has uploaded their consciousness into a machine, transcending biological limitations. The most recent civilizations do not condone this behavior due to the tremendous amount of death artificial intelligences caused throughout history. Even so, Nachleben are a common facet of life in the untamed regions of space. These beings often control entire star systems used solely to supply themselves with the resources to live in simulated utopias. Many of them choose to rule over billions of cloned regular lifeforms as what are essentially, some try to create empires, and some of them may seek out and destroy other Nachleben. The reason they are considered abiotic, despite behaving as an artificial composite organism, is the sapient mind controlling them.
The average Nachleben controls trillions of advanced spacecraft and can control vast tracts of space. Their automated craft constantly war against lifeforms and other abiotic elements often without the knowledge of the uploaded mind. They usually last for several million years before having to relocate or face destruction from more powerful forms of life. Nachleben have a hefty bounty on them as they are inconvenient for governments across Via Aylathiya. This offer, however, is rarely taken up given their isolated locations and spectacular defenses. They are often large nuisances during wars, most notably during the War of the Ancients. An ancient example of a Nachleben is the Resonant Divinity, an entity thought to have been created by the AeternaborneFather Isayo. In the modern day, the most notable Nachleben rules over a society named Zatherim.
Esoteric Ecosystem
Arguably, the rarest forms of life in Via Aylathiya are those related to Thaumaturgy. Thought to have existed for billions of years, Esoteria are scattered all across the galaxy. While it is difficult to measure, there are thought to be approximately 50 trillion Esoteria all across Via Aylathiya. Most Esoteria exist near the Suvaren Cloud, though the barren sector of Holara and other remote areas also have remarkable densities of them. Most species are highly adaptable, capable of living nearly anywhere though they appear to prefer empty space.
Most Esoteria are comprised of life forms which gained access to Thaumaturgy by some means. These are usually Artificia, Abiotics, or Nachleben which have gained Thaumic abilities over their life. Artificia and Abiotics may have evolved components which harness Aeternal Energy, while Nachleben likely chose to expand their Thaumic abilities. Esoteric Artificia and Abiotics are considered to be some of the most unpredictable of their type. Esoteric Nachleben on the other hand are thought to be high-class threats to local infrastructure.
Another type of Esoteria are the Aeternaborne, entities which emerged from the Lux Aeterna. They are comprised of one or multiple Cores, a conscious type of entity in the Aeterna. All Aeternaborne have latent potential when it comes to Classical Thaumaturgy, making them very hazardous if encountered. They are not particularly hostile, though free-floating Aeternaborne are known to act with a sporadic, unpredictable nature. The most notable Aeternaborne are Sydiah's Architects, including Mother Sydiah and the other Angels of Aeternalism.
Astrography
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The Crown
Historically, the Crown, also known as "The Core," has been one of the most contentious locations in the galaxy, its riches causing both the devastating Commonwealth's Eclipse. Home to some of the largest black holes in the galaxy, in particular Aylathiya's Centrality, the Crown offers a dense source of power for the civilizations calling it home.
Today, the Crown is partitioned between Sagittarium and Vaspujian, belonging to the Boreal Federacy and C.A.A. respectively. Even though relations between both nations are amiable, he uninhabited regions of the Crown serve as a sort of buffer zone between them. The Crown contains the central black hole known as Central Aylathiya. Central Aylathiya supplies the plurality of the energy in the Crown, utilizing a "Penrose Sphere" named Aylathiya's Sphere. The rest of the energy is generated by the massive stars common in the Crown. Major worlds include Thalia, Sekhmet, Jezreel, and Seycara.
Fortune's Ring
Fortune's Ring is a relatively sparce portion of the galaxy where a large number of smaller nations can be found. While historically dominated by the likes of Sagitarrium and Vaspujian, the region has recently come to embrace self-rule. Despite its sparceness, Fortune's Ring is home to more species within it than outside it, thanks largely due to Verpletter and its anomalous properties. Outside of Verpletter, the Dotsk, Celucanti, and Lyncisians call the region home.
Aggregate Aylathiya
Verpletter
Verpletter (coming from the Erstes word meaning "broken"), is a region of space that is filled with many disparate states vying for influence in the region. While originally under the administration of Sagittarium, the region was largely self-governing. After the War of the Ancients, large numbers of refugees flooded into the region, its population increasing to almost half a quintillion by 89,450 CE. That same year, the region was later sealed off in part by the propagation of deadly space-based lifeforms and a host of automated military craft seizing the region in between Sagittarium and Verpletter. Communication was cut off for millennia.
Recently, communication was restored as the Boreal Federacy began tying up loose ends. Once the craft and lifeforms were cleared out enough to allow for consistent travel in 99,500 CE, the region has since fallen into chaos. The Sagittarian administrative government fell within a year as the people, disgruntled from their treatment as refugees, began looking for new government models to solve their problems. An interesting caveat is that the environment of Verpletter leant itself to a high rate of anomalous activity and, thus, an increased rate of mutation through as of yet unknown means.
Orithiya
Martial Space
Martial Space is the region of space defined by its interaction with the Neo-Terran Co-prosperity Sphere and the subsequent political fallout involving its collapse. Filled almost entirely with monarchies, Martial Space shares a common culture, language, and history centered around Mars, the patron deity and head of state of every nation in Martial Space. Since Mars and the institutions built around them are centered on the Grand Duchy of Drusidia, this nation has gained tremendous influence in the region.
The final region is known as the "Circuit of the Gods." This region is a circular region immediately outside of the galaxy with few stars. Its name also comes from a legend among the crews of military vessels in the region during the Great Empyreal Crusade. Large numbers of reports of "god-like beings" residing in the region began surfacing, hence the name. Later scans and reports give no indication that such beings existed.
To this day, a large number of inhabitants of the galaxy believe the region to be the home of the legendary beings. Instead of literal gods per se, there are beings in the region known as The Ekrosian Guardians that spontaneously form from gas and other materials within the region. While dangerous when provoked, they are mostly inert. Few nations have risen in the Circuit of the Gods. There only exists two in the modern day, them being Avolast and Zatherim. Many other nations border the Circuit, though infrastructure in it is relatively rare.
Notable Anomalous Phenomena & Objects
Ambrosian Remnants
Amaranth Echoes
Amaranth Echoes, also known as Fragments of Creation, are unusual strands of Thaumic energy that take the appearance of small, amaranth colored spheres of electrical light. They are invisible to the common eye, but those attuned to magic can observe them when they manifest. However, they bear a distinct feeling. They cannot be understood or felt properly. Instead, they feel 'hollow' to the touch of a Magi. As described by Sydiah's encounters, Amaranth Echoes feel 'distant, empty, and unpleasant.' It is as if something exists yet does not at the same time. They cannot be moved, changed, impeded, destroyed, or manipulated in any means. Even the most powerful of Magi can not do much but strain against the Echoes. However, several Magi have reported to 'connect' to the Echoes through great focus and concentration.
Once done, the individual will experience rapid flashes of various mismatched events. According to Aylathiya's most proficient historians, they are events that have yet to occur. However, a central theme amongst these events is the act of creation. Most will depict someone or something creating something, be it a machine, a star, a race, or a child. Such events also show beings of powers so immense they have not seen anywhere in the Universe, waging conflicts that would surely end galaxies in moments. The landscape of the events involves the same peculiar starlight that shares in the same Amaranth colors the Echoes themselves do.
Amaranth Knight
The Amaranth Knight is a name given to an enigmatic entity which emerged in Aylathiya an unknown amount of time ago. It appears to be a being of immense power, as only few in the Universe can compare itself to its observed strength. The Knight appears as a large humanoid figure of amaranth-colored light, dawned in an enigmatic set of imperishable armor. It wields a large blade of burning amaranth-laden flames, which manifests itself from the air by the Knight. The Knight appears to have great vehemence with destroying all that is deemed wicked, as many thousands of powerful people have perished to its vigorous strength. It is currently owned by the GM, who took the Knight from the Cabal of the Amaranth Truth during the Amaranthian Heist.
The Amaranth Knight seems to lack sapience. Instead, it functions more like a machine. It only moves about and acts upon the world when it is activated through unjust acts. As well, it lacks the ability to speak with in its own voice. Instead, it has been observed to speak in a variety of different voices and genders. However, each phrase is said randomly but when pieced together they make full legible sentences. In two specific instances the Amaranth Knight will always vocalize one of two words depending on the situation, with the voice used being made up of those used in other phrases. These words include "Worthy" when an individual who has been noted for their heroic deeds appears before the entity. While once the Knight engages in combat it will say "Unworthy" before destroying the target.
Baelrah
Antiwraith
Triumvirate Artifacts
Within Via Aylathiya there exist trillions of probes that bear the insignia of the Triumvirate Civilization. These objects are considered anomalous because there is no historical record for them. While historians debate over whether the Triumvirate actually created these or not, the scientists attempt to uncover their properties. Roughly half of these objects are four-dimensional with tests using wormholes first confirming this in 3,470 CE. It is still unknown how four-dimensional objects could be created.
Other artifacts include weapons that, while confirmed to be of Triumvirate origin, also defy explanation. The most notable example of these craft are the ERS Moon Signal, the TRS Platinum Disco, the TRS Night Running, and the VSS Readymade. All of these ships possess unique abilities well beyond even the normal capabilities of the Triumvirate itself. While the Readymade displays four-dimensionality like many of the smaller artifacts, the rest of these artifacts have no analogs in the common smaller probes.
Other artifacts include Demiurge and Holo's Ring, two remarkably large objects located within Martial Space. These objects have a special relationship with the Lux Aeterna, allowing them to draw and distribute energy from it.
The Ekrosian Guardians are a collection of anomalous lifeforms, machines, or other objects that exist directly outside of Via Aylathiya. An Ekrosian Guardian forms as dust around Via Aylathiya spontaneously reorganizes itself into one. Many believe this phenomenon to be artificial in origin. They vary wildly in both size and intelligence. The smallest guardians are on the scale of microorganisms while the largest are on the level of planets or even larger. Each Guardian bears a thirteen-pointed star, has the same genetic material (if applicable), and has little to no memory of their creation (if applicable). Those few Guardians that are both sapient and at least partially remember their origin credit an entity named "Eve." Little is known about this entity or even if it exists.
The Mayuneh Crypts are a series of artifacts located throughout Martial Space, responsible for the creation of the Llæns species. In the past, Llæns aged backwards, were entirely infertile, and had no memory of being born. Primitive Llænes believed that they were created by gods or, later, spontaneously generated. It was only after they industrialized that they discovered the Crypts. As technology advanced, they began to stop this aging process and used cloning to create a more manageable population. The Crypts still produce Llæns to this day through entirely unknown means.
Upon scanning, they appear empty. Additionally, they do not emit any radiation nor do they bear any distinguishing symbols or features that would clue into their origin. There have been numerous attempts to break into a Crypt; however, all energy directed into one transits the object, causing it to leave the other side. 100% of the energy transits through a Crypt, making it functionally invisible. Neutrinos, despite being notoriously hard to reflect, are reflected by Crypts. Their origins, age, composition, and purpose are unknown.
The Blessing of Mars is a curious phenomenon responsible for the selection of the next emperor of the Greater Martial Consilium. Any descendant of Hal Drusus II, also known as Mars, can be chosen. Upon selection, the chosen individual will gain fabulous power and become sufficient Magi, often surpassing every other Magi in the galaxy at the time. The effect usually manifests in Martial Space, the region where the Consilium is located; however, it has increasingly manifested outside of the region. Both of the previous emperors were born in Sagittarium and the crowned princess who was just recently selected was born in the Entente of Ventemir.
If the selected is somehow unable to lead, the Blessing of Mars will manifest elsewhere, causing the death of the selected. At numerous points in history, the selected would become someone in the new ruling family of Martial Space, allowing for Mars to continue exerting influence over their territory. Numerous religions exist around the phenomenon and have themselves been the subject of dozens of wars.
Related to the Lux Aeterna
Aeterna Cascades
Aeterna Cascades are exceptionally powerful and rare events, only found to record in Via Aylthia across all of history. They can spontaneously appear after a notably powerful Aeternaborne exits the Lux Aeterna. This cascade can eliminate a large amount of detectable energy, though only Magi can detect the brunt of it. The rest is given off as a stray wave of neutrinos and assorted electromagnetic radiation. After an Aeterna Cascade, the resulting Aeternaborne might decay, though the strongest of Aeternabornes can adapt to reality.
Aeternaborne
The Aeternaborne are a group of magical entities who are born out of Aeterna Cascades. While most Aeternaborne expire soon after exposure to reality, powerful ones are able to conform with ease. Aeternaborne are made up of Cores, usually characterized by a shining white appearance, like that of a Core in the Aeterna. Upon entering reality, Aeternaborne possess great potential in Thaumaturgy. This is thought to be a result of their link with the Lux Aeterna.
Aeterna Crystals are rare crystalline containers which hold great power. They are known to be containers of special Aeternal Energy, created by the First Aeterna Society millions of years ago. It is thought that their purpose was for bestowing or enhancing Thaumaturgy for any individual, allowing them to gain immense strength in a very short period of time. These crystals take on the appearance of bright, cosmic-looking gemstones which are warm to the touch and emit a dim, white glow.
Aeterna Crystals operate after one shatters it, releasing the trapped Aeternal Energy to the closest Pylon, typically that of the user's. It is thought that there are less than 100 full Aeterna Crystals left in Aylathiya. The first to re-discover the Aeterna Crystals was Vurilia Jutopati during Aylathiya's Totality. He learned of their immense potential, eventually using one to overcome Thonde Yutira and reinstate his leadership over Sedrua. Vurilia once vowed to keep the Crystals safe against Sydiah, spending much of his time collecting and storing them away.
Other Information
Civilizations
Deep in the confines of Via Aylathiya, there exist a multitude of civilizations, which have sprung up from and in the absence of Sedrua. In the many millennia since unified galactic control, these factions have spread and made their home all across the galaxy. Deep culture, which resides from nations of ages past, still affects the ones today, which allow civilizations to share a commonality. As of the modern-day, the intragalactic landscape is relatively peaceful, with civilizations still being created and administered. The C.A.A. reigns as the most populous organization, while the Boreal Federacy is arguably the most powerful, with the QPA standing as the most technologically advanced. Other, more prestigious empires such as Sedrua, Avolast, and Zatherim are known for withstanding the test of time.
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