The planets Aunbrun and Glemnark are both home to a distinct near-human species (characterized by a slightly ochre tint to their skin and slightly angular facial features) called the Cypeen. Both worlds are ancient colonies of the original Cypeen homeworld, a world whose location is now clouded by myth and legend. Stories speak of how in ancient times a great shadow arose from the depths of space, threatening to engulf the Cypeen homeworld. With great effort the Cypeen constructed two ark-ships (they had no hyperdrives back then) and sent them into the void, hoping that at least one would find a safe haven and continue their civilization.

In the event both ships arrived safely at their destinations, finding each a habitable world at the end of their long flights. The two colonies thrived in isolation for many generations, completely unaware of each other (or the larger galaxy for that matter). Until one day the people of Aunbrun were discovered by Republic explorers. Exposed to the galaxy they gained possession of modern technology – starships included. Thus began their search for the homeworld. A world they did not find, for it had long since been consumed by the Erberus Drift, a great gash in the structure of both real space and hyperspace. But they did find Glemnark.

After the joy of rediscovery had passed it quickly became clear that this was not going to end very well. The Brunites felt that the Arkians were backward and ungrateful. And the Arkians felt that the Brunites were haughty and had lost sight of their heritage. The bidding animosity soon escalated into open conflict.

The Brunites took control over Glemnark under the pretext of helping their poorer cousins. The Arkians felt they were being occupied and purchased weapons from smugglers and hired pirate ships to fight as privateers. A long and bloody war between occupiers and insurgents began, costing both worlds dearly. Eventually the Brunites abandoned their occupation and retreated back to their homeworld. The Arkians felt victorious and vindicated, but was left with a broken world and a people that knew only war. The Brunites were humiliated and faced a lengthy period of economic problems and social unrest.

Matters between the two worlds were never truly settled. As a result Aunbrun was denied entry into the Republic. The Republic sent Jedi to try and negotiate, but the negotiations failed. This rejection was another blow to Aunbrun’s pride and prolonged its economic difficulties. It also led Brunites and Arkians to both be distrustful of the Republic in general and the Jedi in particular.

The conflict between the two worlds continues to this day, but for many years the conflict has been ‘cold’:

Aunbrun has recovered somewhat economically, but it still feels the aftereffects of the conflict: A Republic trade embargo on hi-tech components that the Senate fear would end up in weapons. On top of that its military is much too costly for a world of its size. The roll of the years has not wiped away the desire for revenge, but the planet’s leaders are still wary of outright invasion – they haven’t forgotten what happened the last time. They bide their time while making life difficult for Glemnark through diplomacy, espionage and outright piracy.

Glemark is still a rather backwards place with a low level of industrialization and a poor technology base. Part of that is the Arkian culture, which promotes self-sufficiency and isolation. Another part is the machinations of Aunbrun which has made any sort of entry into the larger galaxy very difficult. There is no real trade with Glemnark for example, only a series of black-market operations that delivers some luxury goods and weapons.