THRONE
Core Region Blockade
The region surrounding the core of our galaxy is guarded by an army of constructed beings. Varied in form but unified by a common goal, these robots have been codenamed THRONE in recognition of their resemblance to a sovereign’s zealous guards.
Any attempt to enter Throne space is responded to with terminal prejudice, though the guardians do not generally pursue vessels that do retreat beyond the cordon. No known technology developed by any species, living or dead, resembles the sleek organic machinery of the Throne’s guard, which likewise surpasses in scope and power anything the Alliance can reliably produce.
Occasionally, a planet outside of Throne space will be besieged by its guardians and taken into the fold. Throne forces rarely leave their stations otherwise, though their scouts have been spotted making jumps back to the core from the far reaches of the galaxy – as though they were ensuring that something of which they are aware has not yet been uncovered…
SHADOW
Sagittarial Empire
The SHADOW is an imperialist alliance of alien species originating in the Carina-Sagittarius arm of the galaxy. Their population, number of controlled planets and scientific knowledge rival the Alliance.
Contact with Shadow forces has been limited. They are known for intercepting and capturing Alliance vessels. They notably allow much of the crew (including any civilians on board) to depart before leaving with their prize intact, suggesting that they operate according to a piratical code of conduct.
Colonies and crews under the Shadow appear to be rigidly hierarchical, with clearly defined rituals to reinforce the dominance of the commanding class and the obedience of their subordinates. They are expansionist and prone to internal conflict, which resolves with the winner taking the loser’s holdings.
They appear to have little interest in the Alliance, even as opponents; as our frontiers converge towards the galactic core, this is likely to change…
MOSAIC
XV-811053: Mosaic Pseudoflora
The MOSAIC is an inorganic pathogen that consumes and alters genetic material and electrical/neural information to replicate itself, forming a hivemind from its parasitized hosts.
All visible forms are made of trillions of viral bodies working as the cells of a single body. Mosaic infection transforms an individual lifeform into a servitor-vector, with networked viral bodies overtaking the host’s cells and mind. “Drones” resemble radially symmetrical insects, “Hives” resemble fasciated floral structures.
An early sign of Mosaic infection is the appearance of hard metallic “tiles” or scales on the epidermis, as host cells are replaced by viral structures.
Remember!
• Scrub filtration systems regularly.
• Skin: check yourself for signs of infection.
• Sterilise all artifacts and samples.
• Safe: better safe than sorry!