The universe of The Infinite Odyssey is vast and wondrous.

The following are several terms of interest from it’s most reliable reference device, The Omnitext.

Altundra: Capitol of the planet Cantura, and largest city in the known galaxy. Altundra was founded after the end of feud between two Kingdoms nearly seven thousand years ago during the planet’s archaic times. The Altamont and Tundran Kingdoms settled on opposite sides of the same valley without knowing it. As their kingdoms grew, they discovered each other’s presence. Hostilities erupted between the two kingdoms as they competed over territory, and each kingdom built a wall on their side of the valley. Eventually it was decided the kingdoms should go to war, and each sent their armies into the valley to confront each other. A war tradition at the time was for the General of each army to duel to the death before the actual battle took place. Just as the opposing soldiers drew their swords, a woman in white, riding a mount, rode between the Generals. The Generals stabbed the girl, entirely by accident, knocking the girl from her mount. She was quickly realized as the Princess of the Tundran Kingdom. A month earlier she had fallen in love with a young man drafted into the Altamont’s Infantry, who had acted as escort for visiting diplomats. The same man, who was part of the front line of Altamont’s Army, ran to where she had fallen. The princess’s last words were “At what cost?” The solider refused to allow the Generals to start they’re duel. The armies returned to they’re separate kingdoms. A peace was formed between the two kingdoms. The walls were destroyed, and the cities expanded into the valley, eventually becoming one city later named Altundra.

Antimatter: Matter composed of Antiparticles. Antiparticles seem identical to matter particles except with opposite charges, such as protons with a negative charge and electrons with a positive charge. When antimatter particles and matter particles collide they’re opposing charges annihilate each other, dispelling their energy into another form. The Canturian Military tried to engineer antimatter weapons. They failed to produce weapons that create antimatter but made disintegrating weapons using similar techniques, and dubbed them Antimatter Cannons. The project was canceled before a real antimatter weapon could be created.

Avertien: A large masculine species with dark red skin, elongated ears, and no hair. The Avertiens were one of the last intelligent races discovered during “The Awakening”. The Avertiens are native to the planet of the same name. When discovered, they’re technology was somewhat advanced, having able to create metal tanks, and fortresses as well as projectile weapons. Communicating with the Avertien was extremely difficult as the Canturian exploration vehicles were perceived as threats and were promptly executed. Eventually it was decided to deliver a ship of robots designed specifically for education purposes. The leader of the dominant Avertien kingdom, who discovered them, kept one of these robots. Heran, the Avertien leader, learned everything he possibly could from the machine, including the Canturian’s language. Using a communication array delivered with the robots, as well as mentioned by them, Heran communicated with the Canturian officials in charge of the expedition. Heran transmitted a program, created by some of the planet’s best scientists, which mapped out their language as well as a demand of their technology by appealing the Declarations of Exploration. (Also mentioned by the robots) It was arranged for that most modern technological aspects of their world would be made available to the world of Avertien. Not long after these technological advances were delivered, Heran used them to crush the opposing Avertien Kingdoms threatening his own. Ever since the Avertien’s have developed a reputation a as ruthless aggressive race. The Avertiens have made advances in their own technology since then. Communications between Avertien and other planets is scarce, and Avertiens rarely leave their homeworld under any circumstances.

Awakening, The: The Awakening was the time following the discovery of hyperspace travel. In this time, hundreds of planets were explored, and several new races discovered. Aliens migrated to Cantura and other worlds, as well as Canturians migrating to alien worlds. The Awakening started to fizzle out around forty years later. Though there were still many worlds unexplored and undiscovered, it was decided to concentrate on more relative problems.

Box: Slang term, referring to a communicator.

Cantura: Assumed homeworld of the human species. Cantura is a planet with vast rolling plains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and numerous forests. Cantura is considered the most technologically advanced planet in the known galaxy. After the discovery of hyperspace, Cantura was responsible for the technological advancement of numerous alien species. Cantura is referred to as the center of universe because of its position on most hyperspace maps.

DataDyne Systems: Originally a software company, DataDyne was one of the numerous companies that expanded their operations during the great technological surge following the creation of hyperspace travel. DataDyne was responsible for the creation of a new robot capable understanding the calculations of hyperspace travel. With hyperspace travel being a new technology, these robots became almost a must aboard all sorts of new vessels. DataDyne expanded into the weapons industry as part of the fear that newly discovered species will pose a threat to their own world. DataDyne competed against a new company called Nova Corp for well over a century before DataDyne declared bankruptcy. The exact circumstances of DataDyne’s demise are not completely known, but with the demand of weapons dropping, DataDyne’s most valuable products, and NovaCorp’s take over of several smaller companies who acted as minor providers to Data Dyne, were both contributing factors. Rumors also suggest Data Dyne’s funds being squandered on illegal research.

Declarations of Explorations, The: Laws passed by Altundra’s judicial system shortly after the application of hyperspace travel became a reality. This declaration was made to protect and respect alien species visited by the people of Cantura. The laws are the following:

1: Explorers will respect the culture and concepts of alien species and their homeworlds.

2: Explorers will respect the intelligence of alien species.

3: Under no circumstances are visitors are to abduct Alien species against their will, or to deceive them into leaving their world.

4: Technology responsible for a planet’s discover is to be made available to planet’s species, should they demonstrate a clear desire of it. Explorers will also respect an alien’s rejections of foreign technologies.

5: Animals, Plants, and objects of an intelligent specie’s creation are not to be removed without both obtaining information on the desired subject from the world’s intelligent species, as well as their permission if necessary.

6: Aliens who understand the rights and rules of our world, may be granted those rights.

These Declarations were followed very strictly as several new races were discovered. As more the of the galaxy became explored, and interaction between alien races became more common, the Declarations became more of guide lines than laws. Currently, though still officially laws, they are rarely enforced and considered just to be another piece of history.

Des Krans: Capitol of Rohenew, and easily the largest city. Des Krans was the created as part of Cantura’s first attempts to colonize another world. The Planet of Rohenew was selected because of its basic similarities to Cantura, as well as strategic location between it and many other worlds of interest. Des Krans started as a small colony. The Colony quickly became a city after initial landing was reinforced by dozens of more. Buildings were hastily constructed as well as a hydroelectric planet, taking advantage of the planet’s massive rivers. Des Krans is considered today as a forced city. Before establishing a food or water supply it was already being built up to resemble some of the cities of Cantura as a way to attract settlers. For a very long time Des Krans was dependent on costly imports, until farms and factories were built outside the city to produce it’s own resources. Des Krans contains corporate offices of many eager companies who immediately took part in the initial colonization project in attempt to monopolize the planet. Des Krans is also a haven for criminal elements because of the city’s overworked and understaffed police force, as well as it’s distance from any other civilized planet. A relativity new city, Des Krans lacks the history and charm of many other cities. A Cathedral was built early in city’s construction to make it seem more rustic, but without any real purpose it simply became part of the urban decay.

EMP: Electromagnetic Pulse is an electrical field created when gamma ray photons collides with electrons in molecules, transferring some of the energy to the electron. The resulting electrons, now traveling faster than the heavier remaining positively charged ions, create a strong electrical field by the separating of these charges. EMP creates massive surges of electricity for extremely short periods of time that disrupt, disable, and destroy electronics.

Essence of Passion: Rare, large, red, flower-like flora without a stem. The Essence of Passion was discovered on the distant world Bynarius. They’ve been considered a treasure by more wealthy classes. Studies revealed that in addition to turning carbon dioxide into breathable air, it also might filter air it intakes making it useful in hydroponics. It’s also said to have some medical qualities. The Essence of Passion was named after a poem written by an explorer who had been separated from his group for a day. He rested on the red plant and awoke inspired by it the next day.

Harper: Large, omnivorous, bird-like creatures native to the dry plateaus of the planet Wryl. Harpers stand usually from six to eight feet in height, and appear similar to most other avian creatures except their ability to stand erect; leading certain scientists to the idea that may be more evolved then most other avian species. In addition to their posture, the feathers at the end of their wings are harder than the other feathers, and their joints designed to allow to grasp and manipulate things with the ends of their wings to some minor extent. The controversial Sprace Experiments seemed to confirm the theory of harpers being more than simple animals, and has been proven Harpers have a spoken language, as well as the intelligence to comprehend others.

Hyperspace: A means of space travel created by Marcus Nehnwar, as well as word used to describe the space in which vessels pass through in this means of travel. The Calculations of hyperspace where so complicated it seems the only living person who could follow them was the creator of them, Marcus Nehnwar. Though the general principles of hyperspace have been made to clear, the actual mathematical process used in judging distance and such are only done by computer programs created by Nehnwar centuries ago. These programs have become public domain, and copied numerous times. Because of this, hyperspace is still somewhat of a mystery. Using a molecular engine, created by Nehnwar, a ship creates an energy field of some kind, which seems to allow a vessel to accelerate into hyperspace. The theories considering hyperspace are numerous. Some believe hyperspace is a parallel dimension smaller is mass, but covering the same amount of area as out dimension meaning a vehicle travels far greater distance by remaining the same speed. Similar theories suggesting hyperspace as a dimensional limbo have emerged. Despite massive speculation upon it’s creation, hyperspace as been established as extremely safe means of travel. No passenger has exhibited side effects due to travel through hyperspace, and vehicles not returning from hyperspace have happened on only a few very rare occasions.

InSal: Synthetic fiber designed to prevent the escape and entering of energy. InSal has various uses as armor against lasers or acidic compounds as well as housing body heat to prevent freezing.

Madness: Illegal narcotic created from compounds extracted from the brain lobes of animals called Vrexen. As the name suggests, Madness drives people who consume it into an extremely hostile state, causing to attack any and all people they come in contact with. Madness is sometimes used as a last ditch effort in underworld operations. Madness greatly increases the adrenaline levels in a person as well blocking pain sensations normally sent by the brain. Madness’ after effects leave a person completely drained of energy and unable to move for several hours, assuming a brain aneurysm doesn’t kill the person first.

Marpix: Large, aggressive, carnivorous winged reptiles native to the dry plateaus of the planet Wryl. Marpixes on average stand from fifteen to twenty feet high. Marpixes typically eat harpers as a source of food, but can be cannibal in nature on some occasions.

Merauder: Strong, carnivorous, reptilian creatures native to the swamps of Deranois. Merauders are humanoid in shape with two arms and legs and stand erect. Not much is known of merauder’s because of their naturally aggressive nature. Experienced hunters and poachers have considered Merauders grand trophies. However few people who have gone to hunt merauders have returned alive. Though merauders are perceived as simple minded, some stories told be survivors of merauder hunts claim a merauder will fake being wounded to lure unknowing hunters into ambushes. Merauders are also fierce warriors who never seem to run from anything.

Mzer: Tall, green humanoids with large yellow bulbous eyes who stand on average six to seven feet high. Mzer’s were the first intelligent alien civilization discovered by Cantura as well as the most advanced technologically. Native to their homeworld of Myzar, Mzers had already unlocked the secret of space travel and established a artificial colony on their moon of Dega. Despite lacking the vocal organs to speak languages other than their own, their Mzer Ambassadors quickly learned the language of the visiting Canturians and produced translators so that they could be understood. Mzers accepted the offer of hyperspace as well some of the other technological advancements of Cantura, while contributing some of their own. Mzers were responsible for the invention of repulser lift engines and artificial gravity generators. Mzers have developed a reputation as being a reclusive race because of their language barrier, but in actuality more Mzers have left their homeworld than the other alien races discovered during The Awakening. Mzers have very advanced memories, and almost never forget, anything. Mzers also have very sensitive hearing, and near impossible to surprise.

Nayruling: Nayrulings were the most recent civilization discovered by Cantura’s explorations. Nayrulings actually refer to themselves as Nayru, but SSE confused this as the name of their planet and dubbed them Nayrulings. With the exception of their light red skin, Nayrulings appear no different than humans. Native to forests of their world, Nayrulings build their homes and cities within these forests. Living inside treetop homes, or hollowed trunks, Nayrulings prefer to make their home within nature as opposed to destroying it. Entire cities are formed as part of the forest itself. Nayrulings are a passive herbivorous race that survives by farming and foraging. After communications has been established, Nayrulings rejected the offers of technological advancement, but allowed the construction of an outpost away from their forests. Some of the more adventurous Nayrulings have even been know to approach this outpost in hopes of seeing worlds beyond their own. Because of their passive nature, some Nayrulings have been come subject to slavery by lawless worlds outside the UPA’s jurisdiction.

Nehnwar, Marcus: Dubbed “The Father of Hyperspace”, Marcus Nehnwar was the lone astrophysicist responsible for the discovery and earliest application of hyperspace travel. Using a molecular engine, Nehnwar discovered an energy field that allowed vessels to accelerate into another dimension. Nehnwar was the only living person to comprehend the complicated mathematics to accurately judge distances traveled while in “hyperspace”. He feed these calculations in a program of his own designed still used today. After receiving a grant to further his research, Nehnwar revealed his discovery at the first Marvels of Technology Expo, another creation he was responsible for. There he demonstrated his new discovery. At the start of the Expo Nehnwar showed a probe he had created jump into hyperspace just outside of Cantura’s orbit. Three hours later the probe transmitted an image of a satellite that had been launched nearly seventy-eight years ago. Compensating nearly an hour lag on the transmission, the probe had traveled a distance in two hours that took a satellite nearly eighty years to make. Skepticism plagued Nehnwar’s new discovery, but he overcame it one remark at a time, making believers from unbelievers. Marcus himself became the first person to travel through hyperspace, proving the safety of hyperspace travel. Not long after this The Awakening began. With hyperspace stable and widely used, Marcus Nehnwar decided to move on. Nearly five years later Nehnwar had proposed a theory that it would be possible to unlock the full potential of a person’s brain with rigorous and unrelenting use. This was also met with disbelief, but unlike before, Nehnwar was unable to prove his theory. Despite this, Marcus Nehnwar fully devoted himself to this theory. He became unreasonable and disruptive in his pursuit, and was finally committed to a mental institution. Two years later Nehnwar disappeared. During a routine meal delivery, a nurse discovered Nehnwar was not in his room. There was no sign of him on in the institution’s security footage, and no evidence to suggest he had ever left his room. His whereabouts remain a mystery to this day.

NEOX: A dangerous street gang that live in the many abandoned buildings of Des Krans. The NEOX’s trademark is the florescent spray paint covering them, and their weapons. How the NEOX were created isn’t entirely known, however Rohenew free charter for possible colonists probably lead to their massive numbers. To encourage people to migrate to Rohenew, possible settlers were offered one thousand Staglacs and free passage to Rohenew. However these settlers weren’t offered any sort of job, and at the time there was no commercial flights off the planet. These out of luck would be settlers were probably the first NEOX.

Nova Corporation: The Nova Corporation is currently the galaxy’s biggest single company. Despite being founded just under two hundred years ago, it has grown to be largest supplier of electronics, robotics, and appliances. NovaCorp was founded shortly after hyperspace It’s founder, a scientist name Tessyira Novella, was one the first engineers to adapt Marcus Nehnwar’s Hyperspace concept to current space vessels. This discovery gave the newly founded company exclusive rights to the building of the first hyperspace capable ships. Novella also took the liberty of improving current starship technology with an improved central power system and a lateral control engine. As hyperspace became stable, the young NovaCorp was credited for part of hyperspace’s success. After making it’s name in spaceship design, Novella bought out a failing robotics company, obtaining many talented engineers in the process. Following DataDyne Systems lead, NovaCorp released a new robot specifically designed to maintenance and repair hyperspace engines. With hyperspace still being a new technology these robots became standard on most new spaceships. Using it’s new found wealth; Nova Corp designed another robot for all forms of repair called the APRAM Series. Programmed with a massive database utilizing a new processor designed by the Nova Corporation. The APRAM-1 robots were capable of repairing anything from household appliances to defense satellite’s retrorocket control systems. After which NovaCorp became unstoppable. It quickly bought over several smaller companies and continued to expand into numerous other markets. As it stands today, the Nova Corporation has been subject to numerous lawsuits involving monopolies to unethical business practices.

Orbital Platform: Satellites designed for the holding of spaceships. Orbital Platforms are designed to hold various vehicles in orbit with the near-by planet. This platforms lack the services of space stations, and are merely for the purpose of holding spacecraft in orbit. They can vary in size and shape depending on how many vehicles it’s designed to hold, and what type.

Rail Gun: Rail Guns are weapons that fire projectiles using magnetic fields as opposed to the projectile having a individual thrust system. In addition to not requiring a consumable fuel for the projectile, rail guns also project objects faster than other means. Rail guns were considered for the use of space travel until the discoveries of hyperspace travel and repulser lift technology. Rail guns were also adapted into modifiers for smaller weapons such as pistols and rifles. A specially made tube created from rare magnetic materials could greatly increase the destructive power of non-projectile weapons when attached to the barrels of them. However the kickback of these modifiers proved unrealistic, and they were soon outlawed because of their destructive power.

Remorian: Remorians were one of the alien civilizations discovered during The Awakening. Remorians are a blue scaled humanoid species with large black eyes, various colored designs on their skin, and fin like appendages on their arms and legs. Remorians are native to the planet of Oreannta. The Remorian’s planet is covered in oceans, shallowly flooded plains, and numerous plateaus. Because of their amphibious nature, the Remoirans make their homes on the shallow water plains of their world. Though the Remorians have been classified as unadvanced civilization because of the lack of technological presences such as electricity, Remorians have been recognized by their culture and art. Even the buildings of their cities seem to all be influenced by artistic design, as everything they build. The offer of new technologies was met with mixed responses. Some Remorian clans welcomed the idea of modern convinces while others considered it a perversion of their way of life. As a comprise, only those clans desiring the new technology were given it. Because of their appearance, and the Remorian’s artistic composition, Remorians seem to be the most welcome of alien species at the time.

Repulser: Repulser lift engines. Engines capable of creating minor artificial magnetic fields directly beneath them that repeal against the minor charges in air molecules. The strength of the engines can be adjusted to lift, sink, or hover.

RHJ: Random Hyper Jump. Process of traveling into hyperspace without set coordinates. This technique is never implemented except for the most desperate of situations because of both of the danger of leaving hyperspace inside, or too close to something, and because of the fear as that some ship navigational computers won’t be able to successfully retrace the route taken.

Rohenew: Planet similar in size to Cantura discovered during The Awakening. No intelligent species were discovered on the surface of Rohenew, though eighty percent of the planet’s surface is covered in water. Rohenew’s atmosphere makes rain a common sight. In fact it is rare for the planet to go more than three days without rain. Rohenew was selected for the first attempt too colonize on an alien world. Rohenew’s only major city is its capitol of Des Krans. Various farming, fishing, and mining colonies are scattered across the surface. Because of it’s distance from another civilized world, and lack of authorities, Rohenew is an ideal hiding place for criminals.

Self-Awareness: Self-awareness is term referring to robots that have achieved the ability to think independently, as well as having a sense of free will. How robots become self-aware is unknown, but laws requiring regular memory wipes have been put in place to prevent it.

Shadow Syndicate: The Shadow Syndicate is a mysterious crime ring operating in Des Krans. Little is known about this organization, but it’s suspected that it started as one of the numerous independent companies who migrated to Rohenew during its colonization. With almost no authorities, many of these companies took advantage the fact they could ignore certain security and financial regulations. The Shadow Syndicate is believed to have been created when one company took this a step further. Though the Des Krans Police denies the existence of the Shadow Syndicate, many local business have reported being threatened by them for protection money.

Shy-Dry: Strong drink made from Byrillian Crystals. Named after it’s pleasing appearance, and shocking aftertaste.

Splicing: Term used commonly when discussing Gene Splicing. Gene splicing is used in certain dire medical situations to help overcome deadly viruses and conditions by “splicing” someone’s DNA with synthetic DNA designed specifically against such situations. Splicing is legal only in some very certain and specific occasions, and is very dangerous and expensive. Illegal splicing is conducted through out underworld as to make the patient stronger, faster, or more alert. Another form of illegal splicing actually “splices” people with animal DNA’s as well as surgically adding animal appendages and appearances for people with more eccentric tastes.

SSE: Star Seekers Enterprises was formed at the start of The Awakening and was responsible for the exploration of new worlds and interaction with alien life forms. During the Awakening, Star Seekers Enterprises explored hundreds of worlds, and established contact with several alien civilizations. After nearly forty years of exploring, the Canturian government became bored with exploration and discontinued SSE’s funding. Today it’s a small satellite mapping business.

Staglac: Staglac is short for Standard Galactic Currency. Staglacs are a widely accepted form of money on Cantura, Rohenew, and almost all space stations. Staglacs are slowing becoming accepted on alien worlds because of Cantura’s ever growing influence

UPA: Universal Policing Agency, established around three hundred years ago. The creation of the UPA unified all the local authorities of Cantura, removing the red tape of varied jurisdictions. The Universal Policing Agency has established stations on nearly every civilized planet since then. Despite their motto of “To bring peace everywhere in the universe” Alien governments don’t always recognize the UPA as an authority.

Vrexen: Large, simple, violent reptiles native to the swamps of Deranois. Vrexen are four legged, scaly beasts. They average about six feet high and fifteen feet long. Vrexens are extremely violent, and seem to attack anything that moves, even when it’s not hungry. Vrexens have fell victim to poaching as the cerebral fluids, responsible for their aggressive, nature are used in the manufacturing of the narcotic Madness. Despite their fierce nature, Vrexens are fairly simple minded, and are easily tricked by skill hunters.

Yurst Station: Yurst Station was one of the first deep space stations established after hyperspace travel became stable. Close to edge of the known galaxy, Yurst Station was used as a launching point for the explorations of many rim worlds. Yurst Station was suppose to be one of many outer galaxy space stations, but after SSE lost their funding this idea was abandoned. Since then Yurst has been subject to many owners. Since it’s privately owned and out of the range of any major authority, it’s become another haven to the more criminal types.