Wolf

**Wolves** are the dominant species of Adastra, and a major Sibling species.

## Evolution

Wolves are humanoid canines, originating from the moon Adastra in the Vita star system. While Wolven evolution is left unclear, it is mentioned in the game that all life in the galaxy comes from the same origin, presumably starting with simple RNA replication and evolving over billions of years into complex and diverse lifeforms. This process was altered by the arrival of the Parents. On Adastra, the Parent Romanus happened upon the native ecosystem and decided to uplift the wolves living there. Though we know little about uplifting, we can assume it involves genetic manipulation. Over an unknown period of time, presumably thousands or millions of years, Romanus modified the DNA of Adastran wolves, causing them to develop bipedalism, speech, and consciousness.

## History

### Prior to 10,000 years ago

After Romanus uplifted the Wolves to a cognizant, humanoid species, they began to build a society, greatly aided by the advanced technology supplied by the Parents. Little is known of early Wolven society, though it was likely similar both structurally and culturally to the early Roman empire on Earth.

### ~10,000 years ago

About 10,000 years before Marco's arrival on Adastra, the Wolven Empire had entered a state of turmoil. According to legend, the hubris of Wolven society had caused them to abandon their Parent, and their empire became star-bound, drastically diminishing Wolven territory and influence. During these times, the emperor Drusus made a proposition. He extended an offer to reconnect with Romanus and the Galaxias, but the other Sibling cultures had grown tired of Wolven arrogance. But as the fate of Adastra seemed sealed, Drusus met a Hindo sibling, Meera. While the relationship between the two was unknown, stories tell that they fell in love. Unfortunately, Meera became fatally ill, and Drusus was given an ultimatum; save Meera, or save his people, ensuring them 10,000 years of prosperity. Drusus intended to save Meera, dooming the Wolves, but seeing this, she took her own life, forcing him to save his moon instead. After her death, the Wolven empire was reestablished as part of the Galaxias. In honor of Meera, Drusus renamed his empire to Adastra, meaning "to the stars".

### Colonization and abandonment of Earth

Nearly 3,000 years ago, Adastrans first arrived in what is now Italy, spreading the Wolven Empire to Earth. They began to uplift humans living in Europe, though it is unknown if these humans were genetically altered or if they were simply guided culturally and intellectually. The influences from Adastran culture culminated with the founding of Rome on April 21, 753 BCE. Over the following eight centuries, the Wolves lead Roman civilization to its peak in 117 CE, under the human emperor Trajan. However, after his rule, the Roman Empire began to decline, diminishing in size and influence, with the empire fractured in two after the Byzantine Empire was founded in 330 CE. Eventually, the Wolves decided that Rome was a failed uplift, gradually leaving the Earth behind, declaring humanity an abandoned Child. Amicus speculates that this could have been for a bevy of reasons, including the Wolves seeing humans as too violent, docile, or unintelligent. Whatever the case, Adastra abandoning Earth lead to the collapse of the Roman Empire in 476 CE, and the beginning of the Dark Ages.

### Recent events

Approximately 5 months prior to Marco's arrival on Adastra, Emperor Potes was killed when his ship crashed while attempting to land in Adastra City. An immediate power vacuum ensues, during which the Parents cut off contact, seemingly leaving Adastra parentless for a second time.

### Present

By the end of the story, Adastra has reestablished contact with its Parent under the rule of its rightful emperor, Amicus. Stability and the Stretch Drive have been restored to the Wolven Empire, stabilizing its place in the Galaxias. Under the new emperor, societal norms and practices are swiftly progressing to become more equal and ethical, especially to Wolven women and the empire's Children. Amicus' fiancé, Marco, has returned to Earth to introduce humanity to the Galaxias, setting the stage for humanity to become an interstellar society over the next 7 years.