Ranged weapons are uncommon, personal shields making melee weapons far more dominant. Land is considered the main source of power. Mechs, and mech pilots, both called Knights, are rare and expensive, but powerful enough they dominate warfare for those rich enough to afford them. The solar system is mostly colonized, but a lack of ftl travel has severely restricted travel outside it. Nations have taken a backseat to Dynastic Allegiance. Slavery is legal, serfdom is still common.