<em>In the early intergalactic era, a number of peoples came slowly to the awareness that they were not alone in the universe and began making tentative, peaceful contact with their distant neighbors.<br/><br/>Then Ayesha the Star Goddess came.  Mysterious, alien, and beautiful, Ayesha blessed those who worshiped her with miracles of increased technology and great fertility.  With the means of easy interstellar travel, growing resources, and growing populations, each species hurried to expand its domain.  In just a few generations, most of the known galaxy’s species worshiped her, built shrines in her honor, and reaped the benefits.<br/><br/>As was inevitable, expanding territories overlapped.  Expanding populations competed with each other for limited resources.  The great battle cruisers of the Terran Republic clashed with the vast fighter fleets of the Jarvan Hegemony in epic battles.  Shape shifting Crystallans and chameleonic Anata staled each other across a dozen worlds.  The innovative and determined empire of the Keel matched their resources with the cooperative spirit of the Karodians.<br/><br/>Ayesha made no move to arrest the conflicts, but still answered pleas for fertility and unlocked ever more deadly mysteries to her followers.  Cultures were annihilated, whole planets immolated.  A few entire species erased from history.<br/><br/>Then from beyond the known galaxy came the T’larr.  In sleek ships no weapon could stand against they converged upon the celestial high temple, breached it’s automated defenses, and carried the Star Goddess away in chains.  Before they left, they made one motion to undue the damage their wayward daughter caused the younger species.  A great field of force called The Veil was raised, separating each species into their own territories long enough to cool each other’s ire and deal with the devastation they’d wrought upon one another.<br/><br/>Two thousand standard years have passed since that time.  The peoples of the known galaxy have restored contact with one another through the discovery of stable worm holes left by the creators of the Veil.  These make small scale trade, exploration, and scientific exchange possible, but by simple virtue of blockading a system’s wormhole can entire territories be defended.  Interstellar war is impossible now—or so the common wisdom holds.  <br/><br/>Rumors spread, though, that in the far reaches of the known galaxy a new power is on the rise.  An Empress has come to power, and her might will surely spread…</em><br/><br/>(A big thank you and hugs to Muse for helping me write the intro!)<br/><br/><hr/><br/>So here is where we can discuss the game, plot ideas, character concepts, new aliens, or even just putz around. This is going to be a fairly small group, and not open to just anyone at this time. That could change if it needs to be expanded, but I want to start it with just some close friends first.<br/><br/>That being said, I look forward to playing with you guys... lets see if we can't create something really special.  :D