Star Traders / Templar Assault Background and Setting

[contributor]

Ok, so I’ve got quite a project here and its far from done, but I might as well post what I’ve got now. Is there any way that this thread can also be posted simultaneously to the TA thread, since it is overlapping.

Lots of questions keep coming up regarding the backstory and setting of the Star Traders and Templar Assault. Until now there has been no central place to go to read about the origins of the Start Traders or other characters in these games. This thread is my attempt to collect all the clues scattered abroad by Cory and Andrew in their various games and on the forum.

I’ve decided to post information in major categories in different threads in order to avoid making one huge post and hopefully allow people to select what they are most interested in.

> The Story
> The Galactic Core
> The Quadrant
> The Factions
> The Templars/Zendu
> Narvidians
> Aliens
> Hives
> Characters
> Glossary
> Extras

I invite feedback and any help with this thread. I’ve done a lot of digging but I doubt I’ve found everything out there. So if you know of some other information, or some comes out later, please draw my attention to it. I'll be filling this in as best I can over the next couple weeks but there will be a lot of room to help, out especially on threads like “Characters” and "Glossary." If you would like to help fill anything in please write an entry and post it to the thread. I will update as I am able. I am interested in the “official” story of the quadrant, so sources need to be from the TB’s themselves or from text within the game, not the spurious spice-addled ascertains of other forum members, even if they are moderators. Any corrections or further information from Cory Trese or fallen would be most appreciated.

I’ll try to include sources as much as possible. Here are abbreviations that I’ll be using and if you want to submit content I would appreciate you using them as well. Fill in the information after the colon to the best of your ability.
     CTF: link = Cory Trese Forum post
     ATF: link = Andrew Trese (fallen) Forum post
     STSH = Star Traders Spice Hall rumor text
     STT: location = Star Traders Text located in other places
     TAMB: campaign/mission = Templar Assault Mission Briefing
     TADB: campaign/mission = Templar Assault Dialog Box located in a mission.
     TBB: link = Trese Brothers Blog

[contributor]

The Story

This post gives an overview of the Star Traders story. More detailed information on different topics can be found in subsequent posts.

The earliest known location of the Star Traders is the Galactic Core. It is presumably where they began and where their society became technologically advanced and attained the ability to travel in space and colonize new planets. Unfortunately the Galactic Core was wracked by a great conflict which took place over a quarter of million years ago leaving what can only be described as a smoldering battlefield (CTF)

At this point, little is known about about the causes of the conflict that left the Galactic Core a wasteland or what happened in the intervening time up to the Star Traders Union. It is known though, that at some point the factions present in the Quadrant were great empires (CTF). Whether these empires existed before the great conflict or developed in the time afterwards remains an open question. There is a time referred to as the "Great Construction" from which the factions emerged (CTF). There is also talk in the spice halls of the "Founding," five centuries ago, when many of the craft that are now active in the quadrant were built (STSH). It is possible that the Founding and the Construction are the same thing which would indicate that the Factions developed relatively late in the span between the conflict that decimated the Galactic Core and the Exodus of the Star Traders.

At some point, the decision was made to depart from the Galactic Core in search of a better home that was selected by the elders of man. Their direction of travel was to a region of space known as the Farfallen Rim (CTF). To accomplish this, thinking machines called Narvidians were created to ferry humanity in the Hulks, also known as Hives (CTF, STSH) which were massive ships designed to protect humans on the long jump (STSH). How many actually left the Core is unkown but at some point humans numbered as many 30 billion. By the time of settlement in the Quadrant that number was reduced to around 6 billion (CTF, STSH).

The exodus, or diaspora was led by the Prophet Shalun and escorted by the Templar Militant. It began around 200 years before settlement in the Quadrant (CTF). Apparently, something went terribly wrong along the way, as the Narvidians, which had originally been designed to protect man, fell into a civil war between themselves (CTF, STSH). Whether and how humans were involved in this conflict remains mostly unknown. It is known that at one point the Prophet Shalun was involved in a great battle at Farfallen Breach which may have been part of the Narvidian Civil War (CTF). Other references are also made to Shalun fighting in a war (STSH).

The date of the finding of the Quadrant is unknown. The Star Traders were already there before -12.43 AE when the 7th Faction left it in search of the original destination chosen by the elders of man (CTF, STSH). The decision to settle in the Quadrant was something of a compromise. It was a particularly appealing region, after the vast tracts of empty space traversed by the refugees (CTF), but it was primarily the upper class of the factions who were responsible for choosing it as their new home, to some extent in opposition to their Templar guardians (CTF).

Three major events seem to mark the early years of settlement in the quadrant. The first being the departure of the majority of the Templar Fleet to a defensive patrol (CTF). References are made to the departure of the Fleet of Law in 2.45 AE (TBB) and this is likely the same event as the departure of the Templars. Around the time of this departure the “Faction Wars” began which seemingly established the possession of planets in the Quadrant as they are today and spanned much of the time between the discovery of the quadrant and the beginning of the game Star Traders. During this time, in 49 AE there was also an event known as the First Narvidian Incursion (CTF).

It is said that the Star Traders will remain in the quadrant for 1000 years (CTF) until the Second Narvidian Event (CTF).

[contributor]

The Galactic Core

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[contributor]

The Quadrant

The quadrant was encountered some time well into the exodus of the Star Traders from the Galactic Core. They had passed tens of thousands of star clusters already, and the leadership of the factions was growing weary with the journey. The quadrant itself was a very inviting place to settle, as it contained large numbers of mild mannered stars and habitable worlds. Some even came to believe that it was “destiny” that had brought them there (CTF). Yet the decision to stay came primarily from the leadership of the factions in opposition to the Templars (CTF). The decision to stay was not unanimous and a 7th faction left in -12.43 AE to continue the search for their original destination (STSH) and the bulk of the Templar Fleet left around 7 AE and a “defensive patrol” the exact nature and destiny of which is unknown (CTF).

Despite the large number of habitable worlds, existence in the Quadrant remains bleak. A number of planets were ruined in the Faction Wars, particularly by Syndicate Rychart (STT: New Captain Screen “Rychart”). Word in the Spice Halls, as well, is that the factions are already beginning to run out of new sources of raw materials (STSH).

Other occupants
The Quadrant was not entirely unoccupied when the Star Traders arrived. There seemed to have been numerous species of aliens, or xenos, in the quadrant many of which are even capable of space travel. Whether unwilling or unable to negotiate with the new-comers, no species of alien has ever show anything but complete hostility towards the Star Traders (CTF). Many questions remain about the xenos level of intelligence and organisation.

Narvidians are also known to be present in the Quadrant though they seem to exist only on ships. Whether they are resident or just passing through the Quadrant is unknown. There are certain ships that are truly just passing through the quadrant, these are known as Hives and are mostly abandoned Star Traders hyperdrive ships which may be occupied by any number of things (CTF).

There is some indication that there were other residents of the Quadrant at some distant point in the past. A squad of Templar knights in search of Gux Malleus discovered the Cities of Oblivion on Dire Oblivious [-31,14] which seem to have been built by some other, much earlier, civilization to keep a great Xeno lord imprisoned (TAMB/DB: Vengeance of the Templar).

The Social System
There are a number of important social distinctions to note among the Star Traders. The first and most noticeable is the existence of the 6 factions that wield power. These stand in contrast to the Independent worlds which have no official allegiances to any other world and no central organization. The 6 factions were once great empires that existed before the exodus and are responsible for the formation of the Star Traders Treaty. The independents were never part of these empires nor is entry into them an option for them, many of which have their own unique and proud histories (CTF).

Secondly there seems to be a unique and often hereditary upper class that governs the factions and is clearly distinct from the lower classes. There is much room for more research on this subject, the distinctions between classes, how they are established and whether moving between them is possible or common. Certain comments seem to indicate that faction leadership is closed off to a very select group (CTF)

The final important social distinction in the Quadrant is that between Spacers and Gravs (or Grounders). They are two distinct groups divided essentially by where they live and work. Their interactions seem limited primarily to the places open to both on the surface of a planet, the Stardock, the Palace, the Exchange and the Spice Hall (CTF). The captain of a ship is clearly a spacer and occupies a unique and honored position as the owner of a space going vessel (CTF). He is, however, forbidden by this position from borrowing money. That is only available to those who are tied to the land. Captains, and likely all spacers, have made an irrevocable choice to leave behind their planets for life in the stars (CTF).

Technology
The levels of technology present in the quadrant are the result of a technological fall. The Star Traders are the victims of their own technology, the Narvidians, that were created to ferry them to their new home (STSH). The time just before the Exodus marked the highpoint of human technology. It seems that not only did research and development cease in the exodus, but much that was known was also lost during the Narvidian conflict. This has wide-ranging ramifications for the Quadrant.

The Templars, who wield great power in the Quadrant, have their unique interpretation of what happened, which is reflected in their view of high technology as originating during the “Dark Age" (STSH). Realising the power resident in those things created during this time they seek tight control over the trade and discovery of things from this age (TA: everywhere) which include artifacts, electronics, void engines, hunter killer torps and even computers (CTF, CTF and STSH). Whether they are simply trying to prevent the use of this technology or are trying to replicate and use this technology is still unknown.

Given the power of the old technology many others are also interested in it and all factions give out permits to trade in it, often paying handsomely to attract traders to their palaces. It is also the subject of much illegal trading and drives smugglers and explorers to seek it out in abandoned and dangerous places (TA everywhere).

The loss of the great technologies from the Galactic Core has also had a profound impact on the daily life and economy of the Quadrant. With the focus squarely on the past, there seems to be relatively little new scientific work being done. The economy seems mostly focused on subsistence, catering to a small upper class and reproduction of ancient technologies. The fact that no new space faring vessels larger than shuttles and skiffs are being produced (CTF) speaks volumes about the technological ability present in the quadrant.

Economy

Government and Legal System

Religion

Unique Places
Hyperion Demonic Nebula
Memorial of War Station
Birth Space

[contributor]

The Factions

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[contributor]

The Templars/Zendu

Origins
The exact genesis of the Templar are unknown and can only be recreated from fragmentary evidence. At the moment it is also difficult to establish a precise timeline. They are followers of the Zendu Creed which traces its roots back to the Hardoss Order of Mal Direx Prime. The monks of Hardoss developed the unique ability to encode skills, knowledge and memories into their genetic code which can in turn be unlocked by future generations (CTF). As such, the Templar and Zendu are a unique race (ATF), distinct from the rest of the Star Traders, and entrance into their ranks is not open to just anyone.

The nature of the order of Hardoss is unknown, but the Templar are often referred as a “militant” order. They exist as a warrior society and they are uniquely trained to handle a specific type of armor and weaponry. Their Leviathan suits were originally designed for work in extreme environments such as the interior of gas giants, but have since been adapted for martial use. A templar is trained from a young age to live fight and die in their armor (TAT, CTF).

It is said that following the Great War the Zendu masters were divided between Machinists and Humanists, with the Templar primarily siding with the Humanists. The exact timing of the Great War is unknown, but it seems to have proceeded and been responsible of the exodus of the Star Traders (CTF).

Exodus
The greatest leader during the exodus was the warrior-prophet Ardok Shalun. Whether he was himself a Templar or not is unknown but the Templars followed him and became the primary enforcers of the law code he established for the Star Traders (CTF, CTF). The Templars are referred to as both the escorts of the fleet and the bodyguards of Shalun (CTF, STSH).

The decision to settle in the quadrant was mostly the decision of the leaders of the factions. While it does not seem that the Templars took steps to resist this decision (CTF), we know that the majority of the Templar Fleet (The Fleet of Law??? TBB) left the Quadrant early, on a defensive patrol (CTF). The exact reasons for their departure, the threat they meant to defend from and their ultimate destiny is unknown.

Present Day
The Templars that remained established their headquarters on the feral planet Hellarc [0,14] at Naca Syndro (TAMB). They also maintain other fortress throughout the quadrant such as Vestmarch (TAMB: Vestmarch Campaigns, location???) (Any help with other templar fortress locations would be appreciated).

From their headquarters Templars seem to have two primary roles in the Quadrant. The first is to enforce Shalun Law and uphold the order of the Star Traders union (CTF). Everyone knows that the no planet in the quadrant can change hands without the agreement of the Templars and that because of their feared fighting ability their authority trumps even that of Princes on their own planets (STSH). Despite, or perhaps because of, their strength, there is much social and cultural resistance to the Templars and even to Shalun Law itself (CTF).

The Templar’s second major role is to protect the Star Traders from the threat of the alien (TA: everywhere). There seems to be a strong connection between Narvidian Artifacts and alien activity (TA: Everywhere), thus the Templars are forever hunting those who illegally deal in relics and have rescued or destroyed many smuggler ships which were overrun by xenos (TA). Their valiant efforts have even discovered a number of groups of xeno cultists, Star Traders who have sought to communicate with and aid the aliens in their attacks on mankind (TA: multiple campaigns). On a few occasions the Templars have even headed off full scale alien planetary invasions (TA: Vestmarch, Siege of Roavin and elsewhere).

Because Shalun law forbids certain types of technology associated with Narvidians (STSH, CTF here and elsewhere) and because of the way is seems to attract alien activity the Templars are extremely suspicious of it. They often refer to the heights of human technological achievement as the “Dark Ages” (STSH), and yet it is known that many artifacts recovered by the Templars are taken to Naca Syndro and subjected to studies (TA). The Templars aims in recovering ancient technology are not entirely known.

A number of questions remain about the Templars including the exact nature of their beliefs, their society, whether females templars exist and their means of having and raising children. Little is also known about Templar leadership or organization.

[contributor]

Narvidians

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[contributor]

Aliens

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[contributor]

Hives

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[contributor]

Characters

I see this post as place to collect short (1-3 sentence) bios on any of the characters found in the backstory or the current games. Any of the princes found in ST would be a good candidate.

[contributor]

Glossary

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I see this post as a place to collect information on any game objects, technologies, or concepts (i.e. Void Reactor Engines:...). Short (1-3 sentence) descriptions are welcome.

[contributor]

Extras

(Reserved for future subject matter)

[johndramey]

I'll read through all of "The Story" when I get some time, but an awesome idea. I'll try to help out in any way that I can!

[athios]

Great idea, contributor. Don't have time to read yet, but will later.

I've always been kinda surprised that there is no Wikia page for ST.

[slayernz]

athios ... we've tried a couple of times to get one up and running, but there was always some element of life that came and squashed the endeavors. I've got the URL of the wiki somewhere and will get it posted here.