Pha
A term used by J'sia of Jesikara (world) to denote a place of pseudo-religious significance.
During the Long Night, the J’sia were led by their Intelligence Crafters Guild, who became perturbed at the levels of violence shown among many cultures. They decided that J’sia missionaries should visit primitive or technologically regressed worlds, and "elevate" them. This was the so-called "God Maker" program, that used religious awe to influence -- or attempt to influence -- lower-tech societies. Extensive use was made of drones crafted to resemble gods, spirits, prophets, or demons; starships were built with holographic systems that disguised them as angelic visitors. Flashy technological tricks were used to provide special effects. The God Maker project enjoyed some success, but also suffered several dramatic failures in which cultures were stunted or warped in unexpected ways. These failures came to a head about the time of first contact with the expanding Sylean Federation. This contact led to the program being halted, partly due to Human pressure. The God Makers were declared unethical by the Institute of Ethical Solutions, and ceased to be official J’sia policy.
The legacy of the program was the string of worlds across spinward Lishun Sector, especially Shuun and Pryden subsectors, carrying a "Pha" designation. These include:
- Kulas Pha (world)
- Mabod Pha (world)
- Maneg Pha (world)
- Nara Pha (world)
- Nora Pha (world)
- Panak Pha (world)
- Ranor Pha (world)
- Rolae Pha (world)
- Sered Pha (world)
- Sorsa Pha (world)
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
- Steve Jackson, Loren Wiseman. Alien Races 4 (Steve Jackson Games, 2001), .