The Pearl String Model
The Ember Galaxies universe is structured as a linear chain — not a random scatter of galaxies. This is by design.
Structure
G1 ← G2 ← G3 ← ... ← G10 ← ... ← G100| Level | Count | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxies | 100 | G1 to G100, arranged like a string of pearls |
| Systems | 300 | Per galaxy |
| Planets | 10-30 | Per system (normal distribution, avg 20) |
| Total planets | ~9 million |
Why Linear?
- Natural progression — Players expand from their starting galaxy outward
- Dynamic Spawning — New players are spawned in higher galaxies based on current population density and activity levels
- Natural frontier — Distance increases linearly as you push further
- Endgame geography — G1 (bottom) is veteran no-man's-land
Travel Times
| Range | Time |
|---|---|
| Within same system | Minutes to <1 hour |
| System to system | Hours |
| Galaxy to galaxy | Days to weeks (linear scaling) |
Starting Position
New players are spawned dynamically in higher galaxies to avoid overcrowded zones and high-activity areas, ensuring a balanced start away from the immediate chaos of veteran clusters.
The Mid-Game Driver
As empires grow, resources become scarce in safe zones. The natural pressure is to migrate upward into higher galaxies, as lower galaxies become overcrowded or devastated by conflict, driving empires toward the frontier.