For millennia, humans have watched the heavens. God’s clock traversed the sky each night with recognizable patterns when the dots were connected. These constellations of light were named after animals, gods, and mythical creatures. One innocuous star system resembled a swan. It was given the Latin name for swan: Cygnus, a symbol of sacrifice and friendship.

It’s been centuries of searching for extraterrestrial life without any signs. A way across the cosmos within a human life span still out of reach. Cygnus exhibited nothing out of the ordinary, but within its flock of stars and nebulae lay humanity’s greatest threat. A race of beings lived, loved, fought, and died there for millennia.

The planet’s humanoid inhabitants call it Tataria. Unlike Earth, Tatarian populations concentrate in a few large cities. Jungles, grassy steppes, and arid plains surround the mega-cities. Majestic mountain ranges, raised high from tectonic convulsions, breakup the ecosystems, creating a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. Similar in size to Earth, Tataria’s gravity dovetails closely with human standards. Gas ratios in the air also mirror Earth’s, though slightly higher in oxygen due to vast swathes of gas producing foliage.

Ancient, bellicose dynasties rule with a fusion of theocracy and warrior cult iron fist. Humanoid in appearance, Tatarians are unmistakably reptilian. In their part of the galaxy, they dominate. Renowned for the martial prowess, nothing and no one stands in their way. Tataria’s brutal environment and blood-soaked warrior ethos molded the Tatarians into the empire it is today.

The largest metropolis and capital is Nyxar-Prime. A bustling seat of power and intrigue. Dynastic oversight governs the planet’s affairs. Ancient traditions carried on without interruption. The awe-inspiring creeds compel the rulers to duty, imbuing the same dedication to their subjects. Tatarian warriors return with their shields or on them. But not without.

Thick jungles and forests are interspersed with a huge patchwork of crop fields and livestock farms in the sparsely populated hinterlands. Life is dangerous outside the cities. Vicious predators swarm the woodlands and rain forests. The constant imminent peril instills a hardiness unmatched in the galaxy. Perfect for breeding young warriors.