Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells presents an universe filled with wondrous devices and advanced technology. However, much of these advancements were lost in the Cleansing Wars, or are now under the strict control of the sorcerous despots that call themselves Galactic Overlords.
Technology in this game is in a weird stage. Somethings, like starships and weapons, can be quite advanced if you are lucky enough to find them. After all, they played a very important part in the past war. Other, like communication technology and the network of information, is quite undeveloped, if it’s available at all. It wasn’t in the interest of the Galactic Overlords to allow individuals to communicate with each other or acquire knowledge to understand what’s really going on.
Each of the entries below describe the general role and level of advancement these technologies usually appear in the universe of Solar Blades & Cosmic Spells. The Overlord can ignore or introduce different elements in their campaigns if they wants to, but this functions as a good starting guideline.
Communication
Being able to communicate with others allows for integration and union. It doesn’t take much effort to realize the Galactic Overlords don’t want anyone under their rule to have this, as they could organize a resistance against their authority.
As such, most sentients don’t really have access to communication technology beyond common radio, or even messengers that carry letters and other information. To talk to a friend on another planet, you need to go there, or send someone with a message to be delivered.
Technological devices that allow communication have a limited range. Usually, this means dozens of kilometers or so. At best, you can talk to someone in the other side of your own planet that is listening to the same frequency you’re using. The best of these devices allow you to communicate with someone in lower orbit around the planet you’re in.
That is not to say technology more advanced than that does not exist. It does, but it is dominated and monitored by the great powers of the universe, and by that I mean the Galactic Overlords. Character may want to have access to these devices, but they will risk a lot in doing so. And they can be sure someone else will be listening to whatever they say
Computers
The old Empire had computers capable of processing many tasks at once, and some of them even had artificial intelligence. These marvelous devices were capable of greatly enhancing the lives of the sentients they served. But no more.
The Cleansing Wars made sure none of these advanced computers would survive to challenge the dominance of the sorcerous tyrants. In fact very few computers survived the war, as electromagnetic weapons devastated much of the equipment on both sides. What was left was taken by the victors as spoil, and is now deeply secured in a vault or in use against anyone that seems like an enemy.
The common population, when they have access to computers at all, have primitive models, with limited accessibility and wired connections. Wireless technology is beyond the reach of anyone but the most powerful technocrats in service of the Galactic Overlords. That means if an adventurer needs to access files in a device, they will surely need to be physically connected to a terminal linked to said device.
The Web
Back in the old days of the Empire, there was this great network of information called the Web. With it, an individual could access data from all over the universe, as long as someone had put it up in there somewhere. This made knowledge and education very accessible and widespread.
This was obviously obliterated in the Cleansing Wars. For the Galactic Overlords, nothing is more dangerous than knowledge and information. With it, people can start to question and ponder about the events that happened in the past, whether their rulers are actually gods or not, and even find out about their weaknesses. That cannot happen.
Now, information and knowledge are locked up and secured as the treasures they really are. Those that hold these secrets may guard them with their lives, or negotiate them for the appropriate price in Credits or favors.
So, if information is needed, you have to go get it somewhere, invading a database server, plucking it out from the hands of a collector of old tomes, or even plunging the depths of the mind of an Galactic Overlord, risking your own sanity in doing so.
Robots
Robots were a common sight in past eras, and although much of the technology involved in their creation is now lost, they are still often seen around the universe. Those without artificial intelligence became so useful that sentients all around learned how to make repairs to them, using spare parts and makeshift repairs. They may not look shiny and new, but they still function must of the time. But as time goes by, fewer and fewer units can be seen around. Buying one can be pretty expensive.
Those few and rare robots with artificial intelligence that survived the war have learned how to survive on their own. They can fix themselves and many have earned their place amongst their society. Still, there are some planets and sectors that do not see them as individuals, but just things, which can cause quite a controversy.
In any case, robots can still be seen around the universe. Many of them are in control of the Galactic Overlords or the God Machine, but there are a few independent ones and some more primitive models used by the population at large. They can be tools, allies, rivals and enemies, depending on how the Overlord presents them.
Travel
Most people don’t ever leave their planets or even cities now. Not only reliable and functional vehicles are hard to find, but traveling is quite dangerous in this lawless and chaotic universe. Many Galactic Overlords also forbid their subjects to leave their homes and assigned work, making travelers almost like criminals in their eyes.
However, in the rebellious sectors of the Outer Regions, traveling is not so rare. Starships and vehicles aren’t cheap though, so people have to pay good money, perform good favors, or be in the service of some influential organization or individual to manage this deed.
In the seedy starports along the galaxies, passage to other systems is negotiated over games of cards and dice. If they know you gotta leave quick, tickets will be pricier, and they may even turn you in after you pay them. So travel safe, know your company.
Additionally, since traveling is rare and dangerous, travelers are seen by most as adventurers and courageous. They will look up to them and ask them questions about the universe. What’s happening around the next planet? What are the news from beyond our system? Has anyone ever defeated a Galactic Overlords?
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