Great Races

'In this era of wingless angels, only our wroth will pierce the heavens.'

*- Official declaration of the First Empyrean War -*

Great Races are **sovereign states** that distinguish themselves in one or several aspects of **governance**, **diplomacy**, **engineering** or **warfare**. The title is non-officially assigned by **general opinion**, **appeasement** or **enforcement** **of** **supremacy**.

Its origins stem from the **Ancient** realms and states that resided within the galaxy, where pre-spaceflight species would denote them as **gods**, **higher beings** or **void horrors**. These realms, after millions of years as **galactic hegemons**, came into decline after **wars**, **famines** and **plague** stripped them of resources and power, leaving only their enduring structures and ancient ideals as **artefacts** and **relics** to the younger races.

In the present day, the title is firmly held by the three most prominent races in the galaxy. The contenders for one of these positions are several, with their own goals or ideals, creating an unending cycle of competition and hostility for their place in the sun.

## Athalmar

The ambitions of the enduring challengers was instilled within their dreams from as early as the genesis of their existence. The infamous bygone wilderness and climate of Ataros forged the Athalmar into a race determined to seek endless progress. Much like their harsh environment during The First Dawn, the Athalmar tamed the space and resources surrounding Mithran, realizing from an early period that the probability of them being the only space faring civilization in the galaxy was meagre, though the Athalmar homeworld remains untouched by any of the Ancient Races. The discovery of ruined structures, derelict vessels, special anomalies and seizure of pre-spaceflight civilizations reinforced this mindset that their young empire would procure many challenges ahead, having to be prepared to face the possibility of encountering a foe stronger than themselves. This endeared the Athalmar to unrelenting exploitation of every resource, faculty and species, in the name of **order** and **supremacy**.

The Athalmar reached this status, unofficially, in **3539**, after the subjugation of their second protectorate (the Dismos Protectorate), having maintained it ever since. Their achievements were the creation of a powerful Hegemony, ascension in the Compact's ranks, development of the **most powerful economy and navy** in the Galaxy, as well as their interventionism and aggressive diplomatic policy.

## Eldurasi

Although they do not hold the eldest title, the Eldurasi maintained themselves has the greatest species within the galaxy for great lengths. Even in primordial days, when the Ancients still roamed and expanded, the Eldurasi held an opulent position within the galactic community, holding this title until present days.

Their goals have never differed from the ones acquired during ancient antiquity. The reveal of the Elder King to the people of Eldarus had layed before them a path where, in them, was bestowed the responsibility to guide the races of the Galaxy into a brighter future. One where peace, prosperity and understanding would crumble the differences between races.

Their psionic connection with the Veil, and with each other, also gave the Eldurasi an inherent advantage over the other races, allowing them to more assuredly gather knowledge about the universe around them. This, like their own technological innovations, also allowed the Eldurasi to intervene as skilful combatants, from time to time, in galactic struggles, either by direct and indirect intervention, or by simply possessing such resources. Yet, it is simple to assume that, their primary doctrine is that of the *pen being mightier than the sword*.

## Haldros

The Hierarchy has existed for many centuries, with inward perfectionism and collectivist ascension as their primary directive. From Havollus Cora, their karst homeworld, the Haldros progressed through the steps of civilization with great expectation from their ruling cast.

The discovery of new alien life came into conflict with their purist views, elevating their awareness levels of the inherent dangers and repugnant entities that may lay in the vastness of space. Their laborious culture only swelled, with these findings, forcing the Haldran to increase their military output and experimentation, in order to be prepared for any and all threats.

This collective goal of self preservation, led them to achieve the title of Great Race, before the end of the year 3000. Their achievements in engineering, stability and great industrial capability made their seemingly isolated empire into a respect nation within the Galactic Community.

## Contenders

* The Velutan Union
* The Xanar Empire
* The Photecian Accord
* The Thelvannu Hegemony