Earth:
Earth was unable to bear humanity's numbers by the end of the 23rd Century. It became classified as a protected planet, and by the end of the 25th century, humans finally had the technology to repair the damage done to the home world. It returned to the Eden it once was, and is now known as such through the universe, Earth, Eden class planet. The only people who live there now are scientists and caretakers, but people are still free to come to their home world and visit. Most of them feel the instinctual pull toward it and at least once in their life, it's fulfilled.
Territory:
Space itself is a free zone, but get within a certain perimeter of a planet? That's when the trouble begins. People like to make sure that piracy and general illegal goings on don't take place in their planetary zone. Unless sanctioned by them that is. When in a certain moon or planets territory, you are expected to abide by their laws, however absurd they are. So be careful where you travel.
Government:
As stated before, new planet? New government. Yes, a few have allied and bonded together to create a central government, but for the most part, each planet has it's own rules and restrictions. The largest alliance of planets is the one that governs Earth itself.
Law Enforcement:
There is law enforcement on every planet in some form or another. If it's as sophisticated as high tech police to a few men who watch over the settlement, it exists. There are armies and such employed in most planets as well. The major laws don't change. Murder, rape, robbery, those are all still completely illegal. But each law is enforced according to the planet or moon's stipulations and guidelines.
Piracy:
Yes, it exists. Yes, it's exactly like it sounds. No, it's not all "Matey" and "Arrgh!" They'll steal your ship and goods out from under you in a heartbeat. Scavengers are called "Leeches" generally, sucking the very blood from you if they could, and looked down upon in most societies.
Prison:
There are whole planets and moons devoted to prisons. They are given classifications from High to Low security, but all are very severe. You do not want to find yourself in a prison colony.
Physical Health:
Advancements in medicine have been made in leaps and bounds. There are cures to diseases and ailments that one wouldn't have thought would ever come to pass. Yet with the sweet comes the sour. With each new terrain discovered, there's a chance that there's a new bacteria or virus to come with it. This had happened on more than one occasion, but scientists are fairly good at not catching the diseases before it spreads, curing them when it does.
There are doctors or even 'healers' on less advanced planets. Health care is available on every ship as they are all required to employ a medic. The Serenata is no exception.
Communication:
Most of humanity has means of communication. There are various ways to contact people, videophone, email or 'mail', even holophones, holographic telephones. You can send packages via ship and notes along with it. But notes aren't on paper anymore, that's so passe. There are lots of ways to stay in touch.
Education:
In general, most systems have at least some sort of educational curriculum for their children. School ages usually start from five to and last until the child is about seventeen, especially on more civilized planets. Then of course their are specialty schools and universities that are required for certain lines of work if you have the money to pay for them. It's not too different from today, unless you're living on a world that is very out of contact with society.
The Major Companies:
They employ people for everything, from your doctor to your janitor. If you're working, chances are it's for one of the feared and adored corporations. The conditions could always be better, but it's an age old gripe from workers. Some are actually quite wonderful. Others are completely abysmal. It really just depends on what hand you were dealt in life.
FAQ
What do you do for entertainment?
What don't you do? It's the universe! You have everything out there somewhere. Games, gambling, strip clubs, museums, art, sports, whatever!
What's this about aliens? Can I be one?
Unfortunately no, we're not having humanoid aliens in this game. There are plenty of very human ways to have an enhanced creature, but not an alien one.
What about robots? AI/Androids?
We are allowing two in this game. Once two are in, no more. But yes, they exist. No, they don't want to go Terminator on you either. They're just looking to be more human if anything.
What about royalty? You said there were kings and princesses?
Yeah, but claiming a piece of land, saying you're a king? That'll most likely get you an eyeroll, not a bow. Of course you're royal, but that doesn't always mean a whole lot.
I want to be a merchant. Can I?
Of course! Merchants are extraordinarily common. The worlds are even on sale, everything and anything goes.
What if I want my character to be from a planet that isn't on the list?
No problem! The universe is big, there's plenty of room.
What about religion?
Different place? Probably different religion. There are tons of them scattered around, there is no set religion, or even power religion.
What are the ships like?
Styles and classes of ships vary from cargo, cruise to personal. Sizes vary due to need, but most have the same basic layout. There's a kitchen, dining room, washroom, medical bay, cargo decks, living area, bridge, engine room, gym, personal quarters, ect.
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bouncy