Prologue

In a distant, alternate future, the six nations of the world have united in common cause under the wise and benevolent reign of the great Queen Simone Heilweather. Their combined technologies created life extension techniques which permitted the Queen to rule far beyond the normal span of a human. After she announced her retirement and delivery of self into the peaceful embrace of death, her six ministers, who oversaw the peaceful and prosperous life, granted equally to all of its citizens and concluded that no mortal who lived could replace her diligent, self-sacrificing and humble leadership.

So it was concluded to create a seventh ministry - the ministry of the CORE a non-human meta-system capable of managing the delicate balance of resource allocation, justice and leadership that the Queen had adroitly managed during her time. A system of such vast intellect, empathy and foresight through which humankind could spend its days enjoying the idle decadence of their civilization. The development of the CORE was led by the greatest (and most pompous) technologist of their time, John Escher. Escher succeeded. Soon the CORE freed many from the labours of daily life and the burden of civilization began to be borne upon the backs of the automatons which the CORE created to carry out the directives established by the leadership.

It has been 40 years since the CORE was first brought online. An abundance of resources, energy and free time have allowed an era of extravagance, artistic expression and fashion. In the eyes of most, ceremony is the name of the day. As such, all technology is crafted with an eye to elegance and style.

It is in this era of the Old Kingdom that our story begins.