History
A summary of major events from the departure of the Eldritch through the modern Alliance era. This page contains spoilers.
For a chronological/timeline view, please consult Timeline.
Eldritch Departure from Earth and Terra's Great Wars (2023-2341)
The documented history of the Peltedverse begins with a departure that would reshape both Earth and galactic civilization. In March 2023, a group of humans—who would become the Eldritch—departed Earth to pursue their own path among the stars. Their sudden exodus helped foment the global instability that led to Terra's Great Wars from 2030-2035 as human civilization adapted to their absence.
The following centuries saw humanity slowly rebuilding and expanding beyond Earth during the Solar System Colonization period. Mars Colony was founded in 2132, followed by the Moon Colony in 2164. Meanwhile, the departed Eldritch established their civilization at the end of a wormhole, colonizing their new world by 2101 and beginning the development of the royal bloodlines that would influence galactic politics for centuries. Key Eldritch figures emerged during this era, including Maraesa (born 2166), who would begin her reign in 2247 after Jerisa's early death, Hirianthial (born 2278), and Liolesa (born 2289).
This period also saw the Mars/Earth War of 2399, demonstrating the ongoing tensions in human space even as the Eldritch pursued their separate development.
The era culminated in 2341 with the engineering of the Pelted—genetically modified human-animal hybrids created through Project Homefront under the brilliant leadership of Joseph Shandlin. These modified beings, designed to serve as companions and workers, were created using DNA visualizations Shandlin described as "complex, self-replicating music." The first success, Joy the foxine, would eventually lead to the development of the Seersa, Karaka'A, and eventually the Aera, Malari, Naysha, Asanii, and Tam-illee races.
The Pelted Exodus (2371-2471)
The defining moment in galactic history occurred on August 2, 2371, when the Pelted races presented their human creators with a choice: grant them freedom or face public exposure of the conditions under which the hybrids lived. Earth's government chose to provide the Pelted with three sleeper ships—the Freedom, Merry Independence, and Joyful Liberty—enabling their departure to seek their own destiny elsewhere.
During their century-long journey through space, the Pelted transformed departure into opportunity. The ships maintained only small active populations while the majority remained in cryosleep. The felinoids took responsibility for population expansion using Homefront technology, while the vulpinoids split into two crucial groups: Joy's Children (who developed Standard American English as the universal tongue) and the FEVS (who maintained ship systems).
This period culminated in 2471 with the settlement of Selnor and the founding of the Alliance through the signing of the Accords on the last day of the year (considered Year 0 BA—Birth of the Accord). The rapid infrastructure development followed: Well Drive technology was perfected in 2472, and Fleet was established in 2474 with the Fleet Academe founded in 2497.
The Aggrandizement (2471-2549)
The first century of Alliance history was marked by dramatic expansion and technological revolution. This period saw the rapid colonization of multiple worlds: Asanao (2473), Harat-Sharii (2475), Hinichitii (2477), Aren (2482), and Tam-ley (2485). The Alliance structure expanded to encompass multiple sectors with numerous colonies.
The Aggrandizement also coincided with the Technology Explosion, during which most modern Alliance technology was developed, including Pads, Genies, and the gem grid system. However, the rapid expansion led to an unexpected Reproduction Crisis around 2527, requiring the "Populocampi" initiative and the creation of ReGEs (Reproductive Genetic Engineers) and RaGEs (Racial Genetic Engineers) to restore reproductive viability.
The Alliance also began engineering new sentient species during this period: the Ciracaana (2500), Glaseah (2503), and Phoenix (2514), demonstrating their growing confidence and capability in genetic modification. The period concluded with the Vetch Agreement in 2549, establishing the Alliance-Eldritch alliance that would prove crucial in future conflicts.
Eldritch Alliance and the Romantic Era (2549-2630)
Following the Vetch Agreement, the Alliance entered a period of cultural flowering and diplomatic expansion. The Eldritch began "wandering into (and vanishing) into the Alliance" starting in 2551, creating complex relationships between the two major powers. Queen Maraesa issued the Decree Against Foreign Impositions in 2574, followed by the Decree of Enigma in 2612, establishing the careful boundaries that would govern Eldritch-Alliance relations.
The Flitzbe were discovered in 2571, adding another allied species to the growing interstellar community. Key figures from this era include Tristan Liferiver (born 2613), whose long life and eventual death in 391 BA would span multiple historical periods.
The Romantic Era (approximately 170-200 BA) represented the Alliance's cultural golden age, marked by frequent ambassadorial functions, flourishing arts, and the optimistic expansion that characterized mature Alliance civilization before the coming challenges.
The Rapprochement and Second Push (2611-2630)
One of the most emotionally complex events in Alliance history occurred in 2611 (140 BA) when Alliance scouts "rediscovered" humanity. The reunion revealed the dramatic divergence in development: while humanity remained largely confined to their solar system with "a battered old navy," the Alliance had flourished across multiple star systems with advanced technology.
The negotiations, led by Naysha Council Chair Dar Allen, resulted in humanity's admission to the Alliance under carefully structured terms. Humans were accepted as full members but with certain limitations on Fleet service—restrictions that would evolve over time as relationships developed. The reunion demonstrated how dramatically circumstances had changed: humanity's former creations had become the builders of galactic civilization.
The period concluded with first contact with the Chatcaava in 2630 (159 BA) and the signing of the Treaty of Za'ara. However, an equally significant but more complex first contact had occurred earlier in 175 BA when a Faulfenzair ship was discovered at the border between Alliance and Chatcaavan space in the Akana Ris system.
Zafiil's ship was destroyed by pirates, and she was rescued by Fleet Intelligence's Hold 9 and taken to an abandoned Chatcaavan station now operated by the Alliance for medical treatment. The subsequent search of the planet revealed the tragic fate of her crew—killed or captured by the same pirates. After recovering the bodies, FIA provided Zafiil with the ship Slipstream to return home to Qufiil.
The traumatic nature of this first contact led Zafiil to question whether the Faulfenza should engage with the wider galaxy. Recognizing the delicate situation, the Alliance sent Dar Allen—the experienced Naysha diplomat who had served as Council Chair during the Rapprochement—to meet with Zafiil. At 103 years old and with extensive experience in complex first contact situations, Dar Allen offered Zafiil the choice of how to proceed. She decided the Faulfenza needed time to prepare, returning to Qufiil to consider their options.
This thoughtful approach to first contact demonstrated the Alliance's growing diplomatic sophistication. Rather than pressing for immediate integration, they respected the Faulfenza's need for time—a patience that would eventually be rewarded when the Faulfenza formally joined the Alliance in 311 BA, over a century after their initial discovery.
Books
- Zafiil Volume 1
- Zafiil Volume 2
The Modern Period (2630 AD - 480 BA, approximately 350 years)
The modern era began with the Alliance's maturation into a sophisticated interstellar civilization, marked by technological breakthroughs, cultural developments, and the emergence of figures who would define contemporary galactic society. This period saw the Alliance evolve from a primarily Pelted organization into a truly multi-species federation.
The period's most significant development was the D-per Project, begun in 317 BA. This ambitious initiative aimed to create digital persons with full consciousness and citizenship rights. The first successful D-per, Arete, was coded in 350 BA, establishing a new form of sentient life that would contribute unique perspectives to Alliance civilization. Additional D-pers followed, including Samson (375 BA), Crispin (395 BA), and Troy (410 BA), each bringing distinct capabilities and personalities to the digital community.
The formal abolition of code-debt in 438 BA represented another major advancement, reflecting the Alliance's continued commitment to freedom. This change removed inherited obligations that had bound D-pers to predetermined paths, allowing greater individual choice in career and life direction.
This era witnessed the birth and early development of individuals who would shape modern Alliance culture. Jahir (born 338 BA) would become central to a revolutionary approach to medicine that combined esper abilities with conventional medical practice to treat both physical ailments and psychological trauma, and Sediryl (born 368 BA) would go on to significant events in the Alliance.
The tragic Crispin/Luke Acron affair (414 BA) demonstrated the complex challenges faced by digital persons in forming relationships with organic beings.
The Faulfenza formally joined the Alliance in 311 BA, completing the integration process that had begun with Zafiil's discovery in 175 BA. Their addition brought new perspectives on temporal patience and long-term planning, as well as unique cultural contributions that enriched Alliance society.
Alliance territory and influence continued expanding during this period, with Fleet adapting to meet the challenges of governing and protecting an increasingly diverse and far-flung civilization. The organization developed more sophisticated approaches to managing multi-species crews and addressing the varied needs of different member worlds.
Key Alliance institutions reached maturity during this period, developing the frameworks and procedures that would serve the federation through future challenges. Fleet Academe expanded its educational programs to accommodate the needs of different species and the growing complexity of interstellar operations.
The Council system evolved to better represent the interests of member worlds and species, while maintaining the unity of purpose that had characterized the Alliance since its founding. Administrative bodies developed more sophisticated approaches to managing the practical challenges of interstellar governance.
As the period drew to a close, key figures began taking positions that would prove crucial in the challenges ahead. Alysha Forrest (born 434 BA) began her Fleet Academy studies in 452 BA, representing a new generation of Alliance officers. The stage was set for the transformative events that would define the next era of Alliance history.
Books
- Alysha Forrest Series
- To Discover and Preserve
- Dreamhealers Series
- Girl on Fire
The First Chatcaavan War (480-482 BA)
The period of diplomatic engagement with the Chatcaava eventually collapsed into devastating conflict beginning around 480 BA. The war's beginning was marked by border skirmishes involving pirates, later revealed to be part of Chatcaavan strategy. Fleet declared unprecedented Finite-1 war status as the situation escalated.
The war's definitive phase came with the Usurper's coordinated assault across multiple Alliance sectors. The Chatcaavan forces executed a devastating sweep, destroying half of Tam-ley (with 70% population casualties), obliterating billions of fins worth of infrastructure at Karaka'Ana/Seersana, and strategically bypassing Selnor while raiding smaller colonies.
The climactic Battle of Selnor saw Fleet concentrate approximately 15,000 hulls in what appeared to be a hopeless defense. The battle's outcome hinged on an unprecedented alliance between the Alliance and loyal Chatcaavan forces, coordinated through Eldritch psychic communication abilities. The Emperor's fleet, combined with the Twelveworld levy, proved sufficient to defeat the rebellious system lords.
The war's swift conclusion—estimated at 2.5-3 weeks from the Usurper's initial attack to the Battle of Selnor—belied its enormous impact. The conflict demonstrated both the Alliance's vulnerability and the power of diplomatic relationships in military survival, establishing new precedents for interstellar warfare and alliance-building.
Books
- Princes' Game Series
The Fallowtide Period (482-491 BA)
The Eldritch term "Fallowtide"—combining 'fallow' (to lie unused for restoration) with 'tide' (a period of time)—perfectly captured the era following the devastating First Chatcaavan War. This period of approximately 7-9 years marked unprecedented growth, social transformation, and preparation for future challenges.
Major developments included the wedding of Sediryl to Jahir (482 BA), the investiture of Sediryl as heir, and the establishment of the Eldritch Navy. An informal council developed around Jeasa, Reese, and Sediryl to manage massive societal changes. Queen Liolesa orchestrated the transformation of Eldritch society, mandating esper training for clergy and incentivizing psychic education throughout the population.
The period witnessed what amounted to a renaissance in Eldritch civilization. Villages across Escutcheon developed distinct specializations, new alien populations integrated into society (particularly the Guardkin), and educational institutions flourished. Advanced biomedical technology enabled previously infertile races to reproduce, while joint military installations with former Chatcaavan enemies demonstrated the new diplomatic paradigm.
Throughout the apparent peace and prosperity, the Fallowtide carried an undercurrent of preparation. Liolesa's focus remained on "fortification and preparation of the planet to defend itself," while ongoing searches for Traitor-Second and continued pirate activity required Fleet intervention. The period represented both recovery and preparation—time for civilizations to heal while building the relationships and structures necessary for upcoming challenges.
Books
- Fallowtide Sequence
The Fire War (491 BA)
The timeline data indicates the Fire War began around 491 BA, marking the beginning of the Alliance's next major challenge. The events and resolution of this conflict remain part of the ongoing historical record.
[This section to be continued as events unfold]
Books
- Shieldmatron Series
Legacy and Continuing Development
The history of the Pelted and their Alliance represents one of the galaxy's great transformation stories—the evolution of genetically engineered slaves into the founders of a thriving interstellar civilization. From the labs of Project Homefront through the Exodus to the establishment of a multi-species federation, the Alliance demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability.
Key themes throughout this history include:
- Transformation and Growth: The evolution of genetically modified people into galactic citizens and leaders
- Unity Through Diversity: Multiple species, cultures, and artificial intelligences working together in democratic government
- Innovation and Discovery: From Well Drives to D-pers to Dreamhealer techniques, advancing civilization through scientific progress
- Diplomatic Achievement: Successfully building relationships with multiple species and creating lasting alliances
- Adaptive Governance: Maintaining democratic institutions while evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities
The modern Alliance stands as a testament to the possibility of interstellar cooperation built on principles of mutual respect and shared purpose. The journey from the genetic engineering laboratories of Earth to a federation encompassing hundreds of worlds and 663 billion beings demonstrates how circumstances can transform challenges into opportunities for building something greater than what came before.
This overview synthesizes information from Alliance historical records, timeline data, and governmental documentation. For detailed information about specific events, individuals, or periods, consult the relevant timeline entries and character records.