AKARIUM  An extremely dense and durable metal easily recognized by its reddish-bronze color.  It was first discovered by Hoshi Enterprises in the Gliese 876 star system and was the primary building material used in constructing both their permanent settlements on Hinode and their own private fleet of spacecraft as well.

BESSELIUM  A very pliable, yet durable metal that is highly resistant to gravimetric stress.  First discovered by Hoshi Enterprises in the 61 Cygni star system; its primary usage is in the construction of a wide range of spacecraft hulls, but is often implemented in the building of planet-based structures as well.

BRONTIUM  An extremely malleable and heat-resistant metal discovered by the Reinhold Corporation in the Procyon star system.  It is utilized in a wide-range of manufactured items such as engine components and battery casings for energy storage.  During the colonial civil war, this material was used almost exclusively in the making of weapons and ammunition. 

CALADANITE  A naturally occurring radioactive ore discovered by the Zarkov Corporation and the Lao Che Syndicate during a cooperative mission in the Delta Pavonis star system.  Similar in its energy output to Divinium (see below), several purification processes are required before utilizing it in a sub-light engine reactor.  However, this ore also becomes completely unstable when it comes into contact with oxygen and cannot be safely used to provide power for a life-bearing colony.   

DIVINIUM  A naturally occurring radioactive ore discovered by Hoshi Enterprises in the Altair star system.  When utilized in a sub-light engine reactor, the energy obtained allows a vessel to reach up to 90% of light speed, but burns itself out relatively quickly.  It can also be safely used to provide power for entire settlements as well.

DRISKI  An alcoholic beverage derived from a species of barley which grows exclusively on the planet Galbraith.  Commonly infused with the extracts from the native Puff Root (see below), it typically produces feelings of relaxation and lowered inhibitions.

ELECTRO-MAGNETIC SHIELDING   Originally developed by Hoshi Enterprises in the late 21^st century, this defensive energy field is generated around a space vessel to protect the hull and crew from cosmic radiation, stellar flares, and minor debris.  Over time, this technology has been greatly enhanced and is currently capable of providing limited protection against most forms of weaponry as well as long periods of gravimetric stress.  (see also Structural Integrity Field below)

ERIDIUM  First discovered by the Jovian Mining Consortium in the Epsilon Eridani system, this valuable ore is highly resistant to both cosmic radiation and gravimetric stress.  When refined, the purified byproduct, Eridium-D, is most commonly used as insulation within the hulls of a variety of spacecraft.

FTL DRIVE  A generic term which refers to any means of propulsion that allows a spacecraft to travel Faster Than Light.  However, for the purpose of this guide, this particular definition focuses specifically on Human technology.  Bourne Industries developed the first Quantum Accelerator Drive (QUAD) which incorporates an inverted artificial singularity within its core to generate a localized curvature in the fabric of space-time; allowing a vessel to circumvent light-speed limitations.  In 2153, the first interstellar colony transport to Alpha Centauri was able to maintain average speeds of 0.088 lyd (Light Years per Day).  Over the next few decades, further advancements to the absorption chamber and the Structural Integrity Field (see below) made it possible to reach speeds of up to 0.95 lyd.  At the end of the 22^nd century, a new crystalline substance called Ichorite (see below) was discovered in the 82 Eridani star system which focuses the energy obtained from the core to open a threshold into Netherspace (see below) where normal physical restrictions no longer apply.  This increased maximum velocities exponentially and enabled most Human vessels to attain speeds of around 2.5 to 3.5 lyd.  

GALVANIC NET  A type of energy weapon used by the Zendathu onboard their predatory attack vessels.  It is designed to fire a dispersal field of coherent anti-protons which envelops the target’s energy shields. The purpose of this weapon is to play havoc with the electrical systems and gradually weaken the shields until they are fully depleted without harming the crew, allowing them to capture their prey alive.

GRAVITY GENERATOR   Originally developed by Frontier Industries in 2109, this mechanism generates an immersive field of coherent gravitons to create artificial gravity onboard vessels in space.  By the mid-22^nd century, the overall commercial success of this technology made centrifugal-force designs nearly obsolete.  However, the bulky components require massive amounts of energy and are not suitable for use onboard smaller spacecraft, such as shuttles and patrol ships.  Current models also utilize this technology in both orbital space stations and land-based outposts with lower gravity.

HEFFALORE  A large four-legged herbivore native to the planet Galbraith.  Adult males frequently reach a height of 4 meters at the shoulder and they are extremely territorial.  Their bodies are covered in thick armored plates which are their primary defense against predators.  When angered or feeling threatened, the fleshy muscle that is visible between the plates fills with blood and appears bright red as a warning to stay away.  This, along with their massive size, will usually deter all but the hungriest of carnivores.  Living in small herds, they can be found spread throughout the grassy savannas and thorn forests of the northern regions.

HOLOGRAM  A three-dimensional image projected by lasers which has a variety of uses such as; navigational and medical displays, video transmissions, and interactive entertainment features.

ICHORITE  A naturally occurring crystalline material discovered by Frontier Industries exclusively in the 82 Eridani star system.  Named in reference to the “blood of the gods” in Greek mythology; this remarkable resource is concentrated almost entirely within the rings of the gas giant, Niobe.  When utilized in conjunction with a FTL Drive (see above), these crystals have the unique ability to amplify and focus the energy output of the engine’s core.  This exponential increase in energy allows a vessel to traverse the threshold into Netherspace (see below) where velocities are theoretically infinite.  Extended usage of these crystals will eventually cause them to break down on the subatomic level and they must be replaced periodically.        

INERTIAL COMPENSATOR   A component of the gravity generator (see above) onboard a vessel in space which utilizes an internal artificial gravitational field to counteract the effects of inertia caused by rapid changes in velocity.  Its primary function is to enable a crew to withstand greater increases in speed over shorter lengths of time.

KODAMA  Also known as a “Tree spirit”, this form of vegetation can be found at the edges of lakes and seas along the terminus region on the planet Hinode.  Growing up to 3 meters in height, these plants resemble large, bulbous pineapples with long tendrils that function as an extensive root system.  The tendrils can also operate as lower appendages, giving them the ability to move to new locations in search of water and minerals.  These plants have also demonstrated an “awareness” of their surroundings and will become mobile if they feel threatened or disturbed.

MAGNETIC GRAPPLER  A device used by the Zendathu onboard their predatory attack vessels; it is essentially a large magnetic clasp attached to a dense fiber cable which can adhere to most metal surfaces.  Used only after fully depleting the energy shields of a target ship, it is their final means of capturing their prey.

MIZUCHI  Dragon-like creatures which live near the oceans along the terminus region on the planet Hinode.  Standing a meter tall at the shoulder, with a wing-span of 3 meters wide, their long necks lead to a distinctly reptilian face filled with razor sharp teeth.  They use their huge wings to glide through the air as the stellar winds flow across the planet’s surface.  Their diets consist almost exclusively of fish, but they are fiercely territorial and have even been known to attack Humans on occasion.

NAVIGATIONAL COMPUTER  Often referred to as a “NavComp” for short, this onboard computer system is programmed to plot a predetermined course and calculate the complex equations necessary for navigating in space.  As drive engines onboard space vessels have advanced over the years, navigational computers have continued to change as well.  Early on in the exploration of the Sol system, NavComps relied mostly on recurrent data gathered concerning the mass and movements of the celestial bodies.  As the Human race developed the means of traveling faster than light with the Coherent Graviton Drive (see above), this computer system utilized much of the same programming while factoring in the mass of the destination star as a backstop.  With the introduction of the Quaniton Accelerator Drive (see below) in the late 22^nd century, artificial intelligence was implemented to allow the computer to make course corrections more rapidly as it charts the seemingly infinite number of gravitic corridors that exist in Netherspace (see below).

NEPENTHE  A violet-colored alcoholic beverage derived from the Lotus plum native to the planet Toliman Gamma.  When consumed, it typically produces feelings of relaxation, tranquility, and an elated sense of happiness.

NERONIUM  An extremely versatile metal that is lightweight, durable, and highly resistant to nearly all forms of radiation.  First discovered by Bourne Industries in the Alpha Centauri system; it is most commonly used in the construction of a variety of spacecraft hulls.

NETHERSPACE  A colloquial term used by most space-faring Humans to refer to the dimensional realm which binds the fabric of space-time and the multi-verse together.  Though “Netherspace” can not be readily observed by any ordinary means, the acceleration of coherent quaniton particles can be utilized to open transient portals called “thresholds”.  Once a vessel breaches this threshold into Netherspace, normal laws of physics do not apply.  Within this realm; a web of inter-dimensional corridors, connected by gravity wells and other high-mass objects, are utilized as shortcuts through space-time.

OOXLA TREES  A large species of foliage indigenous to the planet Krelorndran.  These trees flourish in dense forests along all the major coastlines and typically reach a height of over 50 meters tall.  Their massive trunks are extremely flexible; allowing them to bend and sway in the incessant winds rather than breaking.  Their root systems extend above ground and typically attach themselves to the rock face of cliffs near the shore.

PARTICLE CANNON  A weapon which uses a high-output energy beam of subatomic particles.  These particles have tremendous kinetic energy which disrupts a target’s molecular structure; inducing near-instantaneous and catastrophic superheating.

PUFF ROOT  A plant which grows exclusively in the northern floodplains of the planet Galbraith.  The roots of these plants are filled with a sponge-like substance which allows them to project their spores into the air.  These spores can also be gathered and mashed into a sticky paste, commonly known as “Cetian Hash”, which can either be smoked or eaten for its potent mental and physical effects.  These effects cause most individuals to experience an alteration of conscious perception, heightened mood, relaxation, and occasional mild hallucinations.  Although recreational use of this substance is generally accepted throughout most of the Human colonies, the commercial distribution of the processed byproduct is strictly regulated. 

RAZORMAW   A large feline creature native to the planet Balestiere; it typically reaches a height of a meter tall when fully grown.  Its rounded body is covered in bristly gray fur with black stripes.  Although it has difficulty seeing in the daylight, it has exceptional night vision and large, omni-directional ears.  The creature’s most striking feature is its wide gaping mouth which comprises nearly a third of its entire body and is full of multiple rows of razor sharp teeth.  Unlike most predators, they don’t stalk and hunt down their prey.  Instead, they have developed the ability to slow down their movements and heartrate until they are nearly motionless.  Then, when their prey gets close enough, they will pounce and engulf it in one swift mouthful.  They are solitary creatures and extremely territorial with bad dispositions, but on a few occasions they have been somewhat domesticated into guard animals.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY FIELD  This secondary energy field protects a spacecraft from breaking apart at high velocities.  As a vessel’s speed increases, an exponential amount of energy is applied to its structural integrity to shield it from extreme gravimetric shearing.

TENGU  A small falcon-like bird indigenous to the planet Hikaru.  Their faces are bright red in color with long hooked beaks.  Their bodies are covered in an iridescent blue plumage with tail feathers that extend nearly a meter in length.  They typically live high in the treetops of the mountainous regions where they only leave their nests to search for prey.  On occasion, they have been known to take up residence in the homes of the Human colonists and are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

TESLIUM  A naturally occurring radioactive ore discovered by the Reinhold Corporation in the Sirius star system.  When the refined material is utilized inside a reactor, it becomes an extremely efficient source of fuel for a variety of sub-light spacecraft engines allowing a vessel to reach up to 75% of the speed of light.  It can also be safely used to provide power for entire settlements as well.

THERMIUM  A naturally occurring metallic ore discovered by Frontier Industries in the Tau Ceti star system which resists heat conduction at the atomic level.  When refined, the purified substance has an almost translucent appearance and, like Eridium (see above), was originally used as insulation within the inner hulls of a variety of spacecraft.  However, it was soon realized that, when this material was implemented in the outer casings of faster-than-light reaction engines, it allowed for an exponential increase of up to 10 times previous velocities.

THERMO-KINETIC MISSILES  Originally designed by Humans as defensive weaponry onboard their earliest interstellar patrol ships; these torpedoes give off an enormous amount of heat and force in a brief, bright flash.  At long-range, they can scramble sensors and do minor structural damage to an intended target.  At close-range, they can actually penetrate an enemy vessel’s hull, but can subsequently damage the spacecraft that fired them as well.  Used extensively throughout the mid-22^nd century as a primary means of defense, they are currently only found onboard large freighters and merchant vessels.

THOLIN-X  The purest form of naturally occurring hydrocarbons and nitriles ever discovered, they were first detected by the Cromwell Coalition in the Eta Cassiopeiae star system. Referred to colloquially as “Black-ice”, it has the appearance of a sticky tar-like substance, yet requires only a bare minimum of refinement for use in a variety of applications.  Extremely versatile, this substance is utilized in radiation-proof polymers, organic electronics, fuel production, and even fertilizer and soil for agriculture.

TIBERIUM  The densest, most durable metal discovered so far by the Human race.  It was detected by Bourne Industries and the Reinhold Corporation during a collaborative venture in the Groombridge 1618 star system.  It remains highly stable even under extreme gravimetric stress and is resistant to most forms of radiation. It is also frequently combined with Neronium (see above) in the construction of a wide range of spacecraft hulls.

TRANSLATOR MATRIX  A communication device that was originally developed by the Brekka.  Although it is most often found integrated into a spacecraft’s onboard computer, it can also be condensed into a small portable device for personal use.  Its primary function is to almost instantly interpret any unknown language and translate it into the approximate language pattern of the user.  Humans obtained this technology during first contact in 2177.

TUSKER  A boar-like quadruped which thrives in the savannas and grassy plains of the planet Galbraith.  Standing nearly a meter tall at the shoulder when fully grown, these creatures are exclusively vegetarian and generally passive in nature.  They have become a major source of food for the Humans who have colonized this world.

VIRELLIUM  An extremely dense metal which is highly resistant to most forms of radiation.  First discovered during a cooperative mission between the Lao Che Syndicate and the Zarkov Corporation, it is found in substantial amounts exclusively in the 70 Ophiuchi system.  Since the colonial war, this valuable resource has become the primary building material in the construction of spacecraft for the UEC.

VOLOK  A bulbous, hairy slug-like creature indigenous to the planet Fusang.  Averaging 12 meters in length and 5 meters in height when fully grown, they move their massive forms by dragging their bodies through the mud.  These mammals are typically non-aggressive unless they are defending themselves or their young.  Ever since Humans permanently colonized their world, Voloks have become hunted for their skins, their meat, and for the medicinal healing abilities of the slime they produce.

YAO GRASS  Naturally growing vegetation found only on the planet Nuwa which, when smoked, increases the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in parts of the brain and produces a feeling of euphoric bliss.  The commercial distribution of this plant is illegal throughout most of the Human colonies, but is still a highly lucrative business on the black market.