Stargate Atlantis RPG

The Ancients: Civilization and Technological Heritage

The Lanteans, a branch of the Ancients who built Atlantis, were a civilization of near-absolute scientific mastery. Their technology was based on a combination of advanced engineering, exotic energy, and advanced neuro-technological integration.

They primarily use energy from the ZPM (Zero Point Extractor), derived from the quantum vacuum, capable of powering gigantic structures like Atlantis or entire fleets for years. Their systems are based on a mental interface, ATA, allowing individuals carrying the gene to intuitively activate doors, weapons, vehicles, or defense systems.

Their technological architecture includes:

Aurora-class ships, capable of intergalactic travel, equipped with AI-guided autonomous drones, multi-layered shields, and faster-than-light hyperdrive.

Modular outposts and cities, like Atlantis, are veritable energy hubs, equipped with self-healing systems and AI supervision.

Next-generation Stargates, ultra-stable, capable of long-distance connections and equipped with integrated security protocols.

Genetic manipulation technologies, including the creation of the ATA gene itself, and various advanced biological programs.

Sophisticated energy weapons: drones, defense satellites, containment fields, long-range neutralization systems.

The Ancients favoured finesse: precise, efficient, elegant technology — but always measured by a philosophy of non-intervention… except when their survival demands it.

The Wraith

The Wraith are a hybrid species born from the union of humans and Iratus-like insectoids. Their evolution has made them physically powerful, endowed with exceptional cellular regeneration and near-limitless longevity. They do not feed on conventional food; they subsist on the life force of humans, which they drain using a biological enzyme. This dependence has shaped their entire culture, strategy, and technology.

The Wraith are a feudal society, divided into dominant Queens, Commanders, and drones. Each Queen rules over a hive ship and a fleet that obeys her. Internal politics are based on temporary alliances, regular betrayals, and a constant war of influence for control of prey worlds.

Their technology is of organo-biological origin. Their ships—hive ships, cruisers, and darts—are literally alive. They regenerate themselves, adapt to damage, and respond to the neural impulses of their pilots. Wraith hive ships are colossal structures capable of transporting thousands of warriors and cultivating their own biomass. Darts, small hunters capable of teleporting captives, form the core of their capture operations.

Their communications and interfaces rely on a form of amplified telepathy, granting them formidable tactical coordination. Even weakened by centuries of slumber and internal wars, the Wraith remain a silent threat: unpredictable, ravenous, and capable of rebirth as long as a Queen survives.

The Wraith view humans as livestock essential to their survival. Their army obeys the Queens, with commanders to lead fleets and hives, supported by soldier drones.

Origins of the Conflict The war between the Lanteans and the Wraith began approximately 10,000 years ago when the Lanteans colonized the Pegasus Galaxy. Their advanced technology fostered the development of numerous human societies. However, the evolution of iratus insectoids that absorbed human DNA gave rise to the Wraith, an intelligent, telepathic species that feeds on human life force. Their rapid reproduction and aggressive nature quickly escalated this initial contact into all-out war.

Technological Superiority vs. Digital Superiority The Lanteans are technologically dominant:

Aurora ships

drones,

ZPM shields,

intergalactic gate networks. However, the Wraith possess a decisive advantage: their number. Each Lantean victory is offset by the demographic growth of the Wraith, who are able to convert their victims into new forces.

Gradual Decline Over millennia, the Lanteans lost colony after colony. The Wraith developed tactics, suicide attacks, biohacking, and massive assaults against Lantean ships. Wraith guerrillas overwhelmed the logistical capabilities of the Lantean empire. Morale plummeted, infrastructure crumbled, and the ZPMs became insufficient to maintain a constant defense.

The Final Retreat The Lanteans finally retreated to Atlantis, the empire's last stronghold. Despite their efforts, they were surrounded and overwhelmed. Unable to overcome a certain extinction, they flooded the city and fled towards the Milky Way, abandoning Pegasus to the Wraith.

Aftermath The Wraith entered a prolonged slumber, the absence of a consolidated human empire reducing their prey. For 10,000 years, the galaxy lived under their domination until the reactivation of Atlantis by humans, an event that reopened a conflict that was never truly over.

Origin and Mission The Atlantis Expedition is an international scientific and military mission launched by Earth through the SGC. Selected for its diversity and expertise, it comprises civilians, military personnel, engineers, doctors, and ATA experts. Its initial mission was the exploration of Atlantis, the search for Lantean technologies, and the study of the Pegasus Galaxy. After the Wraith siege, it became a survival force, responsible for the safety of the city and its local human population.

Structure and Command The expedition is led by Dr. Elizabeth Weir, a diplomatic and humanitarian figure. She oversees:

a military team led by Lieutenant-Colonel John Sheppard,

a scientific department under the responsibility of Dr. Rodney McKay,

medical, technical and logistical units ensuring the vital functioning of the city. The expedition still depends on Earth, but operates with increasing autonomy.

Resources and Challenges Humans face a chronic lack of energy, offensive capabilities, and personnel. Despite this, they manage to restore Atlantis, forge alliances with various Pegasus civilizations, and counter the Wraith. Their continued existence is based on adaptability, ingenuity, and the use of the ATA gene.

Relationship with the Ancients The discovery of Lantean survivors profoundly alters their status. Humans are no longer isolated explorers, but become the unwitting inheritors of a millennia-old legacy. The Warriors recognize their worth, while keeping a close eye on their decisions. The expedition must now reconcile:

respect for the ancient culture,

strategic autonomy,

coexistence with a much more advanced civilization.

Central role The human expedition is the link between the ancient Lantean empire and the future of Atlantis. Through their courage and adaptability, they become the first true partners of the Lanteans since the city's fall.

Universe Bible – Return of the Ancient Warriors

General framework After the Wraith siege, the reactivation of Atlantis by humans triggers an ancient military protocol. This signal reaches Saran'thos, an Lantean outpost located in a small dwarf galaxy near Pegasus. This base is a scaled-down replica of Atlantis, roughly three times smaller, built by a forgotten faction: the Warriors of Kalanis.

The Warriors of Kalanis Ten thousand years ago, during the fall of Atlantis, 4,000 Lantean soldiers refused to abandon Pegasus. After fighting until the defensive lines collapsed, they evacuated aboard Aurora ships, Lantean cruisers, and an Ark, taking refuge in the dwarf galaxy Sarannis. Their goal: to preserve Lantean war memory and cultural heritage.

Saran'thos A major oceanic outpost, Saran'thos maintains:

military and historical archives,

stasis systems for several thousand Lanteans

ship docks

an advanced command center. Powered by ZPMs, the base is designed for long-term survival, not for total war.

The Return The signal from Atlantis awakens the fleet: a fully operational Aurora, a second damaged one, several cruisers, and the Ark carrying the survivors in stasis. The Warriors return to Pegasus with a clear mission: to protect Atlantis, the ultimate jewel of their civilization.

Relationships with humans Not hostile, they acknowledge the courage of the expedition and propose balanced cooperation. Their priority is not domination, but the preservation of Lantean heritage and the security of the city.

Central issue For the first time in 10,000 years, living Lanteans and humans share the same city. Between cooperation, cultural clash, and strategic stakes, Atlantis becomes the heart of a new era where heritage, alliance, and rebirth intertwine.