The Quadrant of the Pillar

The Quadrant of the Pillar is a lost paradise where Firstcome civilization has triumphed despite the destruction of the Portal Wars. In the four systems of the Quadrant, Firstcome and Zenithians meet on equal terms.
The Quadrant of the Pillar spans the four systems along the newly established Odacon route between Kua and Mira: Altai, Sivas, Ordana, and Zhau. The systems share many cultural traits, from the routines of daily life to governance and civil liberties. The similarities can be traced back to the first wave of colonists that were kept alive over the years thanks to the fact that the Quadrant systems kept trading and communicating with each other during the Long Night. The new colonists in the Quadrant have been integrated into the culture of the systems, but have also contributed with influences of their own. Of the factions, the Consortium is the one who shows the greatest interest in the systems, insistently trying to further its own agenda through alliances, colonization and trade. The Consortium wants to replace the old power structures with usurpers friendly to the faction.

Geography

A PARADISE LOST The Quadrant of the Pillar has a high concentration of rich, habitable worlds. Reports from the Foundation's investigations here indicate that the Portal Builders likely have had something to do with shaping the systems. Some of the more patriotic scientists in the Quadrant believe that the high number of rich worlds in the systems is to be regarded as a sign that the area has been chosen to serve some higher, sacred purpose. They believe that the Quadrant is a promised land in the dark emptiness, and that all that is missing is a strong, Icon-fearing leader to show the way. The worlds are only lightly populated, despite their natural riches, and it is only recently that a broad wave of colonists has started to arrive. Colonizing the Quadrant has its risks however – slavers, corsairs, self-appointed freedom fighters and bloodthirsty warlords are just a few of the dangers that await the reckless or the foolhardy.
THE JANGAHIR FLEET The mogul fleet constitutes the nervous system of the Quadrant. They cemented their claim to power directly after the Portal Wars. Unlike the rest of the peoples of the Quadrant, they challenged the ancient portal fields and managed to unravel their secrets. The fleet thrived from its monopoly position. Their battered old ships, relics from the Second Horizon, were upgraded and modified, resulting in a fantastic mixture of different technologies and traditions. They have reigned in silent majesty for a long time, but the arrival of the Consortium in the systems has challenged their rule and started to undermine their power. Mogul trade used to rule worlds and move mountains, but this is rapidly changing. The competition has led to tension in the Quadrant, but open clashes between the Consortium and Jangahir's heirs have so far been limited.
THE ALTAI CORSAIRS Blood-curdling rumors about the merciless raids of the corsairs from Altai have spread across the entire Horizon. Altai is a haven for smugglers, slavers, pirates and other outlaws, giving the whole Quadrant somewhat of a reputation for being a wild place where the difference between might and right is a bit fuzzy.

TRADE As part of the Miran Chain these systems (Altai, Sivas, Ordana and Zhau) have been largely overlooked, with Mira and Zalos the key trade destinations in this part of the Horizon. These four systems have a lot going for them: they are largely untouched with huge reserves of raw materials and trade opportunities; the leaders of the Firstcome communities here nurtured their political ties through the Long Night, and have kept up their long-standing cohesion; there are rumours that the people here have been hiding a huge Portal Builder legacy in these systems. But now, finally, and perhaps inevitably, the Consortium has taken a strong interest in expanding into these territories.

Type

Star System