As the interplanetary trade routes collapse, a new dark age begins. The darkness is even deeper on what was once Earth, now split between Terra and Oceania, since Luna, the Earth’s moon, has become a black hole.
On the surface, people and sentient animals, including pigs and monkeys, build kingdoms around ancient artifacts and empires around massive AI pyramids. In total darkness, something new begins to take shape. The AI-run empires compete in secret, gathering weapons and relics from earlier epochs, constructing underground factories, and breeding new mutants to dominate the oceans and control the critical channels.
Material culture is in decline. People, mutants, and animals rely on simple, almost primitive tools, while the AI empires monopolize mining and manufacturing. In contrast, spiritual culture flourishes: almost everyone follows the new religion of Boddhi the fogskin, who is said to have brought new life to the Solar System. With virtual reality, gaming, and entertainment now irrelevant, people turn to organic food, storytelling, and philosophy, searching for new meaning in their existence.
This is not an epoch of grand adventures or legendary heroes. Instead, simple sentient creatures share their passions and patiently work to restore the lost glories of their human ancestors. The food is nourishing. The stories inspire. The roads are perilous. Imperial spies in vantablack coats slip through the shadows. The night is utterly black, lit only by the distant stars above.
Originally created May 5, 2025, this living article will evolve. As new events and stories are documented, this record will be updated accordingly.