GM Core
Chapter 3: The Pact Worlds
Beyond The Pact Worlds
Source GM Core pg. 150
The Pact System is but a single solar system within the Desna's Path galaxy. Countless other systems are spread across space including the Veskarium and the Szandite Collective in Near Space, and the Azlanti Star Empire in the Vast. Some threats lurk on the fringes of known space, like the Swarm and the shadowy puppeteers inside the Riven Shroud, and realms wait to be discovered beyond charted space.
Near Space
Source GM Core pg. 150
Near Space is a term used by people in the galaxy for all worlds whose nearness to Drift beacons makes travel swift and relatively safe. People in the Pact Worlds refer to places like the Marixah Republic and Daimalko as Near Space, but people on those worlds commonly call the Pact Worlds Near Space.
Communication, trade, and travel between Near Space systems is common, and a journey to a location in Near Space typically takes a week or so (3d6 days). This ease of travel puts all of Near Space within easy reach of explorers, traders, and threats emerging from these regions.
The most prominent force in Near Space is the Veskarium, a mighty interstellar empire of vesk and all the peoples they've conquered. Occupying the entire Ghavaniska System plus a few more distant colonies, the Veskarium is an expansionist empire currently at peace with the Pact Worlds and fighting a war with the more powerful Azlanti Star Empire. The patron deity of the Veskarium is the war god Damoritosh.
Other major powers in Near Space include the Marixah Republic, a democratic federation, and the Gideron Authority, a militarized coalition of worlds. These stellar neighbors both share ancient ties to lost Golarion and frequently quarrel over policy and territory; while they currently maintain a tentative peace, war might be on the horizon. The Szandite Collectiveis a federation of seven worlds spanning four separate star systems, all linked by ancient magical crystals called szandite. The Collective is currently under attack by the Swarm. Notable independent planets in Near Space include colossi-ravaged Daimalko, infernally-bound Embroi, polluted Tabrid Minor, and Preluria, a gas giant concealing numerous anarchic settlements and bickering factions in its orbital rings.
Communication, trade, and travel between Near Space systems is common, and a journey to a location in Near Space typically takes a week or so (3d6 days). This ease of travel puts all of Near Space within easy reach of explorers, traders, and threats emerging from these regions.
The most prominent force in Near Space is the Veskarium, a mighty interstellar empire of vesk and all the peoples they've conquered. Occupying the entire Ghavaniska System plus a few more distant colonies, the Veskarium is an expansionist empire currently at peace with the Pact Worlds and fighting a war with the more powerful Azlanti Star Empire. The patron deity of the Veskarium is the war god Damoritosh.
Other major powers in Near Space include the Marixah Republic, a democratic federation, and the Gideron Authority, a militarized coalition of worlds. These stellar neighbors both share ancient ties to lost Golarion and frequently quarrel over policy and territory; while they currently maintain a tentative peace, war might be on the horizon. The Szandite Collectiveis a federation of seven worlds spanning four separate star systems, all linked by ancient magical crystals called szandite. The Collective is currently under attack by the Swarm. Notable independent planets in Near Space include colossi-ravaged Daimalko, infernally-bound Embroi, polluted Tabrid Minor, and Preluria, a gas giant concealing numerous anarchic settlements and bickering factions in its orbital rings.
The Vast
Source GM Core pg. 151
The Vast includes everything in the galaxy outside the Drift beacon–dense region of Near Space. The worlds and locations in these regions are dangerous, infrequently traveled, and often uncharted, making the Vast both a hot spot for exploration and a perilous wasteland. Travel to locations in the Vast typically takes a few weeks to a month (5d6 days), and destinations frequently include isolated planets and civilizations, uncharted worlds, fledgling colonies, mining enterprises, ancient ruins, stellar anomalies, and vast unexplored regions of space.
The most prominent force in the Vast is the Azlanti Star Empire, a tyrannical, human-centric regime centered on New Thespera and the Aristia System, that has conquered over 11 other solar systems through expansive conquest and colonization. After a sudden coup toppled the longruling Ixomander dynasty, the Azlanti Star Empire launched a military assault on the world of Kehtaria, sparking war between the Azlanti Star Empire and the Veskarium. The patron god of the Azlanti Star Empire is Lissala, goddess of duty, obedience, and the rewards of service.
Other regions of interest include the Scoured Stars, a trinary system recently explored by the Starfinder Society and under the protective purview of the jealous god Kadrical; the Jinsul Hierocracy, a xenophobic war machine of vicious jinsuls intent on scouring the galaxy of all sentient life not originating in the Scoured Stars; and Kazmurg's Absurdity, a recently opened sector of space where interstellar travel is broken, forcing explorers to rely on old-fashioned maps and star charts to access new locations. Other sites of note include: the planet Elytrio, a radioactive wasteland; Lajok, a world of mysterious ruins orbiting a reborn sun; and the Shadari Confederacy, a coalition of seven planets and haven for criminals near the fringes of the Azlanti Star Empire.
The most prominent force in the Vast is the Azlanti Star Empire, a tyrannical, human-centric regime centered on New Thespera and the Aristia System, that has conquered over 11 other solar systems through expansive conquest and colonization. After a sudden coup toppled the longruling Ixomander dynasty, the Azlanti Star Empire launched a military assault on the world of Kehtaria, sparking war between the Azlanti Star Empire and the Veskarium. The patron god of the Azlanti Star Empire is Lissala, goddess of duty, obedience, and the rewards of service.
Other regions of interest include the Scoured Stars, a trinary system recently explored by the Starfinder Society and under the protective purview of the jealous god Kadrical; the Jinsul Hierocracy, a xenophobic war machine of vicious jinsuls intent on scouring the galaxy of all sentient life not originating in the Scoured Stars; and Kazmurg's Absurdity, a recently opened sector of space where interstellar travel is broken, forcing explorers to rely on old-fashioned maps and star charts to access new locations. Other sites of note include: the planet Elytrio, a radioactive wasteland; Lajok, a world of mysterious ruins orbiting a reborn sun; and the Shadari Confederacy, a coalition of seven planets and haven for criminals near the fringes of the Azlanti Star Empire.
The Galaxy
Source GM Core pg. 151
Desna's Path is a vast galaxy, with a limitless number of locations to visit, discover, and explore. Yet, there are countless other galaxies within the universe, each as expansive and exciting as the Pact Worlds' own. To date, there have been no confirmed instances of intergalactic travel. Whether it's due to the extreme travel times involved, limits of the Drift itself, or dangers encountered en route during such attempts remains unknown. For now, Desna's Path is the only galaxy accessible to the citizens of the Pact Worlds.