! FAQ
This page serves as a quick reference page and an FAQ page in one. For more information on topics discussed here, questions link back to the corresponding Information category articles for in-depth explanations.
LORE FAQ
"What are spheres? How are they different from planets?"
Spheres are planets that have been transformed by the Great Empty. They exhibit fantastical or unrealistic elements that can't be easily explained with science. Spheres exist within pockets of the Great Empty. Spheres also notably are free floating, and are able to collide with one another as they drift.
"What is the Great Empty?"
Also called an 'energy field' or 'anomaly field', pockets of the Great Empty are shifting pockets of space that are comprised of wild magical energy. Traveling through them is somewhat dangerous. The Great Empty appeared following the Convergence.
"What was the Convergence?"
The Convergence is the name given to the cosmic event where the Nullstar emerged, the Great Empty appeared, magic flooded the universe, the Heart Below collapsed, and Aurelion was fragmented. All of these things happened simultaneously.
"What is the Nullstar?"
The Nullstar is a cosmic entity that we lack understanding of. It plays a key role in the universe, being the source of the order in the entropy that is magic. The Nullstar's influence is what keeps spheres from being torn apart in the Great Empty, and allows individuals to harness magic for utility. Without it, anything consumed by the Empty would be destroyed, and magic would be too volatile to harness.
"What is the Heart Below?"
The Heart Below was an entity held at the center of Aurelion, and served as an arcane energy source that allowed humanity to progress quickly into a golden age of magical and scientific advancement. It is notable for being a source of arcane energy prior to the Convergence. It collapsed during the Convergence and there have been no sightings of it since, leading to much speculation about its nature.
"What was Aurelion?"
Aurelion is NOT EARTH. AURELION IS NOT EARTH. Aurelion as a planet was the former home of humanity, with the Heart Below in its core. Aurelion was fragmented during the Convergence and currently exists in a dangerous pocket of the Great Empty that renders it near-impossible to study.
“Is [real-life historical event] canon?”
No.
“Are all species descended from humans?”
No, only the Aurelium Exculta. All other species are just aliens.
"What is magic?"
Magic functions like another force of nature in this universe. The ability to manipulate its energy is spellcasting.
"What are souls?"
Tied in with magic, a soul makes up the fundamentals of a person. The magical version of a person's DNA.
"What is the Pathfinding Initiative/What are Pathfinders?"
The Pathfinding Initiative is a large-scale expedition comprised of volunteers from all over the known universe. Players in Solstice: Meridian are Pathfinders. The mission was organized by the High Stellar Council.
"What is the High Stellar Council?"
The High Stellar Council is an interstellar governing body formed of representatives from each of the populated homeworlds it governs. The HSC comes together to handle matters of a cosmic scale, and rarely ever intervene to settle matters that only concern a few worlds. The HSC is especially interested in Locus Astra, and finds it a significant enough matter to pay attention to it.
"What are Homeworlds?"
Homeworlds are the term given to any populated planet or sphere that houses a species. This term is used to avoid confusion between the term 'planet' or 'sphere'.
"What is the Anchor?"
The Anchor is the name of our hub town here on Locus Astra, and our first landing site. The HSC graciously sent ahead a construction crew to put some prefabricated buildings for us.
"Why is Locus Astra special?"
In order to travel to a sphere, you have to traverse the pocket of the Great Empty the sphere exists within. Spheres, when passing near one another, can form connections to each other (think of it as interactions between magnetic fields). Locus Astra's unique property is that it forms connections to passing spheres spontaneously, from further apart, and with an unprecedented degree of stability, which is perfect for traversing the Great Empty to further explore other spheres. The HSC is interested in learning why this is, to judge if Locus Astra can become a future travel hub for the universe.
"What is the Wayfarer's Guild?"
The Wayfarer's Guild was a group of adventurers led by Captain Dr. Maya Sherazi, and at its peak had around ten members. The Guild's purpose was to travel the universe and provide aid to those who need it, especially in the wake of fighting, disasters, or disease. They were held in high regard by most, and treated with skepticism by others. The Wayfarers were the ones to discover Locus Astra eight years prior to the present, but were ultimately destroyed by unknown forces on the return trip. Dr. Sherazi survived, as did their newest recruit, Henry Solaris. No other survivors are recorded, and the Guild has since ceased to operate.
"Do we have FTL (faster than light) travel? Is that what a Warp Gate does?"
No. Warp Gates do not speed up the movement of the ship, but instead work by shortening the distance the ship needs to cover. An easy analogy is using nether portals to travel large distances in the Overworld.
"Do any species have conflicts with each other?"
Some do, yes, but as of the start of the campaign none are at war with the rest. However, interspecies tensions may play a role. It is advisable to read your species' page in order to understand some idea of how your species' society tends to see some others.
"Is crime legal on Locus Astra?"
No. Interstellar law still applies to you. Murder is not legal and consequences will happen if you fail to cover your tracks.
"Are there gods?"
Not that you know of.
"Okay, but what is causing Locus Astra's unique behavior?"
You're just gonna have to wait and see.
"What killed the Wayfarers?"
You're just gonna have to wait and see.
"Will we ever see the Nullstar?"
I'm not sure you want to. But as always, you're just gonna have to wait and see--
