Introduction to Legacy

[NOTICE: This write up is very dated, and pertains to a forum which is no longer functional.  I will be doing a rewrite of this to be more pertinent to the group. - zen4life]

Greetings to all, and welcome to the official forum of the Legacy Universe.  Withing the various threads and posts, you will find a broad spectrum of concepts and discussions on Legacy.  To provide a better idea of what all this is about, what follows is an introduction to the basics of what makes up Legacy.  It is by no means complete, but should give enough background to be able to comprehend it's nature, and provide some direction for those wishing to help in bringing the goals of Legacy to fruition.

What is Legacy?

Legacy, the Legacy Setting, the Legacy Universe, or simply LegacyVerse, is a part science fiction, part science fantasy setting created by Durendal5150.  It was first started in 2007 with the release of his piece of fiction, referred to as "Titleless," detailing the end of what became known as the Earth-Alarie war, between humans and his giant alien race, the alarians.  Part 1 can be found here: [link]  From there, it has grown and expanded to become something much bigger.

Currently, it is what could be called an open source project, where an number of artists may come and make their mark on the universe, whether it be in literature, drawing, computer programming, music, or just speaking their minds.  All are encouraged to put forth and discuss ideas, but not necessarily everything will be considered part of the canon universe.

General Setting

Legacy may best be understood as set in the future of an alternate universe.  What is and is not allowable, by what might be known as a modern view of physics, whether it be cosmological, biological, chemical, and beyond, do not necessarily hold true for this crafted reality.  Within Legacy, the audience is treated to a breadth of fantastical occurrences.  From humanoid aliens which tower at tremendous heights, to ones you might hold in your own hand, from ancient, powerful, fear inspiring technologies, to awe inspiring magic, Legacy holds wonders to captivate anyone's imagination.

The Earth-Alarie war has, for all intensive purposes, become the starting point for the universe, which is set in approximately 2330 by the standard human calendar.  While events of the twentieth century will be familiar to anyone, beyond that lies a path for humans full of sorrow and splendor.  It is from this date that the plot's main events take place, though any curious observer may move forward or backward as he or she might choose.

Many technologies appearing in Legacy will seem familiar, being visible current everyday life. others will seem to appear only in the minds of dreamers, something those in the present time could only hope to bear witness to.

Species

Within the realm of Legacy lie a variety of life.  Aside from that already appearing on Earth, one can expect to encounter everything from the humblest mammals, giant insects, and some so alien one may be at a loss to even relate to them.  However, for simplicities sake, below are some it would be helpful to become acquainted with.

- Humans -

These often times  bizarre, yet splendid  creatures would likely be known to anyone reading these words.  Hailing from the planet Earth in the Sol system, they have come far from fledging beginnings to become a powerful force in the known galaxy.  They have experience everything from great periods of growth and prosperity, to near extinction by their own hands.  Whatever one may make of human nature, humans do learn from their works of genius, as well as their utter catastrophes, and from a history filled with such things, have chosen to embark into the cosmos, trying to become the best they can be.  Human space is divided into nearly fourteen different factions, the two most prominent being the United Earth Confederacy and the North Star League.

- Alarians -

While commonly called alarians, with one being an alarian, they are more properly referred to as alareen, the plural form of alaerin, though they would not mind one using either identification.  Appearing an impossible specie, they stand and average of thirty-six feet in height, and weight twenty-two tons.  A horrific incident in their past left nearly forty percent of their specie exterminated, which destroyed their entire male population.  From a desire to preserve their specie along with their innovative talents came ways to survive as an all female race.

While all alarians appear lithe and agile, with longer legs and shorter torsos than a comparatively sized human, there are two different sub-races in their society.  The standard, unmodified alarian female, is an average thirty-eight feet in stature, with a range of about twenty-eight feet to nearly fifty.  They skin of various blue shades, and hair of pale colors.  The others, making up about twenty percent of their population at present, are the result of a means to try to preserve the now deceased male qualities.  Known as psions, they carry with them the variety psychic abilities found in the former male gender, with similar heights of  twenty to thirty-two feet, and similar skin tones of purple coloration.

Events in their past have left them uncertain of their future as a specie, leaving them divided, empty of the culture they once thrived under.  No longer one central society, alarians have broken into three stellar nations, with three primarily different overriding paradigms guiding them.  One of which is the Empire of Jinya, Jinya being their capitol world, which has tried to resurrect their tribal origins.  They value power and solidarity, and believe in strength through military supremacy.  Another is known as the Commonwealth Conglomerate of Syryesia, a nation of industry and and business.  Syryesia is their capitol world, and they believe in strength through enterprise.  Between these two quite opposite societies is the Council Sovereignty of Alarie, which has kept their species original home world as its capitol.  Of the three nations, they are the most tolerant and open, and believe in strength through unity, and have done well to keep their specie as a whole in tact.  Despite all they have lost, they have not let misfortune stop them, and continue to live on as best they are able.

- Vaenia -

For all the hardships the two species above have undergone, the vary nature of the vaenia may make them the most impressive survivors.  They are, after all, only around four inches in stature, and from their earliest history have needed to be on guard against even the smallest predators on their home world of Vian.  They are proportionally similar to humans, and slightly more dense, with paler skin tones.  Rather than be stifled by fear, they have boldly gone forward with their heads held high.  Their rugged survivability and their insightful creativity has paved a road of technological and cultural progress that can match that of any other specie.  Though still wary of other, larger creatures, whether sentient life or not, they have managed to carve a place in the universe all their own.  They may be the smallest known race, but they are the most technologically advanced known humanoid specie, and not too be taken lightly, even if they don't weigh all that much.

Bear in mind, that these species are not the only ones that one will encounter, and there is plenty of room for any creative mind to conjure into existence.  The universe is vast, and do not think immediately that any given idea will not work.  All proposed species, though, are subject to scrutiny, and some specie concepts will unfortunately be incompatible.  Nevertheless, this should not stop anyone from expressing their views.

Themes

Amidst the technology, the unusual species, and the altered nature of this universe, reside, as in any good science fiction, and much of any kind of fantasy, broad, far reaching themes, for which it is hoped that Legacy will always be a vehicle.  There is really no limit too their number, and every individual will approach the setting in a different, but still important way.  However, some of the most common
motifs include finding one's place in the universe; the importance of respecting, living with, and working with one another; overcoming adversity, be it conflict, danger, social issues, even personal problems, with the diversity found in all peoples, rather than without it; that all people, regardless of who they are, are still people; the importance of love, compassion, honesty, integrity, and understanding; through our interactions with others, we come to better understand ourselves; and, perhaps most generally, creating the meaning in one's life.  

Plot Development

Although Legacy is an open universe in many respects, there is an overarching story driving the universe.  Most is yet to be revealed, but, suffice to say, the details behind it are deep and expansive.  The main progression will be set forth by it's original author, Durendal5150, as his personal novels become more manifest.

This is not to say that there are not many stories that are not only feasible and highly desirable, only that an individual's personal work should not alter the already existing story.  There is ample opportunity for anyone to use the setting as a means to advance the scope of the universe, put into words or pictures important aspects of life, or even as a way to better one's own writing.  Any number of things are possible, and don't hesitate to dive right in.

Our Goals

The intention of Durendal5150 is to create a legitimate, expansive, and generally accessible science fiction and science fantasy setting.  It is meant to be versatile, with elements of comedy, drama, horror, mystery, and romance, among others, and able to be enjoyed by those of any age, race, or creed.  Not everything will be suitable for or attractive to everyone, any more than any other universe.  Despite that, there is much that any given person can enjoy.  Eventually, it is hoped that the it become something distributable, and be recognized as just as much a base for literature, visual art, even games and movies, as other setting on the market.  Quite a big long term goal, certainly, and one which requires a lot of hard work by many.  To accomplish this, those interested in putting their minds and creative spirit to work are always welcomed encouraged to help add to this unique and fun setting.  Even the smallest contribution can yield a large response, and many hands make light work.

Requests for Contributors

While always pleasing to see someone put their time and energy into creating something fascinating, inspiring, or beautiful, there are certain things that contributers are asked to keep in mind.

The first, be willing to be wrong.  Not every idea is going to be compatible with Legacy, but it doesn't mean it's not an amazing concept, and worthy of another project.  If an idea is declined, it is not an insult to the author, nor an insult to the idea.  Durendal5150 has a vision for the universe, and, while open to possibilities, does mean that not everything fits.

The second, an extension of the first, do not constantly try to force ideas into the setting.  It does belong to Durendal5150, and some things simply will not work.  Don't feel bad about that.  Rather, if the idea is still personally loved, go do something with it.  Create your own stories, etc. with it.  Most likely, those here will still want to view and appreciate it in it's own way.

The third, respect the setting.  Much time has been spend putting together a diverse and appealing world, and it is requested that the material here not be misconstrued to inaccurately represent what the universe is all about.

The forth, respect each other.  Every artist here has his or her own views, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, background, and so forth.  If those of two people conflict, each should still be able to appreciate the other as a person, and demonstrate that in one's conduct.  As seen above, one of the themes of Legacy is importance of living and working with on another.  One would hope such an ideal be reflected in those who contribute to it.

The fifth, have fun.  Legacy is might to enrich one's life, not detract form it.  Not only is it hoped that the setting expands and flourishes through individual contributions, but also that each individual experiences the same growth as a writer, artist, and, in general, as a person.

Final Notes

While Legacy's fundamentals have been already established, it is a constantly expanding universe, with ample room for a multitude of ways in which it might become better.  No one should feel intimidated by those in the community or the long term goals of those working on the universe.  At the core, all here are artists trying to better themselves, and there is nothing shameful about that.

Also, not everything about Legacy is serious business, but it doesn't mean that much is not.  There is room for silliness, fun situations, even kinky role-playing.  It must be understood, though, that Legacy is not primarily about those aspects.  Great art stems from great people, even if the person doing it doesn't realize it, and thus, all are asked keep a mature, tasteful atmosphere on the forum.  There are plenty of avenues for all sorts of things off of it.

Lastly, the information provided above is merely an introduction.  More complete details of the setting, species, technology, and so forth, can be found inside and outside of the forum.  For specific questions, or complains, the the Question and Answer or the Complaint Department threads under the Setting General Discussion section.

Hopefully, after reading this, one has a better understanding of what this is all about.  More so, hopefully at least some are interested in adding to the setting.  Even if one is not, join in, post ideas, participate in discussions, view other contributors' works, leave some feedback, or tell others who might be interesting in the setting.  There are all sorts of ways to contribute.

Those involved with the setting appreciate your time, and hope to hear from you in some way.  Each person is but one voice is the vastness of the universe.  Let yourself be heard.