Quote:
Originally Posted by maximara
I doubt a TL 12 galaxy would care much for gold .
|
Just replace "gold" with any material with useful properties. Something being used as energy sources, in the production of energy sources, reactor shielding, crucial parts of computers, construction, production, entertainment or anything else.
Star systems that allow for easier creation of useful substances will be valuable to everyone. Depending on the rarity of these star systems and the people able to utilize whatever force is behind magic, having control of just a single of these systems (and enough people that can utilize magic) could make a faction a major player on a galactic scale.
Note that if Gate spells exist, travel between magic enabled systems would also be a lot easier than between any other system. This would make for some interesting tactical and strategic considerations.
If it was only discovered in a specific system due to the inhabitants of that system, events will likely be unkind to that system and the inhabitants. Every known system will likely be examined as fast as possible, the inhabitants of the original system will likely be thoroughly examined by every other species. If the setting is actually resembling "Hard SF" (with allowance for magic), there
will be something to discover and replicate. A lot of the examination will likely be unpleasant for those inhabitants.