THIS PAGE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!

LIFE PERSISTS.
If there is any truth in the universe it is this: life persists, no matter what challenges present themselves, it finds a way to surpass it.

Deep within the recesses in the infinite vastness known as the universe, lies part of a spiral arm galaxy home to a group of planets. Each teemed with life and unique environments, but they all had one thing in common: advanced species rising out of the crucible that is evolution. The civilizations that rose along with those species developed alongside them, eventually becoming aware of each other and entering into an age of strife.

Realizing that there was competition rising out of their previously empty concept of the universe, they began to build for war in hopes to claim the lands of each other. As devastation rocked their planets, they advanced quickly; both in science to fight the war, but also socially in resistance to it. Eventually it dawned on them all that for the war to continue, it would mean the end of all life on their homes; instead, it must be peace and growth that solves their problems. As they rebuilt their worlds, they also became more aware of the importance of the living world to their own lives; creatures of all types formed an intricate network that required coexistence to survive. Even on the larger level their planets did the same; forming an interdependent web that required coexistence and cooperation to truly flourish. They began to theorize that perhaps this interdependency existed at all levels of organization in the universe.

As these ideals grew, so did the relationship of the those planets, eventually forming the idea of Aluriza, or The Root Logic: the idea that the key to success to life as a whole in the universe was harmony with the natural world. Though they continued to advance technologically, they did so with a respect to their environment and their shared communities, allowing for rapid leaps and bounds in sustainable energy, medical technology, and ethics, among other things. They also had the urge to explore; always science-minded, they sought new wonders of this living universe they inhabited and desired to lend help where they could. As their people traveled, so did Aluriza, bringing many new species into their community, adding their unique perspectives and knowledge, both socially and technologically.

On one of the Aluriza's many explorations into the unknown universe, they came across a world so devastated by its own sun that life on it was fighting a rapidly-losing battle against extinction. The planet, cataloged as X-1118A, slowly began to lose its magnetosphere after its core cooled; its protective shield against solar winds and its atmosphere began to dissipate as its surface was bathed in intense solar radiation, obliterating all but the most hardy of its life. In their survey of this dying world, their interest fell on a specific species, which used a complex system of genetic adaptations to survive the now hostile conditions; however, even it too was eventually doomed. The biology of this creature was deemed too unique to be lost and a commission was formed to devise a way to save the species.

Eventually, it was decided that the ones that could be saved would be taken from the planet's surface and revitalized if possible. The largest problem faced by the creatures was rapid cellular degradation from the intense radiation. Thus began one of the most revolutionary genetic projects so far undertaken by the Aluriza: the X-1118A Experimental Rebuilt Organism initiative, or Project XERO for short. In doing so, they also hoped to learn more of this creature's remarkable biology; such abilities could lead to curing of all sorts of maladies, a tool for not only improving life, but saving it.

While the various races and creatures inhabiting this sector are known as the Aluriza, or Alurizans, the region itself is called the Aluriza Reserve, or AREZ for short. Rather than an alliance formed for defense or acquisition of resources, it is driven by this shared idea; to prosper in this universe it is easier to coexist than to fight. As the continued march of technology and social progress remove the need to commercialize the environment, it is an ethical imperative to live an existence that removes needless harm and seeks cooperation. One cannot easily escape their universe and its laws; it's better to not destroy one's home if they plan on living there.

You can find varied and vibrant communities of all types across the planets of the Aluriza Reserve; many of its inhabitants intermix and travel freely due to a robust inter-planetary transit system. It is not uncommon to see many distinct cultures present on planets far from their native homes. Regardless of the climate or ecosystem of each planet, every city, town, and settlement is constructed in perfect harmony with the environment and nature surrounding it. Trees and vegetation are plentiful, and it is not uncommon to see large trees gently decorated as a symbol of their reverence within the community. While the animals and insects of these worlds have no control over what they need to eat to survive, the Alurizans do, and in congruence with the Root Logic, no Alurizan eats meat or contributes to the suffering of any living creature. After all, this is a very advanced civilization, and there is no need for meat or animal products to fulfill nutritional requirements or please the palate.

The capital planet of the Arez region is a large, primarily forested planet called Owai-6; affectionately referred to as the 'Oasis' by many Alurizans. This is the main headquarters of many important operations, including Project XERO, where our story begins.

World Map