What If?

Unexpectedly, I survived my reckoning with Liery. My stroke of luck means I’m here yet again to talk about my favorite subject: the Starfall universe. -Amanda

Back eons ago—okay, technically less than a year, but who’s actually counting?—when I was graciously invited to join this project, the first question I had was a simple one. Simple to ask, anyway. On planets devoting everything to alchemical solutions, what became of the inventions we know of as foundational today?

Covering that entire question in one blog post is a bit lofty a goal for even me. But instrumental to everything is the concept of long-distance communication. Some people live under rocks, but they still deserve to know if armies are invading, after all.

Initially, planets were dependent on traditional modes of communication. People traveled by foot or horse or sea. Militaries continued the use of the heliograph, which used refracted light and coded flashes to translate messages across tens of miles. Outposts were built strategically throughout controlled territories, which worked effectively until messages needed to be conveyed to those in neutral land or land controlled by neighboring countries. Off-planet communications relied purely on ship travel, bartering for use of space lanes where possible to speed the messages.

In 1837, the patent on the telegraph was briefly followed by an attempt to commercialize. It found no traction as the scientific community quickly turned to the discovery of a new material: azothite. Bad timing, you have to admit.

That is, until Mihaela Cioban—a leading scientific mind of Moldavia—proposed the creation of a focused azothite propulsion system in 1889. This new system would eventually be adapted for use in deep-space vessels, but the Argint Viu Colectiv patented the technology first, becoming Terra’s first Runners.

Taking and modifying alchemical combat suits that were scrapped by the mercenary companies, the collective developed the Argint Curier in 1915. The first of its kind, the suit was outfitted with the focused azothite propulsion system to move a single individual at breakneck speed—but in good news, without breaking any necks.

Briefly, the Argint Viu Colectiv monopolized the long-distance communications market. They boasted Runners that could cross distance at four times the speed of any other form of travel. The collective established itself as a political neutral by moving its base of operations off-planet and marketing partnerships across all borders, eventually building bases worldwide.

By 1920, other companies of Runners formed, aligning themselves with different groups to garner support; however, none could match the Argint Curiers for their range of access. Or their style.

Who knows where azothite will take the worlds of Starfall, changing the way they communicate across the years. But for now, as of the modern year of 1931, the Argint Curiers run the world. Literally.

Check back next week for more exploration of the Starfall universe!

Eevi Note

I moved rather unsuccessfully this past weekend, causing delays in posts! The tournament report I promise is coming later this week. Now, to go speak rather bluntly with a certain goopcat about eating the construction crews…