Serpent Chain

The ancient network of the Serpent Chain encompasses an immeasurable expanse of space. The labyrinthine connections between distant suns stretch into the boundless unknown. Every new link charted opens new strands in the web of stellar clusters, new worlds and remnants, and even tendrils of the looming Confluence.

To the vast empire of untold age and extent, the Serpent Chain is nothing but a far and trivial frontier, its name barely mentioned near the seats of power. To the denizens of Terra, the Chain represents all the universe within their reach.

Astrography
The stars of the Serpent Chain are connected by the web of System Links, relic structures sending ships past the barrier of the speed of light. Corresponding pairs of links form fixed connections along the chain's splitting branches. Those systems where the most branches meet are of greatest import to the powers that be, as they afford control over entire constellations of worlds and realms.

In eons past, all systems linked in the Serpent Chain were chosen by the builders for a reason. While in some systems, this reason remains apparent, such as the seeding of a garden world, other stars were chosen for qualities yet unknown. Dangers lurk in the forgotten regions of the Chain, where no power has worked to civilize the distant worlds. Remnants of the builders still live in the labyrinth of their creation, and many new powers rose and fell since, and there are creatures born from stars roaming space.

What is known of Serpent Chain to the Terran Mandate is largely based on the discoveries, the shared stories, and myths of older species. The information obtained through subterfuge, conquest, or trade provides the foundation for the Mandate's own exploration. Under the constant threat of discovery by agents of the Confluence, the Terran Mandate expands carefully, consolidating its power in one system at a time.

The Terran Mandate
The Mandate of Terra is to liberate all-stars, and the Serpent Chain is where it will begin. The frontier of exploration is just as much a frontline of war, and it expands through the branches of long-forgotten territories. The Terran Mandate mounts its forces to discover and unite all that lies beyond Confluence Tyranny. It proclaims the turning of ages when the balance of power among these suns will shift. Change will come to the stars of the Serpent Chain, and the people of Terra will be heralds of what is to come.