For over a thousand years, a vast republic spanned the stars and joined together multiple races and countless cultures in a secure and prosperous collective. It stood for generations despite differences and rivalries between its member states and all manner of tragedies great and small. The republic’s unity allowed trade to flourish and technology to advance but it could not eliminate secrecy and distrust and fear. In time, the republic fractured. Political factions vied for control of the government. Corporations struggled to dominate the markets. Industrialists competed to direct the progress of technology. The dominant took advantage of the weak. The minorities rose up against their oppressors. Covert agents were employed by all to gain initiative against their foes. Military force was wielded against those who would not yield. In time, the republic fell to total war. The conflict spread quickly with all factions gaining and losing much. Old opponents revisited past grievances and disputes, deepening the war and its scars on the republic. Society slowly but inexorably ground to a halt as it was consumed by the deathly fires of hatred. What had shone brightly for over a millennium was tarnished in less than a century. In time, the republic succumbed to darkness. For over five centuries, thoughts of a collective society and even advancement mostly were forgotten and replaced with a desperate drive to merely survive. As the fading echoes of the republic’s death song played across the stars, many planets fell further into dystopia or outright barbarism. Others stabilized while still others miraculously began their slow rise toward former glories. Soon, the fortunate rebuilt themselves enough to help the struggling, leading to alliances based on common need and protection. The flickering lights of a civilization reborn brightened the long and terrible night. In time, society climbed from the abyss. It is now a little more than a century into reconstruction. As trade and travel routes are reestablished, known space is slowly revealing secrets lost during the dark times. Cultures long forgotten are being rediscovered. Technology is regaining lost ground through the recovery of ancient industrial stores. All the while, multiplanet governments are growing in number and strength through altruism and even conquest. In time, a new republic may be forged. This is a time of hope. This is a time of discovery. This is a time of opportunity. This is a time of adventure. This is Interstellar Overdrive.