Adapted from Grimdark Future Lore - One-Page Rules and Starfinder Playtest
Adapted from Grimdark Future Lore - One-Page Rules and Starfinder Playtest
Traveler, you have heard tales of the Inner Sphere, of its decaying grandeur and the shadowed promises of the Commission. But beyond its shimmering Riftgates, far from the controlled Metronomes and the teeming populations of its ecumenopolises, lies the vast and untamed expanse known as the Outer Sphere. Here, the veneer of galactic order thins, giving way to a harsh tapestry of empires, kingdoms, and tribes where survival is not a given, but a daily, brutal calculation. This is a region where conflicts are often settled through the roar of plasma fire and the clash of blades, where control of every precious resource is paramount, and where citizens toil relentlessly, not for luxury, but to fuel the endless demands of their armed forces.
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 have forged their own destinies, free from the direct dominion of the Commission. It is a mosaic of countless 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 homeworld. In contrast, others may have expanded to claim several Clusters, their reach limited only by their might and the ever-present dangers of the void.
Sectors of the Outer Sphere
While the Inner Sphere provides its people with relative stability, this is rarely the case in the Outer Sphere.
Polyplex Nebula
The Polyplex Nebula is a vast, dense sector of the Outer Sphere and the chosen sanctuary of the Automaton Concordance. It is a region defined by its chaotic planar energy, which serves both as a perfect cloak and a persistent hazard.
Species
The Outer Sphere is a crucible of diverse species and unique adaptations. Some Vaelen Fleets have chosen to explore this vast region, and Geodan Guilds have sent out expeditionary forces that never returned from its depths. Who knows how far the Saurian Starfleet travels to ensure that their prophecies are realized, or where the boldest Orc clans have ventured, looking for an honorable fight.
Numerous smaller groups have been lost during their travels, sometimes stranded on a hostile world, sometimes finding something better and choosing not to return. Even humans have been seen far outside of their usual reaches, victims of a Riftgate malfunction or following some secret goal along distant Gravlanes. Beyond this, there are Outer Sphere groups that show only the faintest connection to their Inner Sphere 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 Baelen 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 Riftgate, until their fighter ships’ systems detect prey to raid. A faction of amphibious creatures piloting mechanized suits are rumored to be spreading in a sector far away. 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 Riftgates 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 Riftgates and approved itineraries. However, travelers must be cautious, as unexpected dangers, like unstable Riftgates or hostile territories, can emerge. Diplomacy plays a vital role, enabling travelers to find common ground and connections across factions, often employing diverse allies to facilitate their journeys.
Inner Sphere Integration
The Inner Sphere has gradually expanded from a central cluster in the galaxy into a prosperous region of interconnected planetary systems, particularly benefiting 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 Commission 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 Commission 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, sacrificing 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.
Beyond the Outer Sphere lies the Frontier, a realm exponentially vaster than the Outer Sphere, a truly uncharted and wild expanse.
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