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.
CALADANIUM 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. Several purification processes are required before utilizing it in a reactor, but the energy output is comparable to that of Divinium (see below). Used as a source of fuel in a variety of sub-light engines; it can also provide power to entire settlements.
DIVINIUM A naturally occurring radioactive ore discovered by Hoshi Enterprises in the Altair star system. When utilized in a reactor; it can produce nearly twice the amount of energy as Teslium (see below), yet burns itself out rather quickly in comparison. Employed as a source of fuel in a variety of sub-light spacecraft engines; it is also commonly used to provide power to entire settlements as well.
DRIAXOL The purified form of a naturally occurring hydrocarbon found embedded in the rocky debris that orbits the secondary star in the Eta Cassiopeiae system. Discovered by the SolCorp exploratory division, it is used as both a coolant and a lubricant in a variety of starship engines.
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC SHIELDING Originally developed in the late 21st 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 by both Hoshi Enterprises and the Reinhold Corporation and is currently capable of providing limited protection against most energy-based weapons as well as long periods of gravimetric stress.
ERIDIUM First discovered by SolCorp’s exploratory division 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. Frontier Industries later found even greater quantities of this mineral in the Tau Ceti system as well.
GALVANIC PULSE WEAPONS Energy weapons originally developed by Hoshi Enterprises and installed onboard their battle cruisers during the Zendathu-Human war. Employing a massive pulse of coherent anti-protons, these weapons were designed to nullify electro-magnetic shields and play havoc with all the electrical systems onboard an enemy vessel without harming the crew.
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. This technology was commercially successful enough to make centrifugal-force designs completely obsolete by the mid-22nd century. However, the bulky components require massive amounts of energy and are not suitable for use onboard smaller spacecraft, such as shuttle pods and patrol fighters. Current models now utilize this technology within both orbital space stations and land-based outposts.
HEFFALORE A large four-legged herbivore native to the planet Galbraith. Adult males frequently reach a height of 4m 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 substance found 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. The first Humans to colonize this system soon discovered that these crystals had very unique properties. When utilized in conjunction with a FTL Drive (see above), they have the ability to amplify and focus the potential energy output of the engine’s core.
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.
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 2.5m, 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 22nd 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).
NERONIUM An extremely versatile metal that is lightweight, durable, and highly resistant to nearly all forms of radiation. Originally 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.
NEUTRONIC NET A type of weapon used by the Zendathu onboard their predatory attack cruisers. It is designed to fire a dispersal field of highly lethal, short-lived neutrons which envelops the target’s energy shields. It has little heat or shock effect and achieves negligible damage to a vessel unless at very close range. The weapon gradually weakens shields and eventually permeates the vessel’s hull, killing the personnel onboard.
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 200 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 felinoid creature native to the planet Balestiere, it generally reaches a height of nearly a meter tall at the shoulder 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, however, is its wide, gaping mouth which comprises nearly a third of its entire body and is full of multiple rows of razor sharp teeth. They are not a typical predator as they do not hunt down their prey. Instead, they have developed the ability to slow down their movements and heartrate until they are almost completely motionless. Then, when their prey gets close enough, they will pounce and engulf it in one swift mouthful. They are extremely territorial with bad dispositions, but on a few occasions they have been somewhat domesticated into guard animals.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY FIELD Operated in conjunction with a spacecraft’s gravity generator (see above), this secondary energy field protects a ship 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 both the Sirius and Procyon star systems. When utilized in a reactor, it can produce over ten times the amount of energy as Uranium. An extremely efficient source of fuel used in a variety of sub-light spacecraft engines; it can also provide power for entire settlements as well.
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-22nd century as a primary means of defense, they are currently only found onboard large freighters and merchant vessels.
TIBERIUM The densest, most durable metal so far acquired by the Human race; it was first discovered in the Groombridge 1618 star system during a collaborative mission between Bourne Industries and the Reinhold Corporation. Highly resistant to nearly all forms of radiation as well as extreme gravimetric stress; it is used most often in constructing the outer hulls of a wide range of spacecraft.
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.
YAO GRASS A naturally growing weed 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.