Welcome to the site, @[member="LaxKnight"]! If you'd like some backstory, you could check out the
Timeline. Basically, we're in our own timeline set long after the Battle of Yavin, allowing for a more open and chaotic galaxy, if you will.
Regarding character creation, you could pick from any canon species (with a few exceptions) or any of the custom species found in the
Factory. Be sure to read through the
rules regarding character creation so that there's no misunderstandings we need to deal with. You can also find the template for character creation in the rules section. Should anything arise, however, we'll work it out, so don't worry.
Please, don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.