The Cosmos

Can be part of a group (such as a research/investigative organization), or rogue.

Enjoy tasks that involve charting new territory and are usually good at being undercover or sneaky.

Often carry equipment to make maps or to give them more cover.

Often have some kind of arsenal or technology to help with defending traveling partners

Usually are members of the the galaxy-wide peacekeeping squad (Galaxy Federation), or a local planetary government’s armed forces but can also be rogue or mercenary-esque.

Very aware of biochemical barriers and atmospheric limitations, usually have extensive knowledge about different aliens

Carry readers that give them chemical makeup of different aliens and the surroundings

Specialize in different methods to address for injury or sickness but (normally, if they’re reputable enough) provide species with biologically appropriate care

May often be members of the San Copernick’s Brigade or a local planet's hospital.

Everybody needs a good mechanic!

Like to repair equipment and androids, sometimes specialize in specific types of technology like ships, weaponry, etc.

Have an arsenal of tools to maintain and fix things, also tend to have thorough knowledge about equipment

Can be members of Galactic Corps of Engineers, a branch of the Galaxy Federation

Any number of other specialized tasks, the greatest “hodge podge” of the factions
Includes traders, smiths, and most other “residential” type of jobs (ie ones where the character tends to stay in one place and go to work).

Can be members of the Merchant Marines, officially sanctioned by the Galaxy Federation.

Tarires
Type IV
A hellish world tidally locked with its red dwarf star, leaving one face cast in an eternal night while the other half remains forever under the scorching glare of its sun. The only habitable region of this world are those falling in the twilight, however high radiation levels and frequent flares emitted from the star make even these habitats hazardous. Were it not for the lucrative mining facility there, no one would ever bother traveling to this world.

Habitability: Very dangerous even with protective gear.

Governance type: Lenient

Pluvidge
Type I
A lovely little world once inhabited by a long extinct civilization. Following a period of rapid technological advancement, the world was subject to excessive greenhouse effect which has left it hot and humid, experiencing rain storms virtually every day. The remains of the former inhabitants can be found amid the thick rainforests and new construction from settlers.

Habitability: Nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere with earth-like gravity. High levels of humidity can create long-term health effects for those not properly adapted to life there.

Governance type: Strict

Tonnerosa
Type III
A gas giant planet whose atmosphere is made up of valuable gas which is mined by several floating refineries owned and operated by private entities. Interpersonal crime is prevalent, but anything that might jeopardize the operation is quickly dealt with by security. Of the thirteen mining facilities there, twelve of them are said to be owned by the mysterious Mr. House, an elusive businessman whose reach extends far beyond Tonnerosa…

Habitability: A toxic atmosphere and extremely high levels of radiation make this world totally uninhabitable, and dangerous even with high level protective gear.

Governance type: Lenient (Badges not enforced)

The Hub
Type IV
Owned and operated by the elusive Mr. House, the Hub is a space station in orbit of the supermassive black hole. It is made up of over a hundred self-contained modules each with their own environments. Known as a nexus for trade, the station is full of dark secrets, and many naive travelers have disappeared into it never to be seen again...

Governance type: Lenient (Badges not enforced)

Zero
Type II
Zero, short for “Ground Zero”, is the colloquialism used for the apocalyptic world of Rikka. Rikka was once the homeworld of an advanced race of space-faring people known as the Wari. After a violent civil war broke out, their planet was reduced to the equivalent of an atomic cinder. What remains is nothing more than a wasteland inhabited by irradiated people scavenging for whatever scraps they can get. For those willing to risk the locals and the radiation, however, the world is a junkyard gem full of valuable technology (it might need a bit of a tuneup) just waiting for someone to come and retrieve it.

Governance type: Lenient

First Fall
Type I
Over hundreds of years, humans have found themselves drawn into the Bermuda Pyramid Galaxy by some means or another. These humans have colonized at least three other systems in their new home galaxy, and have established themselves as a continual presence in the region. First Fall is a terrestrial world not dissimilar from Earth, and is the seat of Terrans in this galaxy.

Governance type: Strict

Kapoko
Type I
Kapoko's land is overrun by the species kapo that bear a strange resemblance to Earth's Strigops habroptila, or kakapo. They face no known predators and are a bit more aggressive than their Earthly brethren. There exists a small colony of humans on the planet that crash landed there some time ago. Due to the impenetrable canopy and hostile natives the rescue mission has been delayed. Its primary biomes include dense, temperate tropical rain forests and coastal areas. 85% of its surface is covered by oceans teeming with vast, colorful life, the prime example of which being its coral reefs.

According to many historians in the region, the Atheons were the first advanced race to develop in this little corner of space. Remnants of their technology can be found upon countless worlds in the sector, some of which is still functional. There are rumors that there is an Atheon station still functioning in the region, and if so, it would be a treasure trove for those daring enough to board it.
Appearance: Unknown.

One of the most influential races in the region, the Palians possess more colonies than any of the other local species. They are technologically advanced and socially cosmopolitan, possessing impressive technology, a powerful military, and a peaceful ideology. The Palian Republic is said to be the beacon of civilization in the region. Their homeworld is known as Palia.
Appearance: Humanoid with dusky blue or green skin, flat noses, pointed ears, and completely devoid of any hair on the tops of their heads (although their men do occasionally grow beards).

The Eareans are a beautiful race of slender humanoids from the world of Evester whose technology rivals even that of the Palians, however they devote their efforts towards the arts and philosophy rather than the expansion of their people.
Appearance: Similar to the Pearls from Valerian, but centaurian.

A diminutive, childlike race from the world of Kaholint, the Tokipona build no technology of their own, but scavenge from whatever they can get their hands on. They are often seen smudged with dirt on space stations and backwater worlds, hoarding whatever tech they can.
Appearance: Similar to furre children, but with brightly colored hair and eyes.

The Aquivers are a unique race of space-faring humanoids from the planet of Evera. They are covered in short blue or purple fur, hoofed feet, large eyes, pointed ears, stalk-like protrusions from their heads and no mouths.

Short, insectoid masters of trade, the Ohachi are renown merchants and tradesmen who are also frequently sought out for their diplomatic prowess. The Ohachi are not fighters, but the financial backing of an Ohachi trade alliance is practically a prerequisite to a successful campaign.

The Wari are a tragic race. Nearly one hundred years ago, their world became entrenched in civil war that turned nuclear and left the entire system uninhabitable. Those who escaped live in nomadic bands aboard scattered fleets of ships, desperately searching for a new world to colonize.
Appearance: Reptilian.

The Tunglers are a race of gigantic humanoids. They have alabaster skin, no body hair, and stand between eight and twelve feet tall. They are infamous for their tendency toward violence, and are quick to engage other races, pillaging worlds and pirating ships. They have universally rejected membership into the Galaxy Federation, and tensions are high between the two groups.
Appearance: Similar to the Engineers of the “Alien” film series.

That’s right--humans! Over the centuries, some earthlings have wound up transported to this distant galaxy by some means or another. Although small in numbers compared to the Palians or Eareans, they have established themselves as a permanent presence in the Bermuda Triangle Galaxy.

Human-like races exist all throughout the universe, having evolved on numerous worlds across multiple galaxies. Players are free to invent their own brand of ‘humanoids’ and to spruce them up with traits unique to their race (i.e. blue skin, horns, etc).

Androids are living beings that are fully constructed with technology instead of having evolved from the process of biology and evolution. In BPG most often androids are constructed by Dr Domo. They can travel freely throughout the galaxy and hop planet to planet without hassle, as long as their construction is sound. They cannot eat food, however, and may have idiosyncrasies depending on their software.

Cyborgs have bodies that are a mixture of organic matter and tech. Some cyborgs are more tech than organic, and others are the opposite. The machinery integrated with their body often gives them different capabilities than their solely organic counterparts (though any single advancement one gains will also come with extra limits and disadvantages). Cyborgs are different from those who use protective gear or utilize common technology in the galaxy, in that the technology they use is entwined to become part of their body itself.

A mega-corporation founded on Big Planet, Dr Domo is responsible for nearly all of the technology manufactured in the region -- and they specialize in the development of androids.

The long-standing rivalry between Dr Domo and The Hub has been going on for so long that nobody’s quite sure what started it, however it’s clear that relations between the two aren’t going to cool anytime soon.

In a seemingly altruistic act, those who arrive in the Bermuda Pyramid Galaxy dead are placed in new bodies -- be they android or biosynthetic. That said, there are rumors that the cost associated with this second chance at life may be more than the survivor’s bargained on...

Owned and operated by the elusive Mr. House, the Hub is a space station in orbit of the supermassive black hole. It is made up of over a hundred self-contained modules each with their own environments. Known as a nexus for trade, the station is full of dark secrets, and many naive travelers have disappeared into it never to be seen again...

Mr. House himself is an elusive and enigmatic individual from Palia. He started his career in finance, and has since become the owner and operator of The Hub. On the surface, he appears calm and charismatic, and his record is squeaky clean.

Look a little bit deeper, and you’ll find that his business has dealings in nearly all crime that occurs in the region. He employs legions of relentless mercenaries, and rarely reveals himself in person. Some say that the grudge between his organization and Dr Domo goes more than skin deep...

Prime Minister Valoon is the leader of the Palian people. Despite his advanced age, his wit is as sharp as ever. He served in the military for ten years before entering politics, and worked his way up from senator all the way to the highest office in their society. He is calm, collected, and well-spoken, and as much a diplomat as a military leader.

The Galaxy Federation is a peacekeeping organization representing all the major worlds and peoples in the Bermuda Pyramid Galaxy. It is lead by a council of representatives who help coordinate resources, resolve disputes, and keep the peace when necessary.

The Peacekeepers are the military arm of the Galaxy Federation, however their jurisdiction is limited to interstellar space except when a member nation requests their presence to help provide planetary defense.

The Galaxy Federation’s primary function is to deter and defuse instances of hostility between member states, and to help organize humanitarian aid when called upon.

The charitable organization takes its name after its founder, the Wari physician who founded this association of medics and healers 100 years ago after the tragedy that struck his own homeworld. Akin to the human “physicians without borders”, the San Copernick Brigade owns and operates a small fleet of medical craft dedicated to delivering medical care to worlds where there is a lack of healthcare infrastructure. They are contracted to the Galaxy Federation and are generally free to travel wherever they choose to without harassment.

Also known as the Ohachiona ("Ohachi-guild"), the Merchant Marines consist of a fleet of trade vessels which pride themselves on being able to provide any good or service in the galaxy. They are expert tradesmen with representation from nearly every race in the region. Despite their official sanction by the Galaxy Federation, it’s a well known secret that not all of their dealings fall perfectly in line with the law. That said, they unanimously refuse to deal in the trafficking of persons -- for that, they say you should go to The Hub.

A society of engineers, machinists, tinkerers, and tech-savvy individuals. The Corps of Engineers operates similar to a guild, setting prices for services, engaging in collective bargaining, etc. Despite their engineering skill, the Tokipona have almost universally rejected membership into the Corps, deciding that they prefer to work as freelancers.