Nova

Nova is a relatively small but powerful and mystical interstellar nation situated on Nova Prime. It's native species, the Novae, are humanoid and considered highly intelligent. Nova acts as a neutral peace keeping organization in the galaxy, and it's current directive is to provide a place for the Galactic Convention to convene. Within the game, it serves as a central hub for all players regardless of faction or allegiance (especially new players). 
Whilst Nova is considerably smaller than all other great empires, especially in terms of population, territory, and military size, the true extents, it wields a high degree of power and influence. During the Imperium, it was one of the only free nation to exist within the Core. 
== Purpose ==
From a gameplay perspective, the purpose of Nova is to discourage illegal activity and protect players in good standing (particularly new players) from ganking in medium and high security space, especially when faction security will or cannot. That being said, Nova's prime way to protect is by punishing an offender, not saving the victim.
== Gameplay ==
To a certain extend, Nova functions similar to Concord in the game EVE online, and enforces some of the game's rules as a crime watch against players. Nova Guardians protect certain higher-security regions of space, as well as the Intergalactic Trade Association.
By and large, the protection of a star system falls under the navy of the organization governing the region. Each of the major empires and factions have slightly different rules on PvP combat, allowed cargo types, player bases, etc. Generally if a player illegally attacks another player in high security areas of space, the faction controlling that region will respond. If the PvP action is illegal but the governing faction does not actively protect against illegal PvP activity, Nova will intervene. 
Nova will also protect certain players against pirates in certain situations within high-sec space.
While faction specific security forces may be evaded or defeated (even if difficult), defeating Nova Guardians is extremely difficult, if not downright impossible depending on the situation. 
Due to advanced technology, Nova Guardian ships are extremely well armed, and generate gravity wells, disrupt warp, and use tractor beams. 
Despite their immense power, the purpose of Nova is to remain neutral and maintain overall galactic wellbeing. Whilst their technology alone could pose a threat to one of the major empires in a hypothetical direct war, Nova is vastly outnumbered on a galactic scale and from a lore standpoint, at the mercy of the great empires. 
Nova Guardians also act as the game's rule enforcement system. If a rule is broken, when warrented, Nova Guardians will respond to punish the infringer.
== Intervention ==
Note: The game is in pre-alpha and Nova has not been implemented or fully planned out yet, the below is what is currently planned
Nova will only intervene if an attack is made inside one of the few Nova controlled systems, or if a player performs an illegal action against another player. 
=== Illegal Actions ===
The definition of "illegal" will vary based on the security status of players involved. Additionally, what may not be considered "illegal" to Nova may be considered illegal to faction police, and vice versa. For example, some factions may permit PvP, others may permit PvP if it is against players with bad standings or criminals, whilst others will disallow it entirely. 
Regardless of what faction police/navies consider to be illegal, if Nova deems an action as illegal, they will respond. Response times are planned to be very quick, probably around 10-15 seconds in lower security space and more in higher security space. 
Only players with higher security ratings will be protected by Nova, whilst players with low security or criminal ratings will not. 
=== Response times ===
Response times will be quick, probably around 5-15 seconds possibly depending on system security
=== Response criteria ===
Nova will only respond to "illegal" actions if it is in a mid or high security system. Low security systems **will not be protected by Nova**. Whilst faction police may protect low security systems, their criteria for intervention will vary based on a variety of factors.
Additionally, regardless of legality, Nova will not protect victims piloting super capitals.
=== Nova controlled systems ===
Any system that is directly under Nova's control will make any and all combat illegal, and thus warrant a Nova response. Nova Prime is one of the few fully secure systems with combat entirely disabled.
== Rule breaking ==
Players who break game rules may be punished by Nova, regardless of the system's security class.
== Abilities ==
Nova has extremely powerful weapon and electronic warfare systems that allow it to easily and almost instantly destroy nearly any player ship. In 99.9% of all combative encounters with Nova, their target will face certain and immediate death following their arrival to the zone.
Unlike faction police, which are generally finite in number and can only be deployed from nearby bases, from a gameplay perspective Nova ships can spawn in almost immediately without any limitations whatsoever. Nova ships are equipped with hyper advanced jump drives which allow them to travel anywhere within the galaxy nearly instantly.