GALACTIC HISTORY
The galaxy’s history spans billions of years, much of which predates the rise of sentient species and is less relevant to social historians. The earliest known evidence of a spacefaring civilization dates back to 1.2 million years BGE. The specifics of this civilization—its identity, achievements, and nature—remain enigmatic. It is only with the commencement of the Ancestral Era that a coherent and documented galactic community can be identified, setting a clear starting point for Galactic History.
Nomenclature:
BGE – Before Galactic Era
GE – Galactic Era (universally agreed terminology for the current time period)
The Ancestral Era
Duration: 400,000 to 600,000 years
Started: 600,000 BGE
Ended: 5,000 BGE
The Ancestral Era is a cornerstone of galactic history, as evidenced by the pervasive ruins scattered across the galaxy. Virtually every habitable planet has uncovered relics from this period. This era is characterized by an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity, with a notable consistency in the presence of humanity among the ancient races.
Historians infer that humanity played a leading role during this time of relative tranquility. Although small-scale conflicts did occur, they did not significantly alter the galactic landscape. The Ancestral Era is marked by remarkable technological advancements and an expansive galactic community. Artifacts and technology from this period are widespread, and some remain operational. However, these Ancestral technologies are often hazardous and unpredictable. It is crucial that any functional Ancestral technology be reported to local authorities for proper handling and disposal to avoid potential dangers.
The Great Collapse
Duration: 1,000 to 2,000 years
Started: 5,000 BGE (Commonly assumed start date)
Ended: 3,000 BGE (Commonly assumed end date)
The Great Collapse stands as one of the most enigmatic and debated events in galactic history. Between 5,000 and 3,000 BGE, the galaxy experienced widespread destruction, resulting in the catastrophic downfall of numerous worlds. Evidence from carbon-dated wreckage and monumental battles indicates a significant breakdown in the galactic order, likely precipitating large-scale wars.
Despite extensive research, the precise nature of these conflicts remains elusive. Theories abound, ranging from galaxy-wide electromagnetic disturbances that disrupted slipstreams to the sudden appearance of a new, aggressive race. The motives and actions of the factions involved in the Great Collapse are still shrouded in mystery, leaving historians with only fragmented insights into this tumultuous period.
The Age of Strife
Duration: 1,000 to 3,000 years
Started: 3,000 BGE (Commonly assumed start date)
Ended: 0 GE
The Age of Strife was a dark and turbulent period for the galaxy, marked by widespread loss and regression. The extensive knowledge accumulated during the Ancestral Era was lost, leading to a significant decline in technological and cultural development. As civilizations collapsed, roving bands of refugee fleets engaged in widespread looting and destruction of younger civilizations.
By the end of this period, even these fleets succumbed to internal conflict and resource shortages. Only the Jiuda raiders, having lost their homeworld during the Collapse, managed to survive in their space stations, which eventually formed the nucleus of the Conclaves known today.
During this era, the remnants of humanity were reduced to primitive tribal societies, struggling to survive on the shattered Ring of Shikar. However, by the conclusion of the Age of Strife, humanity had managed to reconstruct a level of Bronze Age technology. Due to the massive loss of life and records, reconstructing a detailed timeline from this era remains a formidable challenge.
The Restoration Era
Duration: 3,174 years
Started: 0 GE
Ended: 3,174 GE
The Restoration Era represents a pivotal chapter in the resurgence of galactic civilization. This period witnessed the emergence of new races venturing into the cosmos, reestablishing interstellar connections, and forming significant alliances. Prominent among these new civilizations were the Eitlek, who evolved from their forested origins to become a major regional trading power. Their diplomatic skills and focus on conflict resolution through negotiation were instrumental in the creation of the Stellar Corporate Alliance, signaling the revival of a unified galactic community.
During this era, humanity embarked on a gradual process of technological and industrial reconstruction. The period saw the rise of competing human factions, leading to a series of conflicts known as the House Wars, culminating in 3,152 GE. The resolution of these conflicts led to the unification of human territories under the leadership of Holy Emperor Koale Lusca Asvatos. This unification paved the way for the formation of the Imperium of Shikar 22 years later, establishing the foundation for future galactic advancements and shaping the trajectory of subsequent eras.
Stellar Corporate Alliance
The Eitlek, in combination with the charter members, create the first galactic community since the Great Collapse.
House Wars
A brutal series of conflicts that ravaged the Shikar Ring.
Shikar Imperium is founded
Koale Lusca Asvotas defeats the last royal houses and forms the Imperium on the Shikar Ring.
The Expansion Era
Duration: 2,378 years to present
Started: 3,174 GE
Present Date: 5,552 GE
The Expansion Era is marked by a period of profound growth and exploration across the galaxy. The rediscovery of Ancestral slipstream technology enabled various races to extend their reach and influence, leading to a notable surge in exploration, colonization, and the reclamation of previously lost territories.
During this time, the Imperium embarked on an ambitious campaign to reclaim human colonies and reassert humanity’s presence on the galactic stage. A significant figure of this era was Prince Anthonix Cyraeni, born in 4,239 GE. His explorations into the unknown led to the discovery of the Sacred Light, a momentous revelation that he unveiled upon his ascension to the throne in 4,275 GE. His rule as the Immortal Emperor began with the profound influence of the Sacred Light and continues to this day.
In 5,201 GE, a pivotal discovery was made by salvager Brodrik Zsoleikh in the Driri system, where he uncovered the ruins of an ancient monolith station. This discovery revealed the secret to instantaneous galactic communication. Leveraging this breakthrough, Zsoleikh founded the Heliosphere Corporation in 5,203 GE. The corporation played a crucial role in unifying distant human colonies through the establishment of the Heliosphere News Service and the Encyclopedia Galactica, further integrating the galactic community and enhancing communication across the stars.
Prince Kaerius Cyraeni Born
Prince Kaerius Cyraeni is born on the Shikar Ring.
Kaerius Cyraeni Ascends to Throne
Kaerius Cyraeni ascends to the throne and begins his reign as the Immortal Emperor.
Heliosphere Corporation is Formed
Encyclopedia Galactica is Created
The first edition of the encyclopedia is published.
Heliosphere New Serivice Starts
The first HNS story airs.
Kaia Marinoch is recruited by the Division
Kaia is recruited by Admiral Morven for the VIPER Initiative and participates in Qualification.
Events described in the Novelette Formation.
SIN Assured is Commissioned
The SIN commissions the first Night Class corvette, the Assured. Lieutenant Commander Marinoch is given command and sent to the Opherian Expanse.
Events described in the Novel VIPER.