Human-centric
It is a human-dominated universe. As such, the core setting will primarily focus on development of human characters touching only briefly on a few non-human species. Aliens can be played, but they will certainly be a minority.
Cosmopolitan
Despite the dominance of humanity (Humans), a variety of aliens exist. The number of systems that aliens can call home range from zero to six or so (of these mostly in the outer-rim region). Even in the Federation, humans are still the great majority.
Interstellar travel
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Limited communication
What compounds this “age of sail” theme is that there are no forms of faster-than-light communication. Ansible, subspace radio, or hyper-wave communication technology is not available. Most interplanetary communication is handled by courier ships. These express boats (or ‘X-boats”) are small vessels with long-distance jump drives that travel between systems transmitting and receiving vital data. Systems not on a common X-boat route use mail runs brought in by visiting ships and traders. Otherwise they have to wait for the infrequent landing of an official X-boat courier.
A new feudalism
Limits on communication and transfer of information have lead to a decentralization of power, with a significant amount given to local officials. It takes approximately 40 weeks for messages to travel from the Imperium border to core-world sectors, and nearly 30 weeks for Federation space due to its more remote holdings. This isolation for planets mean that wars could be fought and resolved on the frontiers before a message gets to any remote administrative capital. Because of this, all kinds of agents have to show initiative and be reasonably independent from their corporate or political overlords.
In the Imperium, as local rulers aren’t directly controlled by a central authority, affairs are managed by a class of independent nobility. They commonly make use of classic titles such as Baron, Duke, and Archduke. For the Federation, system governors or magistrates wield power after decade long terms of appointment from the Federation Council.
The decentralization of authority is one means of coping with the difficulties imposed by the size of the galaxy, and limits of communication and transportation technology. This form of rule by loyalty to the Imperium based on granted nobility titles has created a proven stable form of government for the Imperium. While the Federation claims itself a republic, many systems under its control operate in a similar manner, leading some to think of the Federation as just an empire with a different name.
Non-utopian future
The human race and culture has not evolved into a superior state or philosophical ideal. People remain people. While some show courage, wisdom, and honesty, there are still cowards, fanatics, and criminals. Tensions are vented locally in small conflicts (and sometimes encouraged before they have a chance to reach regional-wide proportions). Planets are allowed to fight out internal wars provided they don't spill over into other systems. Capitalism is the major driving force of most civilization.
No Psionics
What is fascinating is that no species in the known universe has a form of telepathy or any other mental powers. Psionics is a phenomenon not encountered in the galaxy, however there are institutes and research facilities that continually try to prove otherwise.
No Prime Directive
There is typically no prohibition on contact or interference with other races protecting them from advanced technology. Economics and other factors that applied to exploration and colonization on Earth are the same factors that shape this universe. However, governments may quarantine planets with native primitive intelligent species. These interdicted worlds are commonly known as "Red Zones" based on the universal planet profile designation. However 'Red' (or the less restrictive 'Amber') zones are often used to protect interests of an interstellar government, not the native population.
The Trailing Gap
There is a band of planets and space tucked between the borders of the Imperium and Federation in the trailing rim. Scattered in this gap are planets that hold allegiance to one power or another. But a substantial amount of planets are independent, allowing agents from both the Imperium and Federation to operate within their systems. As such, many planets are on the frontier and underdeveloped. The region also borders a section of unexplored space which both powers consider a priority in investigating in order to claim key planets as their own.
[Note: Much of this is lifted from a campaign primer explaining the Traveller universe. No claim over any of this.]
