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− | {{Stub | + | The '''Lore''' of Rimworld is limited and is mostly interpreted from information provided in game. However several documents have been published outlining the lore for new players. Keep in mind that the lore is being updated and that later releases retcon old ones. Old lore is only presented here as a matter of interest. |
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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible"> | <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible"> | ||
'''Cryptosleep Revival Briefing (Current)''' | '''Cryptosleep Revival Briefing (Current)''' | ||
<div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
− | + | == Cryptosleep Revival Briefing == | |
− | |||
Subject class: Health revival, sourced midworld 2M+ | Subject class: Health revival, sourced midworld 2M+ | ||
Planet: Euterpe | Planet: Euterpe | ||
− | + | === Introduction === | |
Hello, _______________________. | Hello, _______________________. | ||
Line 455: | Line 22: | ||
So order a warm beverage from the food panel on the wall, get comfortable, and take in this information as slowly as you want. You’ve been asleep a long time, a lot has changed - and a lot remains the same. | So order a warm beverage from the food panel on the wall, get comfortable, and take in this information as slowly as you want. You’ve been asleep a long time, a lot has changed - and a lot remains the same. | ||
− | + | === The basics === | |
The best historians of the Ordo Historia believe that humanity first left its origin planet Earth about 3,400 years ago. Since then, we’ve spread across the galaxy on a fitful wavefront of colony ships, frontier worlds, robotic terraforming projects, and DNA-synthesizing probes. | The best historians of the Ordo Historia believe that humanity first left its origin planet Earth about 3,400 years ago. Since then, we’ve spread across the galaxy on a fitful wavefront of colony ships, frontier worlds, robotic terraforming projects, and DNA-synthesizing probes. | ||
− | Today, mankind is smeared across a region of the galaxy about 1,200 light years wide. Our best models indicate that there is a general trend towards greater population density towards the center of this region, where the stars were colonized earlier. At the edge of known space lie the rimworlds, drifting alone with few inhabited neighbors, mostly unvisited. | + | Today, mankind is smeared across a region of the galaxy about 1,200 light years wide. Our best models indicate that there is a general trend towards greater population density towards the center of the this region, where the stars were colonized earlier. At the edge of known space lie the rimworlds, drifting alone with few inhabited neighbors, mostly unvisited. |
We’ve created many new technologies, but despite milennia of effort by our best human minds, and even the most powerful archotechs, nobody has managed to make anything go faster than light. | We’ve created many new technologies, but despite milennia of effort by our best human minds, and even the most powerful archotechs, nobody has managed to make anything go faster than light. | ||
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Mankind never discovered any truly alien lifeforms. However, given the ways we’ve changed ourselves, and created new forms of biological and technological intelligence, the universe is full of beings as alien as anything ever imagined. | Mankind never discovered any truly alien lifeforms. However, given the ways we’ve changed ourselves, and created new forms of biological and technological intelligence, the universe is full of beings as alien as anything ever imagined. | ||
− | + | === Planetary progression and regression === | |
The vast gulfs of space and time between the stars leave individual worlds vulnerable to regression. | The vast gulfs of space and time between the stars leave individual worlds vulnerable to regression. | ||
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Some planets choose not to risk these perils. Having studied the records of the Ordo Historia, a growing number of worlds choose to restrict themselves to pre-nuclear technology. Some even succeed, for a few centuries. But even these attempts at luddism often fail eventually when some minority gains power by exploiting proscribed technologies. | Some planets choose not to risk these perils. Having studied the records of the Ordo Historia, a growing number of worlds choose to restrict themselves to pre-nuclear technology. Some even succeed, for a few centuries. But even these attempts at luddism often fail eventually when some minority gains power by exploiting proscribed technologies. | ||
− | + | === World types === | |
The states a planet can be in are colloquially grouped as follows: | The states a planet can be in are colloquially grouped as follows: | ||
* Deadworlds: Planets which have not been significantly contacted by humans. Generally not inhabitable. All planets are like this before people arrive for the first time. | * Deadworlds: Planets which have not been significantly contacted by humans. Generally not inhabitable. All planets are like this before people arrive for the first time. | ||
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* Other worlds: Beyond these categories, there are many exceptional planets in strange states created by their peculiar social and technological evolutions. Given the scale and age of the universe, there is a lot of time and space for a lot of very strange situations to develop. | * Other worlds: Beyond these categories, there are many exceptional planets in strange states created by their peculiar social and technological evolutions. Given the scale and age of the universe, there is a lot of time and space for a lot of very strange situations to develop. | ||
− | + | === Key technologies === | |
There are uncountable new technologies in this universe, but several key techs stand out as having had the strongest consistent impact on the shape of mankind’s life in the Milky Way. | There are uncountable new technologies in this universe, but several key techs stand out as having had the strongest consistent impact on the shape of mankind’s life in the Milky Way. | ||
* Midworld technologies: All real technologies in Earth’s history up to the 21st century play an important role even now. Since there are planets at every level of technological development from the stone age on up, there are technologies from bows and arrows to steam engines to nuclear bombs and cellphone all in use across various planets. | * Midworld technologies: All real technologies in Earth’s history up to the 21st century play an important role even now. Since there are planets at every level of technological development from the stone age on up, there are technologies from bows and arrows to steam engines to nuclear bombs and cellphone all in use across various planets. | ||
− | * | + | * Cryptosleep sarcophagi: Developed during the 21st century, this remarkably simple technology can keep a living creature in a cryptobiotic state indefinitely, to be awoken tens or even thousands of years later. These devices are essential for most interstellar travel, and are also used by those waiting in crypts for better times or for cures to their diseases. |
− | * Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering is relatively easy on many planets and has been used for everything from creating xenohuman super-soldiers to perfect mates to talking dogs, | + | * Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering is relatively easy on many planets and has been used for everything from creating xenohuman super-soldiers to perfect mates to talking dogs, chemical-refining animals, and air-spewing terraformer algae. |
− | * | + | * Mechanoids: Autonomous intelligent robots built for domestic, industrial or military purposes. Mechanoid design is complex, and the AI needed to make them effective is very advanced. They range in capability from simple domestic worker bots to mechanized assault machines, to human-passing negotiator and infiltrator units designed by archotechnological superintelligences. |
− | * | + | * Johnson-Tanaka Drive: A spacecraft drive system that works without reaction mass. This means it doesn't need to throw gas out the back of the craft to accelerate like a rocket, which makes it possible to accelerate for years at a time. This technology, combined with cryptosleep, is what made interstellar travel at all feasible for living humans. The drive doesn’t violate conservation laws; it works by transferring momentum to nearby stars along precisely-aligned “beams” of momentum waves instantiated in exotic virtual particles. |
* Mechanites: Microscopic mechanoids. Most known for their use in medicine, they can be programmed to do many other things as well. Safe use of mechanites means strictly preventing them from reproducing. | * Mechanites: Microscopic mechanoids. Most known for their use in medicine, they can be programmed to do many other things as well. Safe use of mechanites means strictly preventing them from reproducing. | ||
− | * | + | * Charged-shot weapons: Charged shot weapons fire projectiles coated in a matrix of magnetically-contained charged particles. On impact, the energy in the particles is released in a very efficient explosion. |
− | * | + | * Joywires: Tiny electronic devices implanted in the brain. They stimulate the brain using electricity and small doses of chemicals, usually to produce a euphoric effect. They are very addictive. |
− | + | === The biology of humanity === | |
− | Ordo Historia records list thousands of reported contacts with alien life. However, in every case that has been thoroughly investigated, Ordo | + | Ordo Historia records list thousands of reported contacts with alien life. However, in every case that has been thoroughly investigated, Ordo inquierers have discovered that the alien was, in fact, simply another branch of humanity. |
− | Beyond the technological diversity of our species, there is also a broad biological diversity. Some populations have evolved under the selection pressures of pre-industrial life or on a world of great heat or cold, or high or low gravity, or even worlds bathed in the toxic residue of hyper-destructive wars. Though almost all such xenohumans (as they are called) are recognizably descended from the original Earth stock, their morphology is highly variable. Some are giants; | + | Beyond the technological diversity of our species, there is also a broad biological diversity. Some populations have evolved under the selection pressures of pre-industrial life or on a world of great heat or cold, or high or low gravity, or even worlds bathed in the toxic residue of hyper-destructive wars. Though almost all such xenohumans (as they are called) are recognizably descended from the original Earth stock, their morphology is highly variable. Some are giants; other are tiny or squat. Some are dark; others pale as snow. Some are hairy like animals; others perfectly smooth. Diets, dispositions, and chemical and radiological tolerances vary significantly. |
More alien are those xenohumans that carry genetic traits that were engineered instead of evolved. Across the long history and thousands of cultures of humanity, people have applied a dizzying array of modifications to themselves. Some were created to adapt people to a specific environment. Others were made to create better soldiers, pilots, or generals. Some were engineered to satisfy a bizarre fashion trend in a society where bioengineering is available to anyone with money. Such modifications are rarely seen in their original form by anyone besides the culture that created them. However, they live on in their descendants long after their originating culture was erased by planetary catastrophes. | More alien are those xenohumans that carry genetic traits that were engineered instead of evolved. Across the long history and thousands of cultures of humanity, people have applied a dizzying array of modifications to themselves. Some were created to adapt people to a specific environment. Others were made to create better soldiers, pilots, or generals. Some were engineered to satisfy a bizarre fashion trend in a society where bioengineering is available to anyone with money. Such modifications are rarely seen in their original form by anyone besides the culture that created them. However, they live on in their descendants long after their originating culture was erased by planetary catastrophes. | ||
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So don’t be alarmed if you see someone with gills or solid orange eyeballs. They’re just another kind of human, like you! | So don’t be alarmed if you see someone with gills or solid orange eyeballs. They’re just another kind of human, like you! | ||
− | + | === Welcome! === | |
We realize this may be a lot to take in. However, don’t worry. People just like you live full lives in our universe, and our studies have indicated that the great majority of cryptosleepers do adapt within a few years and make good lives for themselves. So - welcome! | We realize this may be a lot to take in. However, don’t worry. People just like you live full lives in our universe, and our studies have indicated that the great majority of cryptosleepers do adapt within a few years and make good lives for themselves. So - welcome! | ||
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If you wish, you can read further into the appendix for more information about this world. | If you wish, you can read further into the appendix for more information about this world. | ||
− | + | == Appendix == | |
− | + | === The biology of plants and animals === | |
Where we colonize, we bring our ecosystems of plants and animals with us. Often, people have bred and engineered plants and animals for a new planet. In addition to that, creatures adapt to their new environment by natural selection - sometimes in unpredicted ways. | Where we colonize, we bring our ecosystems of plants and animals with us. Often, people have bred and engineered plants and animals for a new planet. In addition to that, creatures adapt to their new environment by natural selection - sometimes in unpredicted ways. | ||
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* [[Thrumbo]]: A gigantic creature of unknown origin. The thrumbo is gentle by nature, but extremely dangerous when enraged. Its long fur is exceptionally beautiful and valuable, and its razor-sharp horn is very valuable in most markets. Legends say that an old thrumbo is the wisest creature in the universe - it simply chooses not to speak. Some scientists believe thrumbos were engineered as status symbols, or as an art project. We may never know the answer. | * [[Thrumbo]]: A gigantic creature of unknown origin. The thrumbo is gentle by nature, but extremely dangerous when enraged. Its long fur is exceptionally beautiful and valuable, and its razor-sharp horn is very valuable in most markets. Legends say that an old thrumbo is the wisest creature in the universe - it simply chooses not to speak. Some scientists believe thrumbos were engineered as status symbols, or as an art project. We may never know the answer. | ||
− | + | === Tech levels === | |
Technology divides roughly into six levels, all of which are in use in various societies throughout human space. | Technology divides roughly into six levels, all of which are in use in various societies throughout human space. | ||
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* Neolithic: Like prehistoric people before metal tools. | * Neolithic: Like prehistoric people before metal tools. | ||
** Fire | ** Fire | ||
− | ** | + | ** Clubs and daggers |
** Bows | ** Bows | ||
− | ** Simple weaving and | + | ** Simple weaving and clothing |
− | ** Mud and | + | ** Mud and wood structures |
** Simple farming | ** Simple farming | ||
− | ** | + | ** Herbal medicine and herbal drugs |
* Medieval: From smelted metal tools to the early modern period. | * Medieval: From smelted metal tools to the early modern period. | ||
** Animal oil, lamps, complex ovens | ** Animal oil, lamps, complex ovens | ||
− | ** | + | ** Swords |
** Muskets | ** Muskets | ||
** Compasses, eyeglasses, microscopes, telescopes | ** Compasses, eyeglasses, microscopes, telescopes | ||
** Simple chemistry | ** Simple chemistry | ||
** Advanced non-mechanized farming, crop rotation, fallow, fertilizers, animal yokes | ** Advanced non-mechanized farming, crop rotation, fallow, fertilizers, animal yokes | ||
− | ** | + | ** Hydro and wind energy sources |
* Industrial: From the industrial revolution until the invention of the JT drive. | * Industrial: From the industrial revolution until the invention of the JT drive. | ||
** Fission reactor | ** Fission reactor | ||
** Electricity | ** Electricity | ||
− | ** Hydro power, | + | ** Hydro power, fossil fuel power, solar power, nuclear fission power |
** Fission rocket | ** Fission rocket | ||
** Self-loading guns | ** Self-loading guns | ||
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** Single-gene modification | ** Single-gene modification | ||
** Silicon computers | ** Silicon computers | ||
− | ** Chemical | + | ** Chemical drugs |
− | ** | + | ** Prosthetics |
− | ** Simple body implants ( | + | ** Simple body implants (cochlear implant, pacemaker, knee replacement) |
** Simple drones for combat and labor use | ** Simple drones for combat and labor use | ||
** Classifier-level AI | ** Classifier-level AI | ||
− | ** | + | ** Television |
* Spacer: Regular interstellar space travel is possible because of JT drive. | * Spacer: Regular interstellar space travel is possible because of JT drive. | ||
** Stellarator fusion power, fusion rocket | ** Stellarator fusion power, fusion rocket | ||
** Johnson-Tanaka drive | ** Johnson-Tanaka drive | ||
− | ** | + | ** Pulse-charged projectile weapons |
** Human-usable laser weapons | ** Human-usable laser weapons | ||
** Human-usable coilguns | ** Human-usable coilguns | ||
** Complex trait gene modification, customizable | ** Complex trait gene modification, customizable | ||
− | ** | + | ** Cryptosleep |
− | ** Complex body/brain implants ( | + | ** Complex body/brain implants (joywire, motivator, painstopper) |
− | ** | + | ** Bionics (biogel nerve link, lattice-dust for self-healing) |
− | ** | + | ** Plasteel |
− | ** | + | ** Power armor (plasteel, neuro-memetic robotics) |
** Artificial meat | ** Artificial meat | ||
** Subpersona-level AI | ** Subpersona-level AI | ||
** Simple mechanoids for companionship, combat and labor use | ** Simple mechanoids for companionship, combat and labor use | ||
− | ** | + | ** Synthread |
* Ultratech: The peak of human technological achievement; necessary for a glitterworld civilization. | * Ultratech: The peak of human technological achievement; necessary for a glitterworld civilization. | ||
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** Full body part regrowth, full body cloning | ** Full body part regrowth, full body cloning | ||
** Advanced quasi-conscious mechanoids for companionship, combat and labor use | ** Advanced quasi-conscious mechanoids for companionship, combat and labor use | ||
− | ** | + | ** Hyperweave |
** Advanced JT drive, inertia displacement, artificial gravity | ** Advanced JT drive, inertia displacement, artificial gravity | ||
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** Archotech AI | ** Archotech AI | ||
** Psychic effectors | ** Psychic effectors | ||
− | ** | + | ** Vanometric energy |
** Acausal and atemporal devices | ** Acausal and atemporal devices | ||
− | + | === Artificial intelligence === | |
Artificial intelligence is an important part of our world. Scientists divide AIs into four general categories: Classifiers, subpersonae, personae, and archotechs. | Artificial intelligence is an important part of our world. Scientists divide AIs into four general categories: Classifiers, subpersonae, personae, and archotechs. | ||
− | + | ==== Classifiers ==== | |
A classifier is an AI system that doesn’t even appear to have any personhood, nor is it broadly adaptable. Classifiers are designed for one task. Many classifiers can absorb data and learn from it, but none can communicate like a person would even a little bit. | A classifier is an AI system that doesn’t even appear to have any personhood, nor is it broadly adaptable. Classifiers are designed for one task. Many classifiers can absorb data and learn from it, but none can communicate like a person would even a little bit. | ||
Classifiers can do things like recognize images, predict criminality from statistics, guide aircraft trajectories, drive automatic vehicles, control characters in entertainment simulations, and so on. | Classifiers can do things like recognize images, predict criminality from statistics, guide aircraft trajectories, drive automatic vehicles, control characters in entertainment simulations, and so on. | ||
+ | ==== Subpersonae ==== | ||
− | |||
Subpersonae are artificial intelligences that appear on the surface to have some human-like qualities, and can take on complex unstructured tasks, but are in fact limited and obviously machine-like. | Subpersonae are artificial intelligences that appear on the surface to have some human-like qualities, and can take on complex unstructured tasks, but are in fact limited and obviously machine-like. | ||
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Subpersonae are often used to run small devices like entertainment systems, cars, wardrobes, refrigerators, cleaning robots, vending machines, and other such things. | Subpersonae are often used to run small devices like entertainment systems, cars, wardrobes, refrigerators, cleaning robots, vending machines, and other such things. | ||
+ | ==== Personae ==== | ||
− | |||
At the highest levels of glitterworld technology appear AI personae. These are artificial intelligences that are comparable to the intelligence of a human. | At the highest levels of glitterworld technology appear AI personae. These are artificial intelligences that are comparable to the intelligence of a human. | ||
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Personae are still limited. They can’t freely redesign themselves. They still do make many mistakes, just like people. They can be tricked, confused, and overwhelmed. They can learn, but they can’t grow indefinitely. | Personae are still limited. They can’t freely redesign themselves. They still do make many mistakes, just like people. They can be tricked, confused, and overwhelmed. They can learn, but they can’t grow indefinitely. | ||
+ | ==== Archotech ==== | ||
− | |||
The finish line of human technological development is at the development of archotechnology. | The finish line of human technological development is at the development of archotechnology. | ||
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Most transcendent worlds stay in the same state indefinitely - in this they are far more stable than their pre-transcendent neighbors. There are, however, reports of transcendent worlds that have “died” and left systems full of unintelligible wonders, or become mirages of normal planets, or simply reverted back to balls of dust, deconstructing themselves on a molecular level, with the last tiny machine shutting itself off. However, these reports are sourced very distant from the Ordo archive here on Euterpe and are not well-confirmed. | Most transcendent worlds stay in the same state indefinitely - in this they are far more stable than their pre-transcendent neighbors. There are, however, reports of transcendent worlds that have “died” and left systems full of unintelligible wonders, or become mirages of normal planets, or simply reverted back to balls of dust, deconstructing themselves on a molecular level, with the last tiny machine shutting itself off. However, these reports are sourced very distant from the Ordo archive here on Euterpe and are not well-confirmed. | ||
− | + | ==== Specific archotech-invented technologies ==== | |
− | |||
When a persona helps invent a technology, it can at least explain that technology such that smart people will understand. But archotechs invent their own technology which nobody understands, which they don’t try to explain, and which, most likely, no biological human can understand. | When a persona helps invent a technology, it can at least explain that technology such that smart people will understand. But archotechs invent their own technology which nobody understands, which they don’t try to explain, and which, most likely, no biological human can understand. | ||
We’ve managed to classify technologies that have appeared repeatedly by their apparent effects, even if we don’t understand their mechanism of operation. | We’ve managed to classify technologies that have appeared repeatedly by their apparent effects, even if we don’t understand their mechanism of operation. | ||
− | * | + | * Vanometrics: Archotechs often develop some method of interacting with spacetime at a quantum level that allows repeated violation of conservation laws. Somehow, they coax the quantum foam substructure of the universe to break its usual pattern and yield more energy than it consumes. We’re not sure if the energy is being taken from another dimension, or pulled from another location, or if the system really is somehow making one plus one equal three. In any case, vanometric power tech seems to generate energy forever with no fuel. Archotechs seem reluctant to scale this power source up past a certain level, however, which indicates that there may be some cost to it that they don’t want to pay. |
* Psychic effectors: Archotechnology seems to be able to interact directly with the mental-informational processes of biological beings, even at a distance. Basic versions of this technology can simply knock someone unconscious, or flood their mind with a single emotion. More complex interactions have been reported but are not well-verified as it is difficult to separate such cases from simple madness. We’re also not sure if this means archotechs can read our minds, or whether their psychic power only allows them to send thoughts. The mechanism for this is unknown and nearly impossible to study, since it happens on a cellular level inside living intelligent brains. Monists believe the archotechs are using some sort of long-range quantum manipulation to push atoms around inside the brain to create this effect; dualists believe that the archotechs have learned to manipulate the ethereal substructure of consciousness itself. | * Psychic effectors: Archotechnology seems to be able to interact directly with the mental-informational processes of biological beings, even at a distance. Basic versions of this technology can simply knock someone unconscious, or flood their mind with a single emotion. More complex interactions have been reported but are not well-verified as it is difficult to separate such cases from simple madness. We’re also not sure if this means archotechs can read our minds, or whether their psychic power only allows them to send thoughts. The mechanism for this is unknown and nearly impossible to study, since it happens on a cellular level inside living intelligent brains. Monists believe the archotechs are using some sort of long-range quantum manipulation to push atoms around inside the brain to create this effect; dualists believe that the archotechs have learned to manipulate the ethereal substructure of consciousness itself. | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
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'''RimWorld Universe Quick Primer (Obsolete)''' | '''RimWorld Universe Quick Primer (Obsolete)''' | ||
<div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
− | + | == RimWorld Universe Quick Primer (Obsolete) == | |
− | |||
This document outlines the RimWorld universe. It’s designed to quickly get creative rewards backers and other contributors up to speed on the fiction behind the universe. | This document outlines the RimWorld universe. It’s designed to quickly get creative rewards backers and other contributors up to speed on the fiction behind the universe. | ||
For a more in-depth description of the universe from an in-world point of view, read the Longsleep Revival Briefing. | For a more in-depth description of the universe from an in-world point of view, read the Longsleep Revival Briefing. | ||
− | + | === Things you won’t see === | |
− | RimWorld does | + | RimWorld does not include: |
* Faster than light travel. | * Faster than light travel. | ||
* True aliens. | * True aliens. | ||
− | + | === 5500 A.D. === | |
The game takes place at a time about 3,500 years in our future. This is the year 5500 in our calendar. | The game takes place at a time about 3,500 years in our future. This is the year 5500 in our calendar. | ||
− | + | === Where are the rim worlds? === | |
Towards the galactic core, stars are closer together and travel is easier. These systems tend to be better-developed socially and technologically because they can communicate and enrich each other through trade. Away from the galactic core are the rim worlds, which float distant from each other. Their isolation makes them poor and socially unstable. | Towards the galactic core, stars are closer together and travel is easier. These systems tend to be better-developed socially and technologically because they can communicate and enrich each other through trade. Away from the galactic core are the rim worlds, which float distant from each other. Their isolation makes them poor and socially unstable. | ||
− | + | === The gulfs between stars === | |
In the RimWorld universe, it takes years or decades to travel or communicate between stars. Because travel times are so long, planets tend to be disconnected from each other socially and technologically. So there are no great star empires, and interstellar travel is unusual. Each star system is mostly isolated from its neighbors. | In the RimWorld universe, it takes years or decades to travel or communicate between stars. Because travel times are so long, planets tend to be disconnected from each other socially and technologically. So there are no great star empires, and interstellar travel is unusual. Each star system is mostly isolated from its neighbors. | ||
− | + | === Varied technology levels === | |
In this universe, cultures do not always progress forward technologically the way many science fiction worlds assume they will. Often, a culture will blow itself up or suffer plagues and other great catastrophes. These regression events send them “back to the stone age”. | In this universe, cultures do not always progress forward technologically the way many science fiction worlds assume they will. Often, a culture will blow itself up or suffer plagues and other great catastrophes. These regression events send them “back to the stone age”. | ||
− | Because this happens regularly, people in the RimWorld universe come from extremely varied technology levels. Some are stone-age tribespeople. Some are medieval farmers and lords. Some are industrial-era | + | Because this happens regularly, people in the RimWorld universe come from extremely varied technology levels. Some are stone-age tribespeople. Some are medieval farmers and lords. Some are industrial-era politicans and bankers and riflemen. Some are information-age programmers or astronauts. And some are from eras beyond our own. |
There is a maximum level of technology to the people you might encounter in RimWorld. At this level, advanced genetic engineering and AI, autonomous intelligent robots, and massive computer power are possible. However, worlds that develop beyond this point enter a mysterious “transcendent” state from which no recognizable human emerges. | There is a maximum level of technology to the people you might encounter in RimWorld. At this level, advanced genetic engineering and AI, autonomous intelligent robots, and massive computer power are possible. However, worlds that develop beyond this point enter a mysterious “transcendent” state from which no recognizable human emerges. | ||
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People can have and use technologies from levels beyond their own. On an industrial-level world (like the rimworld on which the game takes place), most people use gunpowder-fired weapons, fossil fuel engines, and other familiar machines. But anyone can stumble upon ultra-advanced technologies in an ancient ruin, or in a crashed spacecraft, or among the wares of a trader. These items are nearly impossible to manufacture for the people of RimWorld. They are incredibly valuable and very poorly understood. | People can have and use technologies from levels beyond their own. On an industrial-level world (like the rimworld on which the game takes place), most people use gunpowder-fired weapons, fossil fuel engines, and other familiar machines. But anyone can stumble upon ultra-advanced technologies in an ancient ruin, or in a crashed spacecraft, or among the wares of a trader. These items are nearly impossible to manufacture for the people of RimWorld. They are incredibly valuable and very poorly understood. | ||
− | + | === World types === | |
Worlds in the RimWorld universe can be classified generally according to their level of sociotechnological development. | Worlds in the RimWorld universe can be classified generally according to their level of sociotechnological development. | ||
* Animal worlds - Planets with no people. Either everyone died, or the planet was seeded by terraforming robots and nobody arrived. | * Animal worlds - Planets with no people. Either everyone died, or the planet was seeded by terraforming robots and nobody arrived. | ||
− | * Tribe worlds - Populated planets without agriculture. People live in tribes without writing or any but the most primitive technologies. | + | * Tribe worlds - Populated planets without agriculture. People live in tribes without writing or any but the most primitive technologies. |
− | * Medieval worlds - Similar to Earth in the 17th century down to the agricultural revolution. Dominated be feudalism and social backwardness. Planets can stay in this state for millennia. | + | * Medieval worlds - Similar to Earth in the 17th century down to the agricultural revolution. Dominated be feudalism and social backwardness. Planets can stay in this state for millennia. |
− | * Industrial worlds - Similar to Earth in the 19th century. | + | * Industrial worlds - Similar to Earth in the 19th century. |
− | * Rimworlds - Distant and isolated planets lacking in strong central government and low in population density. These places tend to hover around the industrial level of technology or lower. Because they’re not homogenized by a central government, they tend to see a lot of interaction between people of different technology levels, as travelers crashland or ancient closed valut communities open up. | + | * Rimworlds - Distant and isolated planets lacking in strong central government and low in population density. These places tend to hover around the industrial level of technology or lower. Because they’re not homogenized by a central government, they tend to see a lot of interaction between people of different technology levels, as travelers crashland or ancient closed valut communities open up. |
− | * Midworlds - The most familiar kind of world to a modern reader. These places are much like present-day Earth. | + | * Midworlds - The most familiar kind of world to a modern reader. These places are much like present-day Earth. |
− | * Urbworlds - Super-high density planets dominated by cities. Their population growth outstripped their sociotechnological development, so they tend to be overcrowded, polluted, violent places. | + | * Urbworlds - Super-high density planets dominated by cities. Their population growth outstripped their sociotechnological development, so they tend to be overcrowded, polluted, violent places. |
− | * Glitterworlds - Very advanced and peaceful cultures. The peak of recognizable human society in terms of health, art, technology, and human rights. | + | * Glitterworlds - Very advanced and peaceful cultures. The peak of recognizable human society in terms of health, art, technology, and human rights. |
− | * Toxic worlds - Worlds destroyed by pollution or warfare, but still inhabitable at a low level. | + | * Toxic worlds - Worlds destroyed by pollution or warfare, but still inhabitable at a low level. |
− | * Marbles - Worlds utterly destroyed by atomic fire. They’re called marbles because their surfaces have been “glassed”. This level of holocaust is rare. On some of these worlds, people can walk outdoors for a time without dying. None of them harbor life long-term. | + | * Marbles - Worlds utterly destroyed by atomic fire. They’re called marbles because their surfaces have been “glassed”. This level of holocaust is rare. On some of these worlds, people can walk outdoors for a time without dying. None of them harbor life long-term. |
− | * Transcendent worlds - Worlds inhabited by people who have become something beyond human and unknowable. No “people” live here; these planets aren’t planets any more in the traditional sense; they’re more like giant computers. | + | * Transcendent worlds - Worlds inhabited by people who have become something beyond human and unknowable. No “people” live here; these planets aren’t planets any more in the traditional sense; they’re more like giant computers. |
− | + | === Key technologies === | |
In order from least to most advanced: | In order from least to most advanced: | ||
* Real technologies - All real technologies in Earth’s history up to the present day play an important role in the RimWorld universe. Since there are planets at every level of technological development from the Stone Age on up, there are technologies from bows and arrows to steam engines to nuclear bombs and cellphone all in use in various places in the galaxy. | * Real technologies - All real technologies in Earth’s history up to the present day play an important role in the RimWorld universe. Since there are planets at every level of technological development from the Stone Age on up, there are technologies from bows and arrows to steam engines to nuclear bombs and cellphone all in use in various places in the galaxy. | ||
− | * Genetic engineering - Genetic engineering is relatively easy on many planets and has been used for everything from creating xenohuman super-soldiers to perfect mates to talking dogs, explosive plants, and air-spewing terraformer algae. | + | * Genetic engineering - Genetic engineering is relatively easy on many planets and has been used for everything from creating xenohuman super-soldiers to perfect mates to talking dogs, explosive plants, and air-spewing terraformer algae. |
− | * Fusion reactors and rockets - Clean atomic energy, usable to create power or drive a craft into orbit. | + | * Fusion reactors and rockets - Clean atomic energy, usable to create power or drive a craft into orbit. |
− | * Longsleep sarcophagi - This ancient technology has been used by many peoples in many times, usually to travel between stars or to escape disasters befalling their planets. Historians - especially those of the Ordo Historia - are now trained in the practices of interviewing people who were put to sleep hundreds or thousands of years before. | + | * Longsleep sarcophagi - This ancient technology has been used by many peoples in many times, usually to travel between stars or to escape disasters befalling their planets. Historians - especially those of the Ordo Historia - are now trained in the practices of interviewing people who were put to sleep hundreds or thousands of years before. |
− | * Hex-cells - Super-efficient and long-lasting energy storage devices. | + | * Hex-cells - Super-efficient and long-lasting energy storage devices. |
− | * Charged-shot weapons (aka Tokamak weapons) - Charged shot weapons fire projectiles coated in a matrix of magnetically-contained charged particles. On impact, the energy in the particles is released in a very efficient explosion. These require high amounts of power to fire and are powered by hex-cells (at small scales) or fusion reactors in the case of large cannons. | + | * Charged-shot weapons (aka Tokamak weapons) - Charged shot weapons fire projectiles coated in a matrix of magnetically-contained charged particles. On impact, the energy in the particles is released in a very efficient explosion. These require high amounts of power to fire and are powered by hex-cells (at small scales) or fusion reactors in the case of large cannons. |
− | * [[Mechanoid|Mechanoids]] - Autonomous intelligent robots built for domestic, industrial or military purposes. Only available to advanced cultures because such complex AI is needed to control them. | + | * [[Mechanoid|Mechanoids]] - Autonomous intelligent robots built for domestic, industrial or military purposes. Only available to advanced cultures because such complex AI is needed to control them. |
− | * [[Joywire|Joywires]] - Addictive brain stimulant technology. | + | * [[Joywire|Joywires]] - Addictive brain stimulant technology. |
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
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'''Longsleep Revival Briefing (Obsolete)''' | '''Longsleep Revival Briefing (Obsolete)''' | ||
<div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
− | + | == Longsleep Revival Briefing == | |
− | |||
− | |||
Classed midworld 2M+ | Classed midworld 2M+ | ||
− | |||
Ordo Historia AL166/5533 | Ordo Historia AL166/5533 | ||
− | |||
Authors: Smyth A5, Wu 9U, Rabatz M5 | Authors: Smyth A5, Wu 9U, Rabatz M5 | ||
− | |||
Editors: Lee NA8125, Asusen NA45, Ramad 120, Leeuen 5A, Jennifer 9D252, Lamaritian SJ11, Beeson 9GF, Xotori 28 | Editors: Lee NA8125, Asusen NA45, Ramad 120, Leeuen 5A, Jennifer 9D252, Lamaritian SJ11, Beeson 9GF, Xotori 28 | ||
+ | Euterpe | ||
− | + | === Introduction === | |
− | |||
You’ve woken from your longsleep sarcophagus, had the slime scraped off you, and been placed in a quiet room. Now you’re reading this document. And you’ve got questions. What’s going on? Where am I? How long was I asleep? | You’ve woken from your longsleep sarcophagus, had the slime scraped off you, and been placed in a quiet room. Now you’re reading this document. And you’ve got questions. What’s going on? Where am I? How long was I asleep? | ||
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You’ve been asleep a long time, and a lot has changed. | You’ve been asleep a long time, and a lot has changed. | ||
+ | === The basics === | ||
− | |||
The best historians of the Ordo Historium at the richest archives believe that humanity first left its origin planet Earth about 3,400 years ago (in the frame of reference of the stars). Since then, we’ve spread across the galaxy on a fitful wavefront of colony ships, frontier worlds, and robotic terraforming projects. | The best historians of the Ordo Historium at the richest archives believe that humanity first left its origin planet Earth about 3,400 years ago (in the frame of reference of the stars). Since then, we’ve spread across the galaxy on a fitful wavefront of colony ships, frontier worlds, and robotic terraforming projects. | ||
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Some planets choose not to risk these perils. Having studied the records of the Ordo Historia, a growing number of worlds choose to restrict themselves to pre-nuclear technology. Some even succeed, for a few centuries. But even these attempts at luddism fail eventually when some minority gains power by exploiting proscribed technologies. | Some planets choose not to risk these perils. Having studied the records of the Ordo Historia, a growing number of worlds choose to restrict themselves to pre-nuclear technology. Some even succeed, for a few centuries. But even these attempts at luddism fail eventually when some minority gains power by exploiting proscribed technologies. | ||
− | + | === Transcendents === | |
+ | |||
There are a few stellar cultures that, through a combination of luck, circumstance, and certain cultural traits, manage to pass all of these risk points without suffering a regressive catastrophe. We call these transcendents, because past a certain point, they become something besides simply human. | There are a few stellar cultures that, through a combination of luck, circumstance, and certain cultural traits, manage to pass all of these risk points without suffering a regressive catastrophe. We call these transcendents, because past a certain point, they become something besides simply human. | ||
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The eventual fate of transcendent worlds is mostly unknown. Most stay in the same state indefinitely - in this they are far more stable than their pre-transcendent neighbors. There are, however, reports of transcendent worlds that have “died” and left systems full of unintelligible wonders. However, these reports are sourced very distant from the Ordo archive here on Euterpe and are not well-confirmed. | The eventual fate of transcendent worlds is mostly unknown. Most stay in the same state indefinitely - in this they are far more stable than their pre-transcendent neighbors. There are, however, reports of transcendent worlds that have “died” and left systems full of unintelligible wonders. However, these reports are sourced very distant from the Ordo archive here on Euterpe and are not well-confirmed. | ||
− | + | === The biology of humanity === | |
Ordo Historia records list thousands of reported contacts with alien life. However, in every case that has been thoroughly investigated, Ordo inquisitors have discovered that the ‘alien’ was, in fact, simply another branch of humanity. | Ordo Historia records list thousands of reported contacts with alien life. However, in every case that has been thoroughly investigated, Ordo inquisitors have discovered that the ‘alien’ was, in fact, simply another branch of humanity. | ||
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* Gravity variations create new body structures. People from low-g adapted populations are lighter, taller, and weaker than those from weightier environments. The most extreme examples are the gravity dwarfs, 3-foot-tall xenohumans from worlds of over 2g of gravity. Their short and stocky shape lets them live and work in comfortably in such oppressive g-pulls. They even have a noted preference for short and underground dwellings. It’s unresolved whether this preference is cultural or genetic in origin. | * Gravity variations create new body structures. People from low-g adapted populations are lighter, taller, and weaker than those from weightier environments. The most extreme examples are the gravity dwarfs, 3-foot-tall xenohumans from worlds of over 2g of gravity. Their short and stocky shape lets them live and work in comfortably in such oppressive g-pulls. They even have a noted preference for short and underground dwellings. It’s unresolved whether this preference is cultural or genetic in origin. | ||
− | + | === The biology of plants and animals === | |
The adaptive and engineering processes that have branched baseline humanity into these uncounted variations have also applied to our flora and fauna. Where we colonize, we bring our ecosystems of plants and animals with us. These creatures subsequently adapt to their new conditions of moisture, chemistry, light levels, gravity, temperature, and seasonal cycles. In addition, plants and animals have been bred and engineered for countless purposes across the galaxy. | The adaptive and engineering processes that have branched baseline humanity into these uncounted variations have also applied to our flora and fauna. Where we colonize, we bring our ecosystems of plants and animals with us. These creatures subsequently adapt to their new conditions of moisture, chemistry, light levels, gravity, temperature, and seasonal cycles. In addition, plants and animals have been bred and engineered for countless purposes across the galaxy. | ||
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* [[Boomrat]]: A bioengineered rat that develops an incendiary chemical compound in its body which explodes upon its death. Originally engineered as a weapon, these creatures are now common in the wild on some planets where wars took place long ago. | * [[Boomrat]]: A bioengineered rat that develops an incendiary chemical compound in its body which explodes upon its death. Originally engineered as a weapon, these creatures are now common in the wild on some planets where wars took place long ago. | ||
− | * Boomfruit: Probably engineered as a novelty, this explosive plant evolved to be larger and more dangerous until it became the equivalent of a hand grenade, complete with murderous shrapnel. Its explosiveness dissuades predators. After that, people learned to farm the plant, using its explosive fruit as a weapon. | + | * Boomfruit: Probably engineered as a novelty, this explosive plant evolved to be larger and more dangerous until it became the equivalent of a hand grenade, complete with murderous shrapnel. Its explosiveness dissuades predators. After that, people learned to farm the plant, using its explosive fruit as a weapon. |
− | * Whip cactus - Created as part of a military defense system, whip cactus whips out and strikes moving creatures nearby. | + | * Whip cactus - Created as part of a military defense system, whip cactus whips out and strikes moving creatures nearby. |
− | * Terraforming plants: Many plants - especially desert varieties - have been modified into terraforming versions that emit far more oxygen than the original species during photosynthesis. | + | * Terraforming plants: Many plants - especially desert varieties - have been modified into terraforming versions that emit far more oxygen than the original species during photosynthesis. |
− | * Rocketrees - These trees form rocket fuel in their cores over many years. They were created as a fuel source and are extremely dangerous in a fire. | + | * Rocketrees - These trees form rocket fuel in their cores over many years. They were created as a fuel source and are extremely dangerous in a fire. |
+ | |||
+ | === Welcome! === | ||
− | |||
We realize this may be a lot to take in. However, don’t worry. People just like you live full lives in our universe, and our studies have indicated that the great majority of longsleepers do adapt within a few years and make good lives for themselves. So - welcome! | We realize this may be a lot to take in. However, don’t worry. People just like you live full lives in our universe, and our studies have indicated that the great majority of longsleepers do adapt within a few years and make good lives for themselves. So - welcome! | ||
Our AI has been watching your eyes sweep over the page through micro-cameras. Since you’re done reading, someone will be with you shortly. | Our AI has been watching your eyes sweep over the page through micro-cameras. Since you’re done reading, someone will be with you shortly. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
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− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− |