New Columbia developed as a group of scientists, technicians and explorers from the western hemisphere nations of the Terran Empire. Their society also attracted the largest group of Fraal Builders in human society, migrating to New Columbia in reaction to a progressively disturbing pattern in Terran practices.

In 2247, dislike of intrusive government meddling led the Columbians to follow their 15th century namesake and seek out new territory, hoping to find freedom beyond the chaos of the Terran Empire. As a faction grouped around entrepreneurs and researchers, the Columbians survived The First Galactic War by reluctantly inventing and distributing new weapons systems in support of their closest allies. This forged strong economic and diplomatic relations, eventually leading New Columbia to join with the Nordic Independent State, Free Kyrena Society, and Orion Nation to form the Orion League. Some New Columbians distrusted such a centralized government, however, and again sought a new future for themselves, traveling to the Verge and colonizing Marybelle in the Argos system.

Game Benefits: An interesting mix of independent thinkers and exploring scientists, the New Columbians were the most reluctant nation to join the Orion League. As a result, they don't embody the PER score increase of most Orions, instead enjoying a 1-point increase to their Willpower attribute. In addition, the New Columbian focus upon investigating alien worlds and environments has caused some drift in their talents with the Culture broad skill. Instead of a -1 bonus to all Culture skills, they only receive the bonus to -first contact situations. They do however enjoy an added benefit with the Life Science broad skill, reducing the cost of purchasing such skills by 1 point, both during character generation and later advancement.