The IST is a bi-annual event held in Polaris space bordering the Delphinus nebula. Initially founded by a conglomeration of astro-engineering corporations, the tournament quickly picked up interest from the military factions of various nations, who see the IST as an excellent test bed for new technology and tactical expertise in the area of fighter class vessel design.

The competition is a simple affair - pilots engage each other in a series of solo and team duels confined to various hazard-filled areas of space set up by the IAO, the event's organizing body. These engagements are set up in a pyramid style tournament structure with competitors drawing lots for initial engagements.

The tournament is open to all, although the huge expense of outfitting and maintaining a team is only affordable to the military, the corporations and a select few mega-rich individuals. The corporations attempt to balance this tendency towards the elite with sponsorship programs. national and systemwide competitions are held throughout the galaxy by various companies, with the talent being creamed off for the big league.

The fighters themselves are the absolute apex of modern technology with the most advanced engines, avionics, weapons and defense systems that the teams can muster. many of them are prototypes or modifications of existing craft, particularly those of the military teams, but they bear little resemblance to their production-line counterparts.

Due to the extremely dangerous nature of the sport, the fighters sport miniaturized grav shields, ceramic fiber auto-ejecting cockpit shells, self sealing hulls and a host of other safety features only available to those with almost limitless bank accounts. Fatalities are rare but injuries are ubiquitous.