The Tolmekian Federation
The Federation is comprised of several minor races which banded together to resist the growing influence and military might of their neighbors. The architects of the Federation, the Tolmekians, are an offshoot of humanity. Originally a colonial expedition, they suffered a systems failure when passing a wormhole during hyperspace travel. Out of control, they entered the wormhole and emerged into unknown space. It was all they could do to direct their ship to a nearby inhabitable planet and establish a base.
The Tolmekians found themselves in a difficult situation. Their damaged colony ship left them scrambling to maintain critical functions as they worked to regain their bearings. What they found was shocking. They were unable to locate earth or any familiar signals. Soon after, their exploration of the surrounding star systems showed signs of several unknown races. Alone and surrounded by aliens, the Tolmekians had become a second class power in a hostile galaxy.
They were not entirely helpless, though. As a mining expedition, they had sophisticated scanners and extraction equipment. Upon emerging from the wormhole, they were able to locate a resource rich world for their colony. Most of their mining and manufacturing equipment was undamaged, so they immediately went into action. While working to develop communications with the aliens, they were able to build up a small defensive fleet. Clever posturing and deception allowed the small fleet to keep larger powers at bay as the colony developed. When communication with aliens was possible, it revealed that the colonists had significant technological advantages in mining and manufacturing. Using that to their advantage, they pursued relations with other races and strengthened their position by establishing trade networks.
As the Tolmekians grew in wealth and influence, the mighty empires of the galaxy grew more and more aware of their true situation. Increasing pressure from their powerful neighbors set into motion events that would lead to the forging of the Federation and see it rise to prominence. Among the Tolmekian leadership was Temeculus, a skilled diplomat, shrewd negotiator, and visionary. Temeculus foresaw the inevitable fate of the Tolmekians – either establish themselves as an independent power or be absorbed by their expansionist neighbors. Knowing that they couldn’t hope to overcome their adversaries yet unwilling to surrender their future, Temeculus saw a third path.
To preserve their independence, he had begun nurturing relations with several other minor powers. Through trade, technological exchange, and cultural ties, he brought together those who were also living in the shadow of greater powers. When the time was right, he brought them together into alliance of mutual protection. In time, Temeculus saw his life’s work complete as the alliance became a federation with enough power not only to resist encroachment, but to lay claim to contested worlds and resources. The Federation itself bears his name, as Tolmekian is a derivation from Temeculus. It is only in retrospect that the first humans are also referred to as Tolmekians. The Federation prospered, eventually taking their place among the major powers and gaining a seat on the galactic council.
That was in the past. Our story is yet to be told.
The Kushana Initiative
Temeculus was elevated to a status of nobility – even royalty - among the humans, passing that status to his descendants, who continue to play a major role in Tolmekian politics. It is the descendants of Temeculus who drive our current story. It is a period of stagnation amongst the major galactic powers, with each trying to find some advantage over the others. The opportunity appears when a section of the galaxy long rendered inaccessible by dark energy storms suddenly calms. Scans reveal hundreds of habitable planets and multiple resources untouched and ripe for exploitation by any bold enough to claim them. The rewards seem to outweigh the risks as all gear up for a new race to the stars.
Among the Tolmekians, it is Princess Kushana who provides the impetus to send a force into the new space. Aware of the dangers, but also aware of the price of failure, she arranges to have her brother, Prince Temeculus the XIII, lead the way. The prince is young, bold, and skilled. Anything he lacks in experience is compensated by drawing together a council of advisors from the top echelons of the Federation. With all due haste the expedition is assembled and launched. Once again the Tolmekians find themselves in a contest that may determine the future of all races in the Federation.
And with that I present you the forces of the Kushana Initiave:
I spent points on the abilities that I thought best reflected Federation history. Economics is a no-brainer, and we had a request for research. Creativity and luck are what has kept the Tolmekians alive. Diplomacy could be higher, but I opted for the PQ bonus to make best use of what colonies we do get. I decided to go with Super Trader for a couple reasons. First, it fits the story. Second, it's a pretty simple SA to work with. I haven't played with anything other than Terran, Yor, and Custom races with Super Diplo or Isolationist, so I wanted to try something different but not too . . . alien.
Comments? Concerns? Ready to go?
