The generation ships, Zenith and Nadir, depart from Al-Ardha (Earth). Their destination: the star Dabaran in the constellation Taurus.
Timeline of the Third Horizon
Main points in the history of humanity leading up to the present day on Coriolis in CC61.
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1124 BCC
Zenith and Nadir
Expedition -
968 BCC
The Three Horizons
Discovery, ExplorationAfter the Zenith and Nadir departed al-Ardha, hundreds upon hundreds of simple vessels departed for unknown destinations beyond the big black. The majority were lost to the void, never to be heard of again. Some managed to report back null findings, their missions ending in failure. When all hope seemed to be lost, a lone ship returned and reported finding a strange artifact -- a portal or gate of unknown construction, which would forever change the fate of humanity. The ruling powers of Al-Ardha wasted no time, and began colonizing the new planets found in the First Horizon almost immediately. After some time, the Second Horizon was discovered, and a new wave of colonists conquered it world by world. Centuries passed, and what started as a Golden Age like no other slowly turned into something else. Details have been lost, but what is known is the First and Second Horizons experienced a schism, causing conflict, and driving refugees and settlers away to the newly discovered Third Horizon.
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162 BCC
52 BCC
The Portal Wars
Military: WarThe reasons for the wars starting have been up for debate for decades, with no firm evidence to prove any hypothesis. What is known is that the First and Second Horizons started the wars together with the intention of isolating the the Third Horizon, and leaving it to crumble in the empty void.
The final battle above the planet Odacon ended in disaster for all -- whole fleets and eventually the system itself were destroyed. The Third Horizon, led by the fleets of the Order of the Pariah, emerged victorious, but at an almost unimaginable price. The portals back to the older Horizons had collapsed, ending all communication and trade and plunging the Third Horizon into a dark age. -
52 BCC
9 CC
The Long Night
Era beginning/endThe Long Night was an age of darkness, isolation, and decay. The portals connecting the systems within the Third Horizon still functioned, but trade diminished rapidly. Many cultures became planet-bound. The dream of the stars that had been realized for such a short time was again just a dream. The advanced technology that many of the Horizon's wonders relied upon was forgotten, cities and outposts fell, and civilization receeded. The story of the Long Night is one of famine, plague, and dispair, where whole cultures vanished in the sands of time.
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9 CC
Arrival of the Zenith
Population Migration / TravelThe generation ship, Zenith, arrives in the Third Horizon at the planet Kua in CC09, bringing rise to the Zenithian Hegemony and forever altering the course of history.
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10 CC
20 CC
The Early Years
The newly-arrived Zenithians and the Firstcome establish a council to manage disputes and foster cooperation between the diverse cultures. The introduction of Zenithian technology leads to rapid advancements for much of the Third Horizon, but also creates tension and disparities among Firstcome societies.
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21 CC
30 CC
Expansion and Conflict
The Consortium, a major political and economic force in the Third Horizon, is founded. Minor conflicts and skirmishes arise as the Consortium expands its influence, encountering resistance from traditional Firstcome factions.
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31 CC
40 CC
The New Dawn
Establishments of new trade routes and the forming of new alliances leads to a period of relative stability and prosperity. The Third Horizon experiences a renaissance in arts and sciences, influenced by the fusion of Zenithian and Firstcome cultures.
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41 CC
Opportunity, Expansion and Discontent
Era beginning/endThe decades preceeding the current era were marked largely by stability, prosperity, and continued growth. The conflicting values of the hardliner Firstcome and Zenithian factions gave rise to numerous secret societies and cladestine operations intended to further the interests of one faction or another. The heat accumulated, adding tension and agitating the simmering factions of the Third Horizon.
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60 CC
7
Arrival of the Emissaries
Political eventIn 60CC, in the segment of the Traveler, the ghosts from Xene are discovered, and the Foundation makes the first formal contact with the spectres from the depths of the gas giant.
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60 CC
12
The Judge
Political eventThe Emissary on Xene declares himself the Judge incarnate, greatly angering the Order of the Pariah, which makes claims of heresy.
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61 CC
1
The Mystic's Disease
Plague / EpidemicSince the Emissaries' arrival on Xene, people all across the Horizon have begun developing strange powers, leading to accidents, fear, hate, and persecution Many mystics have flocked to Coriolis for protection, and to be close to the Messenger Emissary. A smaller group also gather at the Xene station to be closer to the Judge Emissary.
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61 CC
1 /1
The Messenger
Political eventOne of the Emissaries from Xene arrives at Coriolis station, escorted by two Legion battleships. The Governor of Coriolis makes an official statement inviting the Emissary to the Council of Factions.
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61 CC
2
The Taoan Incident
Disaster / DestructionA distress signal was sent from the Tsurabi Gas Mine in orbit around the planet Taoan.
Alarm code 1A... alarm co.... requesting immediate assistance.... unknown signature.... reminiscent of Tacharuk's lesions but definitely atypical... evauation has commenced.... supplementary stasis, we have to... sensor artifact in sector 4, declination 4-2-1... almost a perfect black... vessel... by the grace of the Icons, they are here.
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61 CC
3
Ghazali Incident
Disaster / DestructionAfter a distress signal is picked up from a mining colony owned by the Colonial Agency, a rescue mission consisting of the enormous cruise liner Ghazali and the Legion destroyer Zafira is launched for the Taoan system. Zafirah disappears and Ghazali is destroyed under mysterious circumstances while traveling through the Hamura system.
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61 CC
1061 CC
28 /12
The Mysticides
Criminal ActivityAs CC61 nears its end, mystics have begun disappearing all over Coriolis. Some have later turned up dead. There are no answers from the Council, and tensions are running high as the Cyclade festivities marking the new year are just a week away.