The Sphere

Humanity has spread past our home system, Sol. Through the use of hyperspace locks, worlds are settled and empires thrive. The MegaCorps have been overthrown. In their wake, independent nations and interests thrive. It's a time of uneasy peace between the great powers.   The United Duneir Systems, an upstart stellar nation, is embroiled in peacekeeping operations on the independent world Andrade.   In the center of humanity's sphere of influence lies the Lunar Empire. The largest and oldest of the nations, it is beset on all sides by foreign powers. The Empire is held together through the will of its dual leaders, the Matriarchs.   Individual star systems struggle to avoid assimilation into their larger neighbors; or avoid becoming the site of a proxy war.   Within the Rhidde system, tensions are reaching a breaking point. Within, Merchant Houses are quicker to overt acts of conflict. In-fighting has broken out and many Houses have formed alliances against others. The Major Houses struggle to find balance. Without, the Lunar Empire and UDS are increasing pressure upon the Consortium. Both desire Rhidde’s vast mineral wealth, and will take it by force if they require. With the Major Houses distracted by in-fighting, their only check on power is a desire to avoid war.