Adapted from Grimdark Future Lore - One-Page Rules and Starfinder Playtest
As a Game Master, I accumulate a lot of game-related paraphernalia; Miniatures are among my favorites. I have a lot of miniatures I want to get more use out of. I scrubbed the internet for miniature agnostic games that let me squeeze more fun out of gaming accessories I spent my money on. I was aware of One-Page Rules and ran into them while searching.
I like what this enterprise offers regarding extracting value from my collection. The Army builder provides options for creating custom, balanced armies in addition to the officially supported army ranges. While the game setting seems like other popular game material at a cursory glance, this game is starting to step away from its inspiration with the publication of the Grimdark Future World book.
One-Page rules encourages players to bring whatever miniatures they have to the table; the ability to craft custom army lists also lets players manifest their armies from other games. The Grimdark setting has plenty of blank space where players can find room for their custom armies with their own lore. To take advantage of this burgeoning setting I would like to flesh out this setting to support a game of Starfinder 2e
The Outer Sphere
Further from the center, the Outer Sphere is a tapestry of empires, kingdoms, and tribes. It is a harsher region where conflicts are often settled through warfare. Control of resources is key, and citizens toil to support their armed forces.
Sectors of the Outer Sphere
While the Inner Sphere offers relative stability to its people, this is not the case in the Outer Sphere.
Far larger than the Inner Sphere, the Outer Sphere is not a united political entity but refers to the immense number of populated, interconnected systems that are not part of the Inner Sphere. It is divided into a mosaic of different factions with competing economic and political interests.
Most galactic maps divide the Outer Sphere into numerous Sectors, which are often separated into groups of stellar systems called Clusters. Some factions may exist only on a single planet, often their home world, while others may have expanded to claim several Clusters.
Sirius Sector
The Sirius Sector consists of various star systems linked by proximity and shared history. These systems are inhabited by diverse species and factions engaged in constant battles. The sector is significantly impacted by the Radiance, a mysterious anomaly that has profoundly altered its factions and dynamics while attracting attention from across the galaxy. The emergence of the Radiance caused massive upheaval, making many systems uninhabitable and disrupting the existing power balance. Wars are fought for numerous reasons, including resource acquisition, territorial claims, and deep-seated beliefs.
Species
Some High Elf Fleets have chosen to explore the Outer Sphere, and Dwarf Guilds have sent out expeditionary forces that never returned. Who knows how far the Saurian Starfleet travel to ensure their prophecies are realized or where the boldest Orc clans have ventured, looking for an honorable fight.
Numerous smaller groups from the Sirius Sector have been lost during their travels, sometimes stranded on a hostile world. Sometimes, they find something better and choose not to return.
Even humans have been seen far outside their usual range, either as victims of a Jumpgate malfunction or following some secret goal along distant Gravlanes.
Beyond this, there are Outer Sphere groups that show only the faintest connection to their Sirius counterparts while being from the same species. These are the subject of many rumors and speculations, and stories about them are often popular with those who can’t afford to travel and visit the wider universe.
The Bio-Elves and their symbiotic lichen are said to dwell somewhere unseen, and many fear the Cyborcs, who may lie in cryo-sleep for years, orbiting a Jumpgate, until their fighter ships’ systems detect a prey to raid.
A faction of amphibious creatures piloting mechanized suits is rumored to be spreading in a faraway sector. Many more such oddities are said to be found in the Outer Sphere, half-hidden by the tumult of war and the risks of travel.
Society
Politics
The Outer Sphere lacks a unifying central government, leading to continuous conflicts among various factions due to competition for resources and expansionist neighbors. War is often seen as a necessary part of survival, which requires strategic decision-making. Alliances are fleeting, and larger empires may sacrifice many soldiers to maintain dominance. Total war can devastate entire star systems, but after destruction, new settlers often return to rebuild. Although cultural integration among species is rare, local communities form, promoting bonds despite the prevailing tendency to seek the company of one's own kind. Despite ongoing battles, many people live peaceful lives, often unaware of the interstellar conflicts. Some factions maintain trade agreements even amid hostilities, illustrating that warfare can also serve as a means of negotiation.
Exploration
The Outer Sphere is less chaotic than the Frontier, yet travel within it remains challenging. Most non-combatants only move within their faction's territory, as going beyond is risky and costly. Travelers often include diplomats, merchants, or those seeking a new home. Due to changing alliances, key Jumpgates frequently shift, making navigation tricky. Space travel is essential, as direct land routes are scarce. Wealthy individuals use personal ships, while others rely on faction-provided vessels or commercial ships. Stable factions in the Outer Sphere attract trade by providing safe travel options, including secure Jumpgates and approved itineraries. However, travelers must be cautious, as unexpected dangers, like unstable Jumpgates or hostile territories, can emerge. Diplomacy is vital, enabling travelers to find common ground and connections across factions, often employing diverse allies to facilitate their journeys.
The Inner Sphere has gradually expanded from a central cluster in the galaxy into a prosperous region of interconnected planetary systems, particularly benefitting those at the edges economically. These systems supply resources and gain access to luxury goods and advanced technology from the Inner Sphere, leading to a commercial edge in dealings with the Outer Sphere. The Council of the Inner Sphere supports these edge systems to maintain stability and prevent crises. When sufficiently stable, systems can apply to join the Inner Sphere, gaining numerous advantages. However, there are underlying tensions; some Outer Sphere groups feel marginalized, and the Council has faced accusations of complicity in local corruption as long as systems remain profitable. For instance, the Vona Tisaco people struggle to join due to their lack of resources, while others regret unfavorable integration experiences. The Coldar system exemplifies this conflict, having sacrificed their sacred land for protection against piracy but at a significant cultural cost. Although civil unrest exists, many Outer Sphere planets still view integration as preferable over the chaos prevalent in their regions.
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