INTRODUCTION
Ishural: The Galactic Saga (Ishural-SG) takes place in a science fiction and fantasy universe. In this vibrant world, a mysterious force capable of altering the laws of reality is omnipresent; it is called "Transgressive Energy" or "ET." Those who question this mysterious energy often turn to Augurology, also known as the Cult of Aspects, a polytheistic religion that prophesies the existence of eight primordial forces in the universe.
Blending magic, religion, science, and technology, extraterrestrial civilizations enabled many intelligent beings to colonize planets, and over the centuries, a vast galactic community has formed. This world is divided among different factions and races, each with its own objectives and internal conflicts.
Among all these races, mega-corporations, and multi-planetary nations, chaos often reigns. In this galaxy where geopolitics and mass entertainment are one, where magic and science coexist, it's impossible to predict which events will seal the fate of entire moons, planets, or solar systems.
We are in the year 84 3037 of the Elven calendar.
On the cusp of a new galactic diplomatic crisis, the election of Ultra Vegas City's new governor is fast approaching. The most promising fighters in the known world are summoned by GCW, the Galactic Gladiator Federation, to participate in a brand-new interplanetary entertainment program: the BATTLE ROYALE GALA. This highly anticipated media event will see mega-corporations, politicians, and sponsors of all kinds vying for control of Ultra Vegas City, the capital of interplanetary show business.
ISHURAL
The Forbidden Word
Long before the advent of technology and science, the peoples and civilizations of Legacy were often guided by religious values. Even today, religion holds a central place in many galactic civilizations.
But there is another phenomenon that has long governed the laws and beliefs of peoples: superstition. Some see it as irrational fear, others, more skeptical, as a synonym for religion, but many know deep down that the more one fears something, the more truly dangerous it can be. Throughout the galaxy, a strange superstition has spread. Without borders or geographical limits, this fear seems to have affected all the peoples and all the civilizations of Legacy.
ISHURAL , the forbidden word…
In every school, in every home, the word Ishural is taboo. Utter it alone in front of your mirror, and years of misfortune await you. Dare to utter it in front of others, and your friends will experience terrible events.
For generations, no one knows exactly when, throughout the galaxy, regardless of planet, race, or nature, every newborn, when babbling their first words, utters the forbidden word.
No one knows the origin of this phenomenon, this shared memory; none of the best scientists and theologians has ever been able to answer it. Thus, each family, each parent, from generation to generation, has had to teach their sons and daughters not to utter this word, which is nevertheless omnipresent in their thoughts.
The word Ishural, whose meaning is unknown to most, has been banned from most vocabularies, causing widespread fear, and anyone who mentions it simply refers to it as the " Forbidden Word ".
THE CHURCH OF AUGUROLOGY
This religion, also known as "the Cult of Augurs" or "Church of Augurs", is a belief that the universe is governed by 8 primordial forces.
The followers of the Church of Augurology follow the writings of the one they call "the Augur": the first child who brought them the Wheel of Time, which defines the 8 primordial forces, also called "ASPECTS".
The tablets of the wheel of time are the origin and basis of all Augurological beliefs.
The writings concerning the 8 Aspects are long, complex, and well-protected. Only the Augurologists, priests of the Augury, are authorized to access the tablets and the wheel of time.
According to this belief, the eight cosmic Aspects are the Alpha and the Omega, both divine beings endowed with emotions and unconscious entities embodying the most powerful forces in the universe. For Augurology, Transgressive Energy (TE) is none other than the energy of the Aspects themselves.
THE NEO CONFEDERATION
In the galaxy, the Neo-Confederation is nicknamed the Triple Star. This is because it represents the unity of the three great founding races: the Sapiens, the Elvens, and the Ziniacs. It is the largest of all interplanetary institutions, encompassing several hundred worlds!
The Neo-Matristar and its Matrispheres are the symbol of this great authority.
This megastructure in space is probably one of the oldest in the galaxy. The size of a planet, it orbits an unknown location near the galactic center. Neo-Matristar is the capital of the Neo-Confederation.
It is believed to have been built long ago by Ferronauts, many of whom still live and maintain it today. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and lively places in the Universe.
ULTRA VEGAS CITY
The capital of galactic gaming and entertainment, Ultra Vegas City is a place of luxury and spectacle. Casinos, mega-stadiums, amusement parks and luxury hotels abound.
But Ultra Vegas is more than that; it's also a mega-structure, an independent geopolitical hub for the galaxy's powerful. It's in Ultra Vegas that leaders meet in secret between boozy nights out, that mega-corporations close their biggest deals, and that interplanetary celebrities reach their peak.
Money laundering isn't just an illegal activity in Ultra Vegas; it's a veritableinstitution. The most powerful mafias in the galaxy fight to gain control of even 1% of this city, where every seed planted becomes a golden goose.
Summary of the Battle Royale Gala - Previous installment:
The Battle Royale Gala was a high-profile sporting event whose objective was to elect the new governor of Ultra Vegas City, the capital of galactic show business. In this universe, the victories of gladiators and the prestige of celebrities generate astronomical sums of money. Thus, the powerful Mega Corporations use the profits from entertainment to influence Ultra Vegas's policies. They ensure that the city remains at the forefront of fashion and continues to fulfill the fantasies of the galactic public.
At the end of the BATTLE ROYALE, businessman Gordon Carpenter was elected governor of Ultra Vegas, giving the Diatirist party a considerable advantage in this galactic sector.
The Joy Toy Corporation demonstrated its bravery by winning the Battle Royale. They were crowned champions!
As for the Diamond Globes Talent Show, John Février was the favorite of the jury members, propelling him to the rank of Ultra Vegas star.