Infinite Frontiers: A Comprehensive Introduction
Infinite Frontiers is a vast, multi-genre campaign setting that blends elements of space opera, cyberpunk, and hard science fiction.
It presents a richly detailed universe filled with powerful factions, unique planets, and enigmatic forces vying for control. The setting emphasizes the interplay between grand political empires, influential corporations, and independent operatives known as Runners, offering players an expansive playground where both personal stories and galaxy-spanning conflicts unfold.
Core Themes and Structure
The universe of
Infinite Frontiers is structured around a complex, multi-layered system of governance and influence. At the beginning of our storyline lies the
Terran Alliance, a loose coalition of corporate entities, political factions, and colonial governments that attempts to maintain a tenuous balance of power within the
Terran Reach. Unlike a centralized empire, the Alliance operates more as a stabilizing force—struggling to assert authority over the myriad factions that populate its domain.
“Unity through strength. Prosperity through order. The Terran Reach thrives, not because of what we have become, but because of what we could become.” — High Chancellor Evelyn Voss
The
Terran Reach is not a monolithic entity, but a tapestry of competing interests. Core Worlds like Earth and Mars are wealthy and advanced, dominated by corporate cartels and bureaucratic institutions. The Frontier Worlds, by contrast, are harsh, resource-scarce territories where independence and self-reliance shape every aspect of life. Between these extremes lie independent colonies, remote research stations, and the ever-present specter of piracy and lawlessness.
Factions and Power Dynamics
The factions of the Terran Reach shape the political and social landscape, each pursuing its own agenda:
Terran Alliance: The nominal governing body, struggling to enforce its will across the Reach. Though powerful in name, its influence is undercut by corporate greed, political infighting, and the rise of local militias and independent colonies.
Megacorporations: Entities like Zenith Dynamics and OmniCorp Industries control entire planets and systems, employing private armies and cutting-edge technologies to protect their interests. They often operate outside Alliance law, pursuing profits at any cost.
Pirate Clans and Rogue Elements: Operating in the lawless fringes of the Reach, these groups prey on weaker factions, acting as mercenaries, raiders, or even makeshift governments in regions where the Alliance has no reach.
Runners: Independent operatives who take on high-risk missions for factions, corporations, or personal gain. Spies, bounty hunters, hackers, and warriors, Runners play pivotal roles in the shadowy power struggles and hidden conflicts that shape the Reach.
Key Locations and Setting Highlights
The Infinite Frontiers universe encompasses a wide range of meticulously crafted locations, each offering unique opportunities and dangers:
Earth and the Core Worlds
Earth and the Core Worlds
The heart of the Terran Alliance, home to the wealthiest and most influential citizens. Megacities sprawl across continents, and orbital habitats showcase humanity’s mastery over technology.
Rimward Systems
Rimward Systems
Isolated and resource-poor, these systems serve as the frontlines of exploration and conflict, where local militias and colonists fend off threats both human and alien.
Independent Colonies
Independent Colonies
Planets and space stations that have declared autonomy, operating as neutral hubs for trade, diplomacy, or intrigue.
Secret Bases and Pirate Havens
Secret Bases and Pirate Havens
Hidden locations used as staging grounds for covert operations, smuggling, or rebellion. These are often outside the reach of the Terran Alliance and serve as sanctuaries for outlaws.
Anomalous Zones and Alien Ruins
Anomalous Zones and Alien Ruins
Regions of space where reality itself is unstable or where remnants of ancient civilizations linger, waiting to be discovered—or unleashed.
Narrative and Moral Dilemmas
The universe of
Infinite Frontiers is one of moral ambiguity and complex decision-making. In a setting where power, influence, and survival are paramount, players will find themselves navigating ethical quandaries with no clear right or wrong answers. Whether forming alliances with morally dubious factions, choosing between economic gain and ethical responsibilities, or deciding the fate of entire star systems, the campaign setting encourages players to consider the broader consequences of their actions.
Major Conflicts and Tensions
The Terran Reach is a region rife with conflict, both overt and covert. As the Terran Alliance struggles to hold the Reach together, secessionist movements and colonial uprisings are becoming more frequent. Corporate shadow wars are fought over control of lucrative resources and technological secrets. Meanwhile, whispers of strange anomalies and encounters with alien remnants suggest that humanity is not alone—and may be treading on dangerous ground.
Current State of the Reach
Corporate Wars on the Core Worlds: Tensions between the largest megacorporations, Zenith Dynamics and OmniCorp Industries, have escalated into a full-scale shadow war, with assassinations, sabotage, and espionage threatening to destabilize entire systems.
Rebellion on Frontier Planets: Discontent with Alliance rule, several frontier worlds have risen in open rebellion, seeking independence or new allegiances. The Free Colony Alliance has emerged as a loose coalition of these planets, pushing back against Earth’s grip.
Mysterious Rifts in Uncharted Space: Strange spatial anomalies have begun appearing along the fringes of known space. Ships disappear without a trace, and those that return tell tales of ghostly apparitions and fragmented glimpses of otherworldly landscapes. Multiple factions are racing to study these rifts, hoping to harness or contain whatever lies beyond.
Your Role in the Setting
Players in
Infinite Frontiers will find themselves at the heart of these conflicts, shaping the fate of the Reach through their actions. Whether you choose to operate as a fleet commander in the Terran Defense Force, a corporate enforcer, a freewheeling Runner, or a revolutionary fighting for your colony’s freedom, your choices will reverberate throughout the sector.
Will you be a stabilizing force, preserving the fragile balance of power, or will you exploit the chaos to carve out your own destiny? Will you uncover the secrets of the ancient civilizations that predate humanity’s expansion, or will you fall victim to the Reach’s myriad dangers?
The
Infinite Frontiers universe is yours to explore, shape, and transform—if you have the courage to face its infinite possibilities.