This is the universe. A vast, vast place that holds countless secrets and stories. However, it's currently engaged in a never-ending war. Civilizations within the observable universe, in addition to dealing with themselves and their internal problems, must battle threats such as endless plagues, unexplained anomalies, primordial abominations, and other such madness. The main problem right now, however, is the Vortex Empire, a civilization of absolute lunatics who are fanatics of black holes, fighting, destruction, and, curiously, also democracy. Yes, it has nothing of an empire about it, despite its name. (Enter information about your character, civilization, or group. The more the better.)