With the galaxy in shambles, something stirs in the great dark... "Piracy," unlike what was previously called, has shown us charlatans swindling credits from unsuspecting merchants or one-trick nerf herders convincing trusted but misguided members of high commands to loot their organizations so others can enter stranded ships and raid. While triumphant and successful, these are greater days of brazen behavior unlike any seen before, where fortune hunters seize goods and ships in one fell swoop, and the old ways are becoming more obsolete.

Before, it was simple, and the masses were divided between the Galactic Empire and the powers of the Rebellion against it. With so few ready to be different, those with the guts and determination to risk everything rose in frequency, separate from this intergalactic struggle, both in crime and legitimacy. A few bands of cutthroats led the charge, efforts that led to governments rising and spinning off sub-organizations of their own, further fracturing the galaxy into a murky mess of the powerful vying for control over the teeming masses to quash influence.

The closures and subsequent takeovers created a vacuum of credit absorption and loss of free will, as many fought in a twisted contest of sorts where the winners not only took all but snatched others of their livelihood. It is here where we find ourselves: dealing with the crushing control of cities, worlds, and sectors as they are locked down and claimed by the old guard of the galaxy. These powers, though lacking organization, continue to become apathetic to their people's needs. This is a cracked and crumbled part of the foundation of entities everywhere, leaving gaping holes where anyone with the right tactics, ships, and bravado can exploit the space lanes.

An age unlike any seen before, even surpassing the clash of the corsairs of the past, when a few organization names scorched the galaxy every so often and rarely received any resistance because the competition was so little and the abilities so scarce. Yet now, we stand shoulder to shoulder with one another, facing the enduring spirit of change as it sweeps through this galaxy like a mad purgil on ryll.

Clamping down on those malcontented with the harsh rules of law, seeking to crush the true rebellious spirit yearning to breathe free, the dictators across the galaxy isolate and shutter off access, aware of what vile creature has been spawned from the void. Each establishment attempts to stamp out this rise of crime in their respective domains, only to face a true and terrible fact: their very actions empower those that will strike their colors and raise the black or red or whatever flag they set sail under.

Privateers with Letters of Marque, mercenaries with contracts, bandits seeking naught but loot and to slay the next victim, and pirates who are done with the yoke of governmental control over them – it is all on the rise, and through it all, we will see the galaxy burn with more than a mere civil war. While so-called rebellious governments struggle to maintain order and delusional superpowers wait for their mega-powerful weapons to be produced, the galaxy sits ripe with opportunity for anyone brave enough to seize opportunities.

Gone are the days of relative safety, where you could enter any territory seeking to conduct business with no conflict. Lost are the times of governments and corporations alike guaranteeing safe passage in all systems. Filling their cash boxes with the blood, sweat, and tears of the very people they claim to be providing privileges for. That age has been fractured, and in its dying era, some will succeed, and others will survive, but that flame now rises, no matter how many system blockades those trying to rule by trade restrictions and military strength endeavor to impose.

This isn't about labels or infamy – who took what or how shiny or dull it is. What crew did what or to whom or how great they are and why. Who has the biggest bounty or who is most feared. None of that matters. It all washes out in the end, and drums keep beating for tyranny and the war machine.

This is about freedom, and if you're not living on your own terms, you only think you have it. Of course, some don't want it. They rather take bad wages and follow someone for a cause that may only somewhat resonate with them, living by their own means, chasing what they want. Worse than that, they take the safety of guaranteed pay to compromise their own ethics, so long as it doesn't make waves. Most call it survival; the unchained call it servitude.

Only a small percentage of the masses are really loyal and dedicated to their cause and prefer to elevate others above themselves like they are superior beings. For true pirates, though, there are no gods, no kings, and no masters in this one and only true rebellion.