Avis Cluster (c) Mugpie / Ratel Online Publishing

Avis is a star cluster formed around a massive black hole that is neighboring the main galaxy. Both are connected with a relatively thin area of stars that are not brown dwarfs or stars incapable to produce elements required for He-3 synthesis - fuel used by various starships. Entire sector is natively inhabited by bipedal wingless avian species who likely had a common ancestor many thousands years ago.

Only the most major star systems are marked on the map - as there are dozens of thousands of them within the cluster.

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Auril Empire - the major superpower within Avis Cluster, although without total territorial control all over the place. Aurilians, consisting of two subspecies that create two separate castes, are slim black-feathered corvid-like creatures. Ran by various Houses loyal to the Emperor or Empress, Auril Empire impose their rule through military and navy - although in the core being decadent society divided into High Aurilians, Lesser Aurilians and various slaves.

Dihari Protectorate - the finest example of the young civilization swallowed by a major player on the political scene. Unable to resist Aurilians, parrot-like Dihari had to succumb and sign one-sided peace treaty that incorporated them into much bigger Aurilian Empire as a protectorate. Although a large part of their population is flocked as slave force, they are highly valued for their exotic colorful plumage as well as unique sets of beliefs gathering huge popularity within the Empire

Kuur Sil Kingdoms - a proud nation of falcon-like avians known for their honor and art of war. Unlike Aurilians however, they do not rely on any slave force and prefer more direct control of their territories with king being on the verge of a figurehead. Albeit with way weaker push towards trade, they are still a reasonable exporter of many rare ores within their space. They are also hiring themselves into Aurilian Navy as strategists or respective space ops to fight pirates.

Oulis Cartels - the biggest bane and saviour of Avis Cluster, the owl-like Oulis are divided into various corporations, syndicates and criminal organizations. They don't value spiritualism or honor, yet their ability to gather info and wealth - rivaling Aurilians - gave them a few advantages over other civilizations - such as control of Surrik Slipgate. While their customs may vary from system to system, the Oulis still perceive themselves as one despite "controlled anarchy".

Seh'lai Bandit Kingdoms - the "Far East" of the cluster is divided between bandit kingdoms that emerge and disappear depending on who maintains the power. While the exotic bird-wyvern Seh'lai rarely raid the "Center" and "West", although the pillaging expeditions still happen time to time. Some Seh'lai still choose to live within other civilizations as free souls. They are also rumored to be direct descendants of the proto-species to all inhabitants of Avis Cluster.

Eni Republic - the only "known" external power to inhabitants of the isolated star cluster. These slim badger-like mammalians create a highly egalitarian society that found itself as beacon of dialogue between the Cluster species and other galactic civilizations. While their young polity outright despise the Aurilian slavery, many of their citizens are simply mesmerized by cultures within Avis Cluster. Surrik Slipgate is the only means to reach their territory and rest of the galaxy.

Unknown Civilizations - a common name to all civilizations not known to Avis Cluster - at least officially. They are rumored to be non-avians, in majority resembling genetic type of inhabitants within Eni Republic, although in huge variety of shapes and forms. The main galaxy is great unknown, although estimated - both by research and gossips - to be dozen times bigger than Avis Cluster.