Stargates of The MiddleVerse 

The MiddleVerse is an ancient and vast expanse, a cosmic stage where civilisations have risen, thrived and fallen across aeons of time. It is a universe rich in variety, teeming with life and bound by intricate laws set by the enigmatic creators known as the Ancients. These beings, whose origins and motives are beyond the comprehension of most sentient species - aside the House of Tempus - envisioned The MiddleVerse as a place where the "all that is" could experience itself in the most infinite plurality imaginable. To achieve this, they set into motion a cosmos of unimaginable complexity, where every possibility could be explored and where the unpredictable outcomes of countless interactions would shape the destiny of the cosmos.

The Role of the Ancients and the House of Tempus

At the dawn of The MiddleVerse, the Ancients established certain fundamental principles to guide its development. Amongst their most significant creations was the House of Tempus, a race of beings existing outside the traditional boundaries of time and space. The House of Tempus was tasked with overseeing the flow of time itself, ensuring that it remains in balance and that the natural order of this universe is maintained. Unlike other beings, the House of Tempus is not bound by linear time; they exist simultaneously at every point in time and across all dimensions, observing the unfolding of events with an impartial eye.

The House of Tempus was created with the mandate to interfere only when absolutely necessary. Their interventions are rare and often subtle, nudging events in the right direction or preventing catastrophic disruptions to the timelines. Their presence is a constant, yet they remain largely unseen and unknown to the inhabitants of The MiddleVerse. It was understood that life should be allowed to continue as it would, with all its inherent unpredictability, challenges and growth. Tempus, therefore, are the guardians of time and lore, ensuring that The MiddleVerse can fulfill its purpose as a stage for consciousness to evolve.

The Rise of Civilisations and the Advent of Stargate Technology

Over the course of countless aeons, life in The MiddleVerse evolved from its earliest, most primitive societies to highly advanced civilisations capable of interstellar travel. As these cultures reached higher levels of technological and spiritual development, they began to unlock the secrets of the universe, including the manipulation of space and time. One of the most significant advancements made by these civilisations was the development of Stargate technology.

Stargates, as they came to be known, are devices that create stable, traversable wormholes between two distant points in space, allowing for instantaneous travel across vast distances. This technology represented a profound leap forward for any civilisation that mastered it, effectively rendering the limitations of physical space meaningless. Stargates enable the free exchange of culture, knowledge and resources between civilisations separated by vast galactic distances, fostering a greater sense of unity and shared purpose among the various peoples of The MiddleVerse.

The origins of Stargate technology are as varied as the civilisations that created them. Some are complex structures, carved from stone and powered by the natural energies of the cosmos. Others are highly sophisticated devices made from advanced materials and infused with the technological prowess of civilisations that have reached stellar or even galactic levels of development. The House of Selvans, for instance, possesses the innate ability to create energy portals through which they can traverse interstellar distances instantaneously. This power, rooted in their deep connection to the cosmic energies that govern the cosmos, was later shared with the House of Abraxas, allowing the Abraxians to use it on an individual level, besides their own forms of Stargate technology - the Aethergates.

Stargates are found in all manner of environments across The MiddleVerse. They can be hidden deep within ancient caves, perched atop towering mountains, embedded into the sides of cliffs, or even submerged beneath the oceans. Some were built by civilisations that have long since fallen into ruin, now forgotten relics of a bygone era, although still very functional, while others remain active, serving as vital links in the network of interstellar travel that connects The MiddleVerse. These gateways are particularly abundant on planets with cultures that have reached Level 3 or above on the scale of civilisational development.

Civilisational Levels in The MiddleVerse:

- Level 0: Primitive - Societies that have yet to achieve planetary unification or significant technological advancement.
- Level 1: Planetary - Civilisations that have unified their planet - while maintaining cultural differences between nations - and possess the technology to harness their world's resources effectively.
- Level 2: Stellar - Civilisations capable of space travel and colonising their star system.
- Level 3: Interstellar or Galactic - Civilisations that have expanded beyond their home system, mastering interstellar travel and establishing a presence across the galaxy.
- Level 4: Universal - Civilisations with the ability to traverse and influence the entirety of the the MiddleVerse.
- Level 5: Multiversal - A theoretical level of development that no known civilisation in the MiddleVerse's history has achieved - with perhaps the exception of the House of Tempus - where a civilisation has the power to traverse and influence multiple universes.

The history of The MiddleVerse is marked by cycles of growth and decay, where civilisations rise to great heights only to fall into ruin. This cycle is driven by a multitude of factors, including cosmic influences, war, self-destruction and the inexorable passage of time itself. The scholars of the House of Abraxas have long studied this phenomenon, seeking to understand why civilisations so often succumb to their own internal strife. They attribute much of this cycle of rise and fall to the manipulations of the House of Draco - the reptilian species known for their cunning, ambition and ability to subvert and control other civilisations.

The Draconians have been a persistent threat throughout the history of The MiddleVerse, using their shapeshifting abilities and technological prowess to sow discord and destabilise other Houses. They have engineered various species, such as the Akulans (sentient Chondrichthyes), the Upiór (a vampiric race), and the Udo (Lycans), to further their own ends. Despite the efforts of the House of Abraxas and their allies, the Draconians have remained a formidable adversary, always seeking new ways to extend their influence and control over The MiddleVerse.

The Role of Stargates in Civilisational Exchange

Despite the dangers posed by the House of Draco, the development and widespread use of Stargate technology have been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity amongst the multiple civilisations of The MiddleVerse. These gateways have allowed for the exchange of culture, technology and knowledge on an unprecedented scale. Civilisations that once existed in isolation have been able to connect with others, broadening their understanding of the cosmos and their place within it.

The Houses of Leo & Abraxas, in particular, have been a leading force in promoting the use of Stargates for peaceful and constructive purposes. They have facilitated the sharing of knowledge and technology across The MiddleVerse, helping to uplift less advanced civilisations and encouraging cooperation between different Houses. This has led to a greater sense of interconnectedness and mutual respect amongst the peoples of The MiddleVerse, even as they continue to face the challenges posed by the Draco and other threats.

However, as with any powerful technology, Stargates can be used for both good and ill. The House of Draco has been known to exploit Stargate technology for their own nefarious purposes. This has led to a continuous struggle between the forces of light and darkness, with the Guardians of The MiddleVerse - the elite group of warriors drawn from the most advanced Houses - acting as the defenders of peace and balance.

The Guardians of The MiddleVerse and the Unseen Struggle

The Guardians are an elite group of warriors, selected from the most exceptional individuals across The MiddleVerse. They possess not only extraordinary physical abilities and combat skills but also a deep understanding of the unseen energy that binds the cosmos. The Guardians operate in the shadows, protecting The MiddleVerse from larger galactic threats, particularly those posed by the House of Draco.

Their role is largely one of subtle influence, guiding events and maintaining balance without drawing attention to themselves. When necessary, however, they are capable of manifesting enormous power, enough to turn the tide of entire battles. The Guardians are revered throughout The cosmos as the ultimate protectors of peace and their presence serves as a constant reminder of the ongoing struggle between the forces of light and darkness.

The Infinite Plurality of The MiddleVerse

The MiddleVerse, with its unimaginable age, countless galaxies and innumerable planets, is a place of infinite possibilities. It is a universe where sentient life has flourished and multiplied, where civilisations have risen to great heights and where the cycle of growth and decay continues to play out across aeons of time. The creation of Stargate technology has been a pivotal development in the history of The MiddleVerse, allowing for the free exchange of ideas, culture and technology between civilisations.

Yet, The MiddleVerse remains a place of both great promise and great peril. The forces of darkness, embodied by the House of Draco and their creations, continue to pose a threat to the stability of this universe. The Guardians of The MiddleVerse stand as the last line of defense, protecting the cosmos from those who would seek to upset the delicate balance that the Ancients envisioned.

In time, more of The MiddleVerse's secrets will be revealed, as the stories of its peoples, their struggles and their triumphs continue to unfold. The MiddleVerse is not just a place; it is a living, breathing entity. It is the canvas upon which the "all that is" can experience itself in the most infinite plurality imaginable. And in this grand tapestry, every civilisation, every creature and every individual has a role to play in the ongoing drama of existence - what the House of Tempus calls the Cosmic Dance.