Voluntarily Regressive World
The Voyagers and the Dark Age had a massive psychological impact on the population of the Distant Fringe. The Voyagers consumed all advanced technology they could find and killed countless billions as they did so. Those worlds that survived the Voyagers often did so by abandoning their technology and existing at a lower level of advancement.
Details / Specifications
The Dark Age lasted for around 850 years - more or less 30 generations - and what started as a survival tactic became a way of life and a culture. Lower technology became the normal – the only – way to live. When these survivor worlds were recontacted by explorers and scouts during the Renaissance period, many displayed strong technophobia and a reluctance to actively reenter the interstellar community.
More than a millennia later most of those worlds are now far less paranoid, but most still choose to remain at a less advanced level of existence. They shun advanced equipment and devices for fear of the consequences should the Voyagers return and the Distant Fringe be plunged into a new Dark Age.
- Such communities may hold archives of ancient wisdom or caches of advanced items.
Social Considerations
- Locals may be uncomfortable around items of advanced technology. Some may be actively hostile.
- Locals may attempt to destroy technology - occasionally rituals may be involved.
- Locals may display xenophobic behavior, particularly towards non-human sophonts.
- Local technology, though basic, is often ingenious and has proved effective and efficient over thousands of years. Locals will generally place their trust in familiar equipment that has stood the test of time.
- Technological advancement many be actively discouraged. Improvements or modifications may
Legal Considerations
- Items of advanced technology may be seized by authorities upon leaving the starport.
- Those found in possession of advanced technology may face arrest, legal prosecution and imprisonment or execution.
- Individuals may be subjected to a "show trial" with broad media coverage to actively discourage others.
Local Attitudes
The inhabitants of Voluntarily Regressive Worlds generally embrace their low technology, taking pride in the simplicity of their lives and their practicality. Occasionally the degree of advancement may be imposed on the population by a powerful ruling authority. In such circumstances there may be an illicit trade in advanced equipment, with items commanding premium prices.
- Technological limitations may take the form of strict guidelines or decrees enforced by governmental authorities.
The diverse nature of human psychology means that there are likely to be a few individuals from these worlds who seek to leave their backward homes and find their fates among the stars. Assisting such runaways or refugees may have severe social and legal repercussions.
Recent Regressionism
On some worlds survivalist and isolationist communities have formed, made up of individuals who choose to live apart from others and embrace what they see as a simpler, easier, or safer way of life. Such communities may operate along quasi-military lines and are often made up of self-reliant individuals who will actively attempt to remove, impound or destroy inappropriate technology.
References & Contributors / Sources
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- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science