1 AU
The birth of this great empire set the stage for the modern era of true galactic civilization, and as such is regarded as the zero date for the timeline. Understanding its origin, then, is key to all subsequent history.
The state of Eluria, which was in sharp decline following their mysterious catastrophe, joined forces with the newly discovered world of Terra Nova. Dragon strength and vision formed the backbone of a new order both unique and powerful. Elurian-colonized worlds flocked to the Terran banner, the ranks of its army swelled, and interstellar trade underwent a resurgence. This event is known as the Unification of Terra Nova, a landmark event that would lead to the first great galactic civilization a millennia later.
The names Selidrex and Novaeon have since become legendary. Through many early battles, of which only passing generalities are now known, these two are said to have brought security to a wild and violent Aesgar. Selidrex, a dragon with martial prowess and tactical brilliance, and Novaeon, a Terran with boundless charisma, secured the core of the Terra Novan state within ten years of its birth. Fifty years later it became uncontested in southern Aesgar, and its renown spread without fail thenceforth for three thousand years.
Other civilizations might have taken the lead, such as the Graedian sector or the Soltari, as they were undamaged by outside incursions or internal strife. But they never did attempt to expand their influence as Terra Nova did. The Graedian sector cared more for commercial ventures and internal competition than domination; and the Soltari, even from the earliest records of their activities, were an isolationist society with little regard for Aesgar at large. Even to the present, the Soltari remain closed off to the outside galaxy.
This period of time also saw the ascendance of the Oriani, a severely stratified species of humanoid: similar to the Elurians, but more aggressive. The Oriani dwelt in east Aesgar, not far from current Graedian territory, and were said to have had great strength in both space and ground warfare. Salzus, the Orian capital world, possessed famed shipyards and trade centers that were second to none in that age. The system’s fortifications were said to be virtually impregnable.
The Orian Empire’s expansion, however, was much slower than that of Terra Nova. Though their intelligence, engineering, and social moderation were much admired, they lacked any sort of strength similar to that of dragons. Most surrounding systems were also independent, hostile, and varied widely in culture and temperament. This lack of cultural affinity with neighbors delayed Orian growth. Assimilation proved particularly difficult further from the Core, as dwindling amounts of contact and trade in such regions slowed expansion considerably.
Also at this time, the Graedian sector began to accumulate its legendary wealth. Its hundreds of fertile, capitalistic worlds controlled the well-traveled starlanes between northeast and southern Aesgar.
Yet no group made an attempt to spread to the galactic Core region. Fear of the Core permeated throughout the early era of galactic civilization, and most empires passed no-travel laws regarding the area. Many of these regulations are still enforced three millennia later.
