| The Formidine Rift is galactic region #31 in the Milky Way. It is bordered by Errant Marches, Elysian Shore, and Kepler's Crest. By the early 34th century, the Formidine Rift had gained a reputation as an anomalous area where ships often disappeared, due in part to its extremely low stellar density which made it difficult to traverse. It was eventually discovered that the region contained a derelict Megaship named The Zurara, which was one of four secret expeditions launched in 3270 by Project Dynasty. The Zurara had been tasked with charting Earth-like worlds for future colonisation, but the crew was massacred by brainwashed sleeper agents to ensure that the vessel would never return after it completed its task. The mystery of the Formidine Rift finds a genesis in Drew Wagar Oolite Saga. The third installment of this saga makes a reference to the Formidine Rift where we read that, “Thargoid incursions into the Formidine Rift appear to be increasing dramatically.” Oolite is an unofficial remake of the original 1984 game Elite and share similarities to the Elite: Dangerous universe. Though there are many similarities there are also plenty of differences. Drew Wagar readily admits that the Oolite Saga is a work of fan fiction. The Formidine Rift became an official part of the Elite: Dangerous universe when Drew was given the opportunity to write an official novel as a companion to the game. Drew has confirmed that the developers included the Formidine Rift and a mysterious something to be found inside it in the game and that this something has been present since it was initially released. Drew’s book, Reclamation follows the adventures of Lady Kahina Tijani Loren, third daughter to the prior imperial senator to Chione, Senator Algreb Loren. During the adventure Kahina, while suffering from amnesia and using the name ‘Salomé’, meets an old Elite Commander who tells her of a place known as the Formidine Rift. She didn’t disclose too many details… just the description that the Formidine Rift is located somewhere near the ‘edge of the galactic arm’ and a simple line in space drawn through the systems of Reorte and Riedquat and beyond points to the location of the Formidine Rift. Later in the novel Kahina hacks into a video archive made by the lady when she was younger and discovers that there is something out there that GalCop, the Federation and the Empire were all trying to keep secret from the rest of the galaxy. CMDR Acaelus Thorn is one of the earliest known explorers to go searching for the mystery of the Formidine Rift. Since then, many have gone searching for the mystery, yet none have found an answer. |
