[Shadowstar]

Starscape has a history, a long and complex one at that, but it doesn't really affect new races that much (at least not at this stage). In fact, its sorta meant for players to discover the history of the universe as they play. Here are the basic facts though:

1) Approximately 600 years ago, there was a major astronomical cataclysm (a quantum supernova) that caused skies to burn on all of the planets in this area for about a week. Whether or not this was significant to your race's history is up to you. Some races see it as a religious sign, others recognize it as a natural event. The event will be used as a chronological milestone in intergalactic relations. The event caused some races to experience heavy loss of life and destruction during its duration, depending on thier exposure. You could put something like that into your history, if you want, but its not neccessary.

2) There seem to be alot of humans in this universe. Nobody really knows why. If you're not creating a human race, this fact probably has no bearing on your race. If your race is human, perhaps there are rumors or artifacts that indicate your people were part of another race of spacefaring humans at one time? Again, up to you, as the creator of the race.

3) Terrans are allowed, but there are special rules regarding them. Confer with me through email if you want to create a terran race.

4) This game takes place somewhere in the Milky Way galaxy, some distance from the Orion Arm (not too far though). Where exactly will be determined by the sole player who has made the transition from the old Stars! mod to SEIV. He is sort of an "elder race" and the actual starting location depends on where he chooses to land his generation ship.

5) There is a form of energy called Chaos Energy, which some races have attempted to control over the years. You could have a race that worships Chaos or tries to control it if you wish. This could have effects on your race throughout the game.

6) The Starscape universe works as follows: Normal space is just that: normal space. It is surrounded in four hyperdimensional vectors, seperated by interspatial barriers. Along these vectors lie Hyperspace, with Subspace in the opposite direction, and then Metaspace, with Q-Space opposite it. Theoretically there are more hyperdimensional vectors, but they are not known yet. Null-space was removed after we moved over from Stars! (the term was used to describe a form of space that no longer exists as a result of the cataclysm). Warp points are an unknown phenomenon to new races (but they can still use them).

Additionally, the transition from Stars! to SEIV came with some fundamental changes to the way ships have to move through space (anyone who used to play Stars! will understand this). The Cataclysm was the event that altered the universe in this way. It had little effect on the planets themselves, but made warp drive impossible. Artificially-created warp points are now used to get about. Thier creation is another story, which players will discover as they play.

Starscape also allows players to create thier own home system along with thier race, with some minor balance-related limitations. If you're interested, discuss this with me through email.