Spirit

Centuries ago mankind utilised science and technology to explore and catalogue their world. With that task complete their attention turned toward the heavens and they began to reach out into the stars; only to find mysticism and magic reaching back from the void. Six hundred years from now the Human Empire is an interstellar power to be reckoned with, within a rich and diverse galactic community comprised of five other star-empires and countless intelligent and non-intelligent alien species. Each new civilisation discovered brings their individual technologies, politics, ethics and religions to the galactic stage.   In a galaxy where prayers are answered, the devout are powerful indeed; able to summon demons and angels, animals and dragons to aid their church and further their goals. Celebrants of a thousand different religions journey the gulf of space spreading the word and converting the alien masses. Whereas zealots; their faith impassioned by proof, seek out and punish the unfaithful and heretical with holy fire and brimstone.   The evolution of the mind has given rise to psions that can read thoughts or throw vehicles across a street without lifting a hand. Some can harness the classical elements to blast foes with fire or ice, while others can manipulate machines, shape the forces of darkness and decay, or even influence the force of life itself. Perhaps most important among the psions are the omnipresent navigators whose minds can link to the stars, and make travel between them much quicker and safer.   With so many different cultures and beliefs, conflict is almost inevitable. There are wars fought across the expanse of the known galaxy, from planetary wars of faith, to interstellar conflicts over resources or long forgotten grudges. And war breeds warriors; be they forged amidst the chaos and destruction of an industry world under bombardment, or through the tutelage of spiritual combat masters on an ancient temple moon.   Crime and injustice are also rife among the stars; intergalactic scoundrels stealing starships, conniving merchants looking for that one low tech planet that’s going to make them rich. Bounty hunters prowl space hunting for their latest mark, and gridwalking hackers buying and selling information all in the name of credits.   The same galaxy harbours powerful seers that command armies, guiding them through the myriad paths of time, mystic gunslingers that dispense justice in the name of ancient alien gods and the mysterious Magi who fight a secret war against their Machiavellian enemies the Warlocks.