The Federal Encyclopedia is the cornerstone reference work of the Federal Confederation, first published in 2634 under the supervision of the Federal Council and written primarily by GAIA. It consolidates historical, scientific, social, and technological knowledge into a single curated work, reflecting the values of sustainability, education, and collective identity central to Communardism.

Replacing the abolished “Web,” the Encyclopedia ensures knowledge remains accessible in a low-energy, paper-based format. It is published and distributed under the oversight of the Federal News Agency and is available in the reference sections of all Federal Libraries.

The Federal Encyclopedia was introduced alongside the founding of the Federal Library of New Kourou in 2634 as part of the cultural reconstruction following the Great War.

Its creation symbolized the transition from decentralized, energy-intensive digital media toward sustainable, centralized knowledge curation. Since then, updated editions have been printed at the Federal News Building in New Kourou and distributed across all major settlements.

The Encyclopedia is divided into multi-volume sets:

• Historical Knowledge — Pre-2421 Earth history, the voyage of the Last Frontier, the Great War, and the founding of the Confederation.
• Scientific Knowledge — Core physics, biology, and chemistry; planetary research on VOI 700 D; GAIA-authored studies on Native Tribes.
• Social Knowledge — Communardism, governance structures, ExoHuman sociology and traditions.
• Technological Knowledge — Engineering principles and renewable energy systems critical to survival and sustainability.

Inside Federal Libraries, the Encyclopedia occupies a prominent place in the reference rooms. Bound in thick, resource-efficient covers, the volumes are heavy and uniform in appearance, stamped with the seal of the Confederation. The scent of ink and paper, the quiet rustle of pages, and the steady presence of clerks and students give the work an air of solemn authority. Citizens approach it not just as a book, but as a symbol of collective knowledge and shared destiny.

Publication is overseen by a four-member Federal Encyclopedia Editorial Team, housed in the Federal News Agency:

• Two delegates of the Communard Government (representing the Federal Council).
• The Chief Editor of the Weekly Gazette.
• The Dean of the Danah Wanah University.

Together with GAIA’s drafting, this team approves final text, ensures alignment with Council priorities, and manages print runs.

• Access: Copies available in the reference sections of all Federal Libraries.
• Borrowing: Not lendable; must be consulted on-site.
• Circulation: Average of 20 copies per library, distributed across reading halls and research rooms.
• Updates: New editions are printed irregularly as required by the Federal Council.

The Encyclopedia serves as:

• Educational Resource: Foundation for schooling and academic research.
• Preservation of Knowledge: Safeguards history, science, and cultural memory.
• Cultural Cohesion: Promotes a unified understanding of ExoHuman history and values.

The Individualist Party frequently criticize the Encyclopedia as biased and restrictive:

• Bias: Claim that it favors Communard ideology and excludes dissenting perspectives.
• Censorship: Argue that it omits controversial histories and alternative philosophies.

Quotes:

• “The Federal Encyclopedia isn’t a resource; it’s a tool for Communard indoctrination.” — Jamal Johanson, Leader of the Individualist Party.
• “It’s ironic that the Encyclopedia claims to preserve knowledge while discarding freedom of thought.” — Thabo “Tony” Forster, Mayor of Firetown.

• The Suppressed Entry: PCs discover an annotated volume hinting at censored history, sparking investigation.
• Theft or Sabotage: PCs must stop saboteurs seeking to destroy or alter volumes of the Encyclopedia.

• Federal Library System
• Federal Longlist
• Federal News Agency
• Danah Wanah University
• GAIA
• Communardism
• ExoHuman Media in the Gamma Age
• Earth