Seven centuries ago the Humans’ vast League of Worlds was obliterated in a cataclysmic invasion. An unfathomable insectoid race dubbed the Xinzyak appeared en masse in League space. Humanity and its client races were devastated. Entire core worlds were depopulated by a combination of Xinzyak bio-weapons, conventional attacks, and the destruction of vital infrastructure. Much of humanity's knowledge and technology was lost along with the entire empire. The Xinzyak forces were ultimately exterminated by the remnants of the League forces and a large coalition of alien empires. A dark age followed called 'The Long Night' that lasted over 700 years. Economic exploitation from alien cartels and trading houses kept the humans struggling to rebuild. The area of the League is now known as the 'Human Sphere.' The inhabitants have organized into numerous states. Each of the surviving ‘client’ species has their own empires. The majority of the nations have formed the Martian Confederation. This ‘ConFed’ exist primarily for mutual economic and military security, but harmony within the ConFed is often elusive. Foreign empires, nearby alien powers, MegaCorps, and member states constantly vie for any advantage. Within the area of the Human Sphere there are ‘lost’ worlds and technology to be rediscovered. The standard of living varies greatly. Worlds with vertical super cities exist a handful of light years from a stone-age ‘outback’ planet. The alien powers nearby remain wary of Humanity and how quickly it might regain its former influence.