Milky Way Galaxy

Regional map of the Milky Way

## **Overview**

The Milky Way Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 13.51 billion years old, 100,000 light years across and contains roughly 200 billion stars along with 100 billion planets. Currently, it is home to at least 60 sapient species along with more than 40 space-faring civilizations. To this day, the origin of sapient life in the galaxy remains an undecided topic. Most believe it simply evolved and came to be naturally, others claim it was created by divine beings or ancient species of god-like power, and there are those who believe it to be a mix of both. Regardless of its origin, the galaxy and its inhabitants have seen no shortage of civilizations, cultures, and conflicts come and go with the present day being no different.

## **Regions**

The Milky Way Galaxy is divided up into eight regions: the Orion Belt, Core Worlds, Outer Rim, Terminus Systems, Nova Expanse, Citadel Space, Mid Rim and Attican Traverse. Each of these regions is home to a host of factions and peoples. Some are strong allies, others are bitter enemies, and some could care less on what the other is doing.

#### **The Orion Belt:**

The Orion Belt encompasses almost the entirety of territory to the galactic south. The Orion Belt is home to three of the four Great Alliance factions along with the Trader Emergency Coalition, Orthodox Advent Unity, Ascendant Advent Unity, and Katian Trade Guild colony sectors. Numerous independent groups also reside within the Belt. Conflict is uncommon in this region due to most of its major powers being very close allies. The only conflict of note is the ongoing war between the two Advent factions and the occasional scuffle among Indi territories. Though the local powers work to keep undesirables in check, a large criminal element persists with the Navian Raiders and Black Suns being the most notable of these. Lastly, the ever elusive and mysterious Ethereal Remnant tend to have the most sightings in this region.

#### **The Core Worlds:**

The Core Worlds are the various sectors and quadrants that encircle the very heart of the galaxy, known as the Deep Core. The Core Worlds are entirely dominated by the Rebel Alliance. Due to one governmental body controlling most of this region, it is extremely stable, with most conflict, if any, resulting from criminal elements.

#### **The Outer Rim:**

The Outer Rim is located to the far east of the galactic core. It stretches from the Terminus Systems, all the way rimward to the edge of the Orion Belt. The Outer Rim is almost entirely controlled by the Confederacy of Independent Systems with the Hutt Cartel controlling a relatively small patch of space, and token Indi sectors dotted throughout. The Hutt Cartel is nigh completely responsible for the area’s underground activity, however, through agreements with the Separatist super power, these often go unnoticed.

#### **The Terminus Systems:**

The Terminus Systems are located northward on the opposite side of the galaxy from the Orion Belt. Mostly inhabited by mercenary groups and criminal gangs, they are somewhat of an oddity among the other regions. The few notable societies that do inhabit the area include: The Quarian Migrant Fleet, Geth Collective, Katian Trade Guild colony sectors, and countless Independents. The region’s thugs and guns for hire have earned it a reputation that is both feared and respected. These parties consist of: The Mandalorians, Blue Suns, Eclipse, Blood Pact, and Talon mercenaries. However, save for the Mandalorians, most of these groups are gangsters just as much as they are professional soldiers. Needless to say, the Terminus Systems are plagued with conflict because of this causing many inexperienced merchants to avoid going through them whenever possible. The only remotely definitive sign of authority in the region is that of the Omega Space Station and its leader: Aria T’Loak. Rumors have circulated since the Reaper War that the pro-human extremist organization known as Cerberus also has a large presence and may even be based in the region.

#### **The Nova Expanse:**

Formerly known as the Unknown Regions until it was more thoroughly charted, the Nova Expanse is the largest region westward of the core. It is inhabited by a variety of factions: the Commonwealth of Karena, Katian Trade Guild, Karasi Dominion, Vexien Star Order, Church of Deconi, Skataran Monarchy, Covenant Remnant, and a small number of colony sectors belonging to the Great Alliance’s Galactic Empire. There is also a patch of independent space situated at the center of the region. Conflict is practically unceasing in the Expanse due to extremely hostile relationships between many of its groups. The Velvet Dagger mercenary organization and Mantis Clan pirates also originate from the region. This section of the galaxy is noted to have a higher than average number of sightings and encounters related to a mysterious, near-mythical machine race called the “Lich” by observers.

#### **Citadel Space:**

Citadel Space is the name for the territories controlled by and in the immediate surrounding of the Citadel Races, one of the four factions comprising the Great Alliance.  Though technically controlled by a single body, it is further segmented into factions belonging to the individual species that comprise it. These groups are: The Aurelia Systems Alliance, Turian Hierarchy, Asari Republics, Salarian Union, Krogan Clans, Vol Protectorate, Illuminated Primacy, and Courts of Dekunna. Although the region is highly stable from within, the pseudo single government periodically has to deal with aggression from hostile parties in the Nova Expanse and Terminus Systems. Citadel Space is frequently used by various factions neutral with the Great Alliance to safely pass to and from the Terminus Systems.

#### **The Mid Rim:**

The Mid Rim is located just east of the Core Worlds, acting as a buffer zone between them and the Outer Rim. Much like the Attican Traverse, its westward counterpart, the Mid Rim is almost entirely controlled by Independent governments. The Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation is the main, single power influencing the region in addition to some bleed over eastward by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Despite having a higher risk of criminal attacks than more secure regions, the Mid Rim acts as an excellent “free zone” for ships passing between the Orion Belt and Terminus Systems, Indi or otherwise.

#### **The Attican Traverse:**

The Attican Traverse is one of the galaxy’s smaller regions. Located directly eastward of the core, it is populated by independent systems. The Traverse is the main trade line of the Great Alliance, connecting Citadel Space to the rest of its nations in the Orion Belt. Aside from Great Alliance controlled ftl lanes, the lack of overall enforcement in the region makes it a haven for pirates and tempting territory gain for neighboring powers.