Elite Universe

2018-03-01T01:32:39Z

173.239.209.21: Removed all sections dealing with Kardashev scale. The supposed premise was that each of the current known civilizations were on the scale ( energy based), but no justification was given at any point in terms of their energy (ie. no evidence prese...

[[File:Elite-Universe-Logo-Big.png|thumb|250px|Elite Universe logo]]

The '''Elite Universe''' is a term to describe the whole fictional universe of the [[Elite series]]. Every Elite game and media takes place in the same science fiction universe. It began with the release of the video game [[Elite]] in 1984. Since then, the franchise has expanded across various forms of media. There are some disparities with [[timeline]] events.

== Dystopian Hard Sci-fi ==
The Elite Universe is a plausible extrapolation of what human life would be like in the distant future. Many aspects make it dystopian and hard science fiction, because it has a grounding in science-based fact or theory. It's not an unrealistic depiction of a utopia or near-perfect societies without conflict.

[[David Braben]] said ''"obviously the previous games have been big influences, but I've been a science fiction fan for a very long time and I've always liked the harder end of science fiction where there's a lot more justification behind the way things happen."''<ref name=":4" />

[[Michael Brookes]] said ''"you have to imagine what the world could be like in 1000 years time. That's not as easy as you might think. There's things which you think might go easily, nanotechnology or whatever, but it may not turn out so we've actually got quite a dark world which I think is quite nice. I'm not a fan of utopia based science fiction in the future."''<ref name=":4">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7jP2drkUXE The Making of Elite: Dangerous]
</ref>

The galactic superpowers Federation, Empire and Alliance are portrayed as imperfect. They're all flawed with good and bad aspects. There's not a clear group of "good guys" and "bad guys." It's kept rather ambiguous.

[[Sandro Sammarco]] clarified [[David Braben]]'s core vision for Elite "''I've talked to David and it's always been part of his core vision for what Elite really is, even from way back in the day, it's always been about you're a person in a real futuristic setting, not just a ship."''<ref>David Braben's Core Vision explained by Sandro Sammarco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhsH5U7tz4A&t=68m04s</ref>

Freedom and the ability to blaze your own trail are fundamental aspect of the Elite Universe. Players can carve their own path in an open [[galaxy]].<ref>''https://www.elitedangerous.com/en/gameplay''</ref> Space is generally lawless with little to no regulations. Since the original [[Elite]] they left what to do and where to go entirely up to the player.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/oct/18/features.weekend</ref> Players can take control of their ship and do all kinds of [[roles]]. [[Commerce]], free trade and economic activities are another fundamental aspect, because people need it to improve their socioeconomic status in the galaxy and to rank up in the [[Pilots Federation]]. Players and NPCs can influence the galactic economy. This is simulated by the [[Background simulation]].

The [[timeline]] of the Elite Universe is a continuation of real life modern history. The [[Elite Dangerous Timeline]] takes place 1286 years in the future and moves at the same pace as real-life.

There's an emphasis on scientific accuracy which is sometimes subordinate to the gameplay experience. The setting is a full scale depiction of the Milky Way. It has a lot of hard science to, for the first time in gaming history, compose a very consistent model of the Milky Way galaxy and it's rich enough to plot the night sky.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOYhoFYIWmw</ref>

Technologically, what sets the Elite Universe apart is the lack of ‘magical’ anti-gravity or [[gravity]] generators. Ships have no anti-gravity, nor do [[Outpost|outposts]] or [[station|stations]]. To move around requires pushing/pulling yourself, use thrusters or electromagnetic boots. Artificial gravity is created by centripetal force from the rotation of (for example) a large space [[station]].<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/15od2s/i_am_david_braben_cocreator_of_elite_creator_of/c7qds39/</ref>

A key distinction with other science fiction universes is people don't have inexplicable, unscientific, supernatural abilities. So there aren't any wizards, fairies or fantasy superheroes. Because in hard science fiction there's an emphasis on scientific accuracy and usually a justification behind things.<ref name=":4" /><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_science_fiction</ref>

=== Aliens ===
The aliens are truly alien in the Elite Universe. David Braben said ''"I'm dead-against the stance where the alien is just a human with a slightly wrinkly head, or pointy ears." "Thargoids, they are truly alien. They are based on differently chemistry, and a lot of effort went into making that chemistry right and plausible."''<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref>

''"One of the assumptions that the Elite series makes is that the chances of life happening in our galaxy are really high if the conditions are right,"'' Braben said.<ref name=":8">[https://www.polygon.com/2014/12/4/7333709/elite-dangerous-milky-way-stellar-forge-human-cruelty Elite: Dangerous explores the limitless depths of space, and of human cruelty (correction)]
</ref>

''"It looks like, on Earth, that as soon as the conditions were right, we had life, to as close as we can measure it. And by life, I don’t mean people chatting in bars telling each other jokes. I just mean green slime at the bottom of a pond. … The assumption in Elite is that life can evolve, but even the best of it won’t have evolved [by 3300]."''<ref name=":8" />

Many systems in the game have planets that have been terraformed, where any indigenous species have been wiped out and replaced with Earth-like flora and fauna.<ref name=":8" />

These things make the Elite Universe more believable and realistic than other science-fiction universes.

=== Post-Apocalyptic ===
The Elite Universe is post-apocalyptic. The lore mentions the occurrence of World War 3 (2044-2055 CE) which was the most destructive war waged on [[Earth]]. It brought much destruction and loss of life. Eventually, the war was abandoned after over a decade. In the aftermath, the dominant power was the [[United States of the Americas]]. Governments could not cope with the damage of the war. Thus [[corporations]] stepped in and gradually rebuilt [[human]] civilization.<ref name=":6">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

In the 34th century [[country|countries]] are historical entities that don't exist anymore. All remaining countries on [[Earth]] joined and dissolved into the [[Federation]] which was formed circa 2240 CE. People find it hard to imagine a time when humans only existed on Earth with many disparate countries.<ref>https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/05-JUL-3301</ref><ref>Tourist Spot 0165 beacon near Earth</ref>

=== Corporations ===
Corporations gained a huge increase in influence and dominance over Earth's political landscape after World War 3. These ideologies influenced the Federation.<ref name=":6" />

There are several super-rich and super-powerful [[corporations]] that sustain the colossal interstellar economies. Other smaller corporations are specialized in specific products and services. The companies and corporations built the galactic community.<ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref>

While corporations are not above the law, they have much authority over their employees, [[planets]] and [[Star system|star systems]]. The [[Mega Corporation|mega corporations]] rule unchecked over vast sections of the galaxy. They control countless subsidiary companies which gauge entire planets and star systems for resources and food. They produce goods which are essential for the survival of trillions of people in the galaxy. Corporate governments exist in the Federation, Empire, Alliance and Independent systems.<ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref><ref>In-game description</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

=== Lore ===
The Elite Universe is diverse, distinctive, and over thirty years in the making. It provides a rich source of inspiration for any storyteller. The [[lore]] and [[fiction]] has an immense scale, developed backstory and history which give characters' actions meaning and makes for a captivating tale. It is vast in size and stretches back through time.<ref name=":1">[https://www.amazon.com/Out-Darkness-Elite-Dangerous-James/dp/1500950718 Out of the Darkness (Elite: Dangerous)]
</ref>

Science fiction & fantasy fans searching for alternate realities can immerse themselves in 400 billion star systems, 1300 years of future events, and epic space adventures like ''[[Out of the Darkness]]''.<ref name=":1" />

The official lore of the [[Elite Dangerous Role Playing Game]] gives interesting insight into the Elite Universe. ''Cheap and faster than light travel has enabled humanity to expand across the stars. They've built colonies, cities, stations and empires. This led to the rise of galactic superpowers: the [[Federation]], [[Empire]] and [[Alliance]]. The galaxy's vast wealth of minerals, water and life-bearing planets makes them wealthier every day. Such wealth of the major [[factions]] attracts [[Power|powerful people]] who scheme daily to gain power.''<ref name=":3">https://www.edrpg.co.uk/</ref><ref name=":2">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>

''The Middle-classes can afford spaceships like cars in the 20th century. This gives them tremendous freedom. Space trade is seldom hampered by politics. Pilots are encouraged to do all kinds of jobs such as supplying [[Station|stations]]. Little has changed for those in the bottom of society since the old-[[Earth]]'s dark ages. The planet-spanning mega [[corporations]] employ entire nations and rule unchecked over vast sections of the galaxy. Weapons are readily available and people are inclined to shoot first. The general lawlessness of space, inequality, greed of the galactic elite, navigational hazards and fierce creatures on [[planets]] make it a dangerous galaxy.''<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />

== Heritage ==
[[File:Evolution-of-the-Cobra-Ship-Elite-Universe.png|thumb|200px|Evolution of the Cobra in the Elite Universe]]

[[File:Evolution-of-the-Thargoids.png|thumb|200px|Evolution of the Thargoids]]

The heritage of the [[Elite Universe]] spans over 30 years. The [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]] began with the classic [[Elite]] in 1984. It was a genre defining, open world sandbox, space adventure, trading and combat simulator. Elite inspired the creation of many space games and new game genres such as the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series. It also spawned the sequels [[Frontier: Elite II]] in 1993 and [[Frontier: First Encounters]] (Elite III) in 1995. These space sims attempted to simulate a realistic Milky Way [[galaxy]] and pioneered technical possibilities. Such as realistic star systems, seamless freeform interplanetary and atmospheric flight, landing on moving planets with realistic orbits and day/night cycles. For [[Elite Dangerous]], the developers have gone to great lengths to map and electronically recreate the Milky Way to scale to make the galaxy as realistic as possible.<ref name=":5">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_%28video_game%29</ref><ref>[http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134644/the_replay_interviews_gary_penn.php Gamasutra - Gary Penn interview]</ref>

=== Iconic Ships ===
Many [[ships]] are named after snakes. This came about due to the wire-frame models looking like snake heads in the original [[Elite]]. The ship names remained similar throughout the [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]]. In [[Elite Dangerous]] the classic ship models have been updated with lots of details.

Artist Joanne Taylor said ''"we've got a lot of iconic shapes to work from in those original games. So being able to fill out the details in those shapes is a lot of fun, but also it's going to mean a lot to anybody who has played the previous games."''<ref name=":4" />

Senior Artist John Kelly said ''"the challenge for us is to take the wire-frame and keep the iconic shape, keep the design, but then fill the gaps that were left behind. So what was filled with the player's imagination before, we've got to take that load away. We've got to fill the gaps with content and with things that would be functional and make sense."''<ref name=":4" />

=== Legendary Elite Series ===
The legendary [[Elite series]] has critically acclaimed, groundbreaking, space simulation video games which take place in the [[Elite Universe]]. For example [[Frontier: Elite II]] and [[Frontier: First Encounters]] are famous for their 1:1 scale, dynamic star systems, realistic physics and seamless free-form landings.

<gallery widths="140" position="center" columns="4" hideaddbutton="true" navigation="true">
Elite-1984-Official-Art-Restored.png|[[Elite|Elite]] - 1984|link=Elite
Frontier-Elite-2-Logo.png|[[Frontier:_Elite_II|Frontier: Elite II]] - 1993|link=Frontier:_Elite_II
Frontier-First-Encounters-Artwork.png|[[Frontier:_First_Encounters|Frontier: First Encounters]] (Elite III) - 1995|link=Frontier:_First_Encounters
Elite-Dangerous-Box-Art.png|[[Elite_Dangerous|Elite Dangerous]] - Q4/2014<br /> ⤷ ''[[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]] - Q4/2015'' <br /> ⤷ ''[[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|ED: Beyond]] - Q1/2018''|link=Elite Dangerous
</gallery>

[[Elite]] was one of the first home computer games to use wire-frame 3D graphics with hidden line removal. It added twitch gameplay and was the first game that included a novel for distribution with a video game: [[The Dark Wheel]] by Robert Holdstock.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070211011328/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=78368 Games that changed the world: Elite]". ''Computer & Video Games''. Archived from [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=78368 the original] on 11 February 2007.</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_(video_game)</ref> Elite was hugely influential with its open-ended game model, advanced game engine and revolutionary 3D graphics which earned it a place as a classic and genre-maker in gaming history.<ref>LaMosca, Adam (18 July 2006). "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_54/324-Lost-in-the-Void Lost in the Void]". [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Escapist_(magazine) The Escapist]. Retrieved 17 November 2007.</ref>

[[File:Elite-Series-Guinness-World-Record-Longest-Running-Space-Simulation-Series.png|thumb|200px|Elite series Guinness World Record for Longest Running Space Simulation Series]]

According to Guinness World Records:''"Elite was the first game to feature a (3D) procedurally generated world, while Frontier: Elite II was the first game to feature procedurally generated star systems. Frontier: First Encounters was the first game to contain procedurally generated terrain and textures. Procedural Generation uses random inputs to a computer ‘procedure’ to create something unique that also adheres to certain rules, such as Elite II’s star systems. These were generated by the game aggregating the mass of material within an early solar system into planets and moons that obey the laws of physics, but which have slightly randomised material distribution in order to ensure each system’s uniqueness."<ref>[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-use-of-procedural-generation-in-a-video-game/ First use of procedural generation in a videogame - Guinness World Records]
</ref>''

Elite is the longest running space simulation series in history. This is verified by Guinness World Records. The certificate says ''"The longest running space simulation series is Elite created by David Braben and Ian Bell and was released on 20 September 1984. Officially amazing."''<ref>https://twitter.com/gwr/status/611537566299463681?lang=en Guinness World Records, 18 Jun 2015</ref>

== Major Influences ==
[[File:Aulin-Enterprise-Station.png|thumb|200px|Orbis station]]

A major influence on the Elite Universe is the 1968 epic science-fiction film [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film) 2001: A Space Odyssey] produced by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick Stanley Kubrick]. This is evident in the ringed [[Orbis]] station design and the [[Docking Computer|docking computer]] that plays the waltz [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Danube The Blue Danube] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Strauss_II Johann Strauss II] in the original Elite and Elite Dangerous.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/oct/18/features.weekend</ref> This movie is representative work of hard science fiction films. 2001 was made to be as scientifically correct as possible. Hence no sound in space, walking in zero-gravity requires velcro-equipped shoes etc. The Elite Universe follows that ethos to a degree.

[[David Braben]] and [[Ian Bell]] also refer to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars Star Wars] (original trilogy), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] and the original [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battlestar_Galactica_(1978_TV_series) Battlestar Galactica] (1978 TV series) as influences for [[Elite]]. Additionally, Braben cites the works of science fiction writers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Niven Larry Niven], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Pournelle Jerry Pournelle], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_C._Clarke Arthur C. Clarke], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_L._Forward Robert L. Forward], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Asimov Isaac Asimov] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Scott_Card Orson Scott Card].<ref>Rusell DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson, ''High Score!: the illustrated history of electronic games'', p. 340-341</ref><ref name=":5" />

The [[Thargoids|Thargoid]] ships and [[Thargoid Surface Site|surface sites]] appear to share similarities with the art style of Swiss painter [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._R._Giger Hans Ruedi "H.R." Giger].

The [[Federation]] is an evolution from current [[Earth]], rolled forward into the distant future. Federal politics has a lot of influence from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution United States Constitution].<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref> The [[United States of the Americas]] is the fictional predecessor of the Federation. The Americas implies that it's the totality of continents of North and South America. The Americas comprises most of the land in the Western Hemisphere on Earth.<ref>Tourist Spot 0165 beacon near Earth</ref>

The [[Empire]] is influenced by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Ancient Rome]. Slavery in the Empire is similar to slavery in Ancient Rome. Imperial slaves have rights like in Roman times. People would sign up for slavery to pay a debt. Imperial society is based on honor, like the Roman [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dignitas_(Roman_concept) Dignitas], or the Japanese [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido Bushido], even elements of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Empire British Empire], pre-WWI. It was shaming to do something that put people in a bad state. The poorhouses still happened, but sensibly, people were supposed to look after each other.<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref>

Galactic charts of space agencies like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA NASA] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Space_Agency ESA] were used to model the Milky Way [[galaxy]].

== Societies ==

[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Official-Powerplay-Banner-Xavier-Henry.png|thumb|200px|Elite Dangerous Powerplay Banner]]

Societies in the Elite Universe can be very diverse, because star systems can have many different government types and customs. This is mostly the case in [[Alliance]] and [[Independent Systems|independent systems]] where each system is governed independently with their own culture, values and [[government]].

The [[Federation]] is less diverse than the Alliance due to having common values, regulations and government types among all their systems. The [[Empire]] is the least diverse due to having an imperial monarchy with more strict regulations.

=== Federation ===
In the [[Federation]], society is economically and socially corporatist. Social class is only determined by the 'haves' and 'have-nots'. Corruption is not unusual and people defend it shamelessly when caught as 'getting one over the system'. The working-class of the population is kept entranced by mass-entertainment and commercialism.<ref name=":7" />

The Federation has the most densely human settled territories which makes it the biggest power. Its interstellar democracy has trillions of voters and is sustained by ancient bureaus.<ref name=":7">[https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref>

The corporations are the life-blood and backbone of the Federation.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref><ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref> They hold a very wide remit as to what they're permitted to do in the name of profit concerns. They control many aspects of life, politics and business within Federal space.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

The Constitution enshrines human rights and freedoms. It's the basis of Federal Law.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref> The Federation respects human life more than the Empire, but it's not as free as the Alliance.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

=== Empire ===
In the [[Empire]], society is based on a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patronage_in_ancient_Rome cliens] system like ancient Rome and strictly stratified. To move between strata requires money, patronage and influence. It has rampant nationalism and people like wealth projection. Wealthy and famous people find it an attractive place to live due to its high living standards, outlandishly wealthy companies, sophisticated technology and design.<ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref>

There's a dark underbelly of legalized slavery. [[Slaves]] perform work which [[robots]] and machines would do in other parts of the universe. It's also a proponent of human-[[cloning]]. Few things are illegal, but much is frowned upon like [[narcotics]].<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref>

Imperials value both status and honour very highly. Whilst it is acceptable to flaunt wealth, treating people well is a question of honour - and this includes slaves. People would sell themselves into slavery to pay for a debt that cannot otherwise be cleared in order to restore their honour.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref>

Imperial Law is enforced by [[Senators]] who themselves are above the law. They can order executions or even kill people themselves. They're rarely held accountable by the [[Emperor]].<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref>

=== Alliance ===
The [[Alliance]] consists of independent systems who are militarily allied. It's governed by the Alliance Assembly. Each Alliance member state has a number of Council Members within the Alliance Assembly, based on the size of their respective populations. It functions as an arbitration body to establish common policies and treaties among Alliance systems, but it lacks any lawmaking powers.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R8jZN2_tJU Tourist Spot 0113</ref>

There's much cultural and societal diversity among its members. It's much more diverse than the Federation and Empire. This makes political agreement difficult. Personal freedoms are inscribed in the Bill of Humans Rights.

Alliance systems and planets have the freedom to govern themselves independently.<ref>https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5593b9d49657bab1445913c1</ref> The flip-side is that there are also oppressive regimes on certain planets in Alliance space. Such as ''"on revolutionary Eranin the population are expected to perform in weekly parades celebrating their independence from the Federation, even while their leaders ‘redistribute’ the people’s wages into their own back pockets."''<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>

== Social Classes ==
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-OST-Sound-And-Essence-Art.png|thumb|400px|Elite Dangerous Art]]Trillions of people live in the Milky Way [[galaxy]]. They can be grouped into hierarchical social categories. This is what it's like in the 34th century:

=== Upper class ===
The vast wealth of the major [[factions]] was built over centuries of [[commerce]]. It attracts greed and powerful people who seek more of the same. The [[Powers]] are powerful individuals or organizations who form the upper class of galactic society.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref> These are also people with immense wealth who can wield a disproportionate influence over political, educational, religious, and other institutions.<ref>Thompson, William; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Hickey Hickey, Joseph] (2005). ''Society in Focus''. Boston, Mass.: Pearson. ISBN 0-205-41365-X.</ref> In the Empire, [[nobility]] and [[royalty]] are members of the upper class.

The richest people of the 21st century such as Bill Gates pale in comparison to the wealth and influence of Powers in the 34th century. For example [[Zemina Torval]] is preposterously rich due to her controlling stake in [[Mastopolos Mining]] and slavery. She owns many [[Star Systems|star systems]] and has a personal fleet of [[Majestic Class Interdictor|Majestic Class Interdictors]].<ref>http://galnetarchive.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-emperor-is-sick-man.html</ref>

By comparison, the richest person in antiquity was Roman Emperor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus Augustus Caesar] (63 BCE – 19 August 14 CE) with a personal wealth of "$4.6 trillion" because he "personally owned all of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt]".<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wealthiest_historical_figures</ref><ref>Jacob Davidson, [http://time.com/money/3977798/the-10-richest-people-of-all-time time.com The 10 Richest People of All Time], 30 July 2015</ref> The combined net worth of all billionaires on [[Earth]] was $7.67 trillion in 2017 CE.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/special-report/2012/billionaires-25th-anniversary-timeline.html Billionaires 25th Anniversary Timeline – Forbes".]</ref> So they don't come close to [[powers]] who own whole planets and star systems.

=== Middle class ===
People in the middle of the social hierarchy, known as the middle-class, have gained tremendous freedom due to the affordability of space [[ships]] with faster-than-light travel. This has opened a galaxy of opportunities.<ref name=":0">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>

=== Working class ===
These are people who generally earn little money with low-skilled manual labour. Little has changed for those in the bottom of society since the Old-[[Earth]]'s dark ages. Some governments such as on [[Eranin]] exploit citizens with duties and redistribute people's wealth into their own pockets.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref> On the planet Zaonce, masses trade stocks for the planet-wide [[Bank of Zaonce]], selling high and buying low, but receive nothing of the gains they make.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>
== References ==
<references />[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Elite series]]
[[Category:Lore]]
[[Category:Fiction]]

Elite Dangerous Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Elite Universe