Empire: Difference between revisions
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{{Quote|When our ancestors departed Earth, they asked themselves: which of our achievements represents the best of humanity, that we may bring it with us to illumine the darkness? The Federation, embroiled in a world of contracts and petty bickering, chose their Constitution. They placed their trust not in man himself, but in an imperfect work of man.<br/>But my ancestor - your first Emperor - was wiser. He knew that the best achievement of humanity was humanity itself. There was more wisdom in a single nucleotide of his noble DNA than in all the Federation's written texts.<br/>That same wisdom still guides us now. We need no dusty documents to assert our right! We are human, born to rule... and the universe awaits the firm hand of our governance.|[[Emperor]] [[Trasken Duval II]], undelivered draft speech<ref>''[[Elite Dangerous]]'' [[Knowledge Base]] > The Empire > Introduction</ref>}} | {{Quote|When our ancestors departed Earth, they asked themselves: which of our achievements represents the best of humanity, that we may bring it with us to illumine the darkness? The Federation, embroiled in a world of contracts and petty bickering, chose their Constitution. They placed their trust not in man himself, but in an imperfect work of man.<br/>But my ancestor - your first Emperor - was wiser. He knew that the best achievement of humanity was humanity itself. There was more wisdom in a single nucleotide of his noble DNA than in all the Federation's written texts.<br/>That same wisdom still guides us now. We need no dusty documents to assert our right! We are human, born to rule... and the universe awaits the firm hand of our governance.|[[Emperor]] [[Trasken Duval II]], undelivered draft speech<ref>''[[Elite Dangerous]]'' [[Knowledge Base]] > The Empire > Introduction</ref>}} | ||
The '''Empire''', officially the '''Empire of Achenar''', is a [[:Category:Galactic Superpower|galactic superpower]] and hereditary monarchy. | The '''Empire''', officially the '''Empire of Achenar''', is a [[:Category:Galactic Superpower|galactic superpower]] and hereditary monarchy. It is the second largest major [[Factions|faction]] in the galaxy. The reigning [[Emperor]] is [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] of the [[Imperial Family]]. The [[Imperial Palace]], seat of the Emperor, is located on [[Capitol]] in the [[Achenar]] system. | ||
Although a peace treaty has existed between the Empire and the Federation since 2382, there have never really been any peaceful relations between these two old enemies. The Empire despises the Federation and everything it stands for, and vice-versa. | Although a peace treaty has existed between the Empire and the Federation since 2382, there have never really been any peaceful relations between these two old enemies. The Empire despises the Federation and everything it stands for, and vice-versa. | ||
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{{Quote|The origins of the Empire date back to the colonisation of the Achenar system in the middle of the 23rd century. Marlin Duval was a wealthy woman from Earth, who, disenchanted with their administration and authorities, set off with her own colonising fleet to Achenar 6d because it was so far from Earth. Her leadership ended abruptly when her brother Henson oversaw a flying 'accident' in which she perished. The democratic government changed abruptly to one of strict imperial rule and from then on the family assumed leadership. Female children in the family were prevented with genetic techniques, such was the hatred of Marlin Duval's principles and vision of a world in peace. This restriction was gradually phased out over the years, but the succession of Emperors has remained along the male line until recently."|Tourist Beacon 0128, Achenar system<ref name=":7">Tourist Beacon 0128</ref>}} | {{Quote|The origins of the Empire date back to the colonisation of the Achenar system in the middle of the 23rd century. Marlin Duval was a wealthy woman from Earth, who, disenchanted with their administration and authorities, set off with her own colonising fleet to Achenar 6d because it was so far from Earth. Her leadership ended abruptly when her brother Henson oversaw a flying 'accident' in which she perished. The democratic government changed abruptly to one of strict imperial rule and from then on the family assumed leadership. Female children in the family were prevented with genetic techniques, such was the hatred of Marlin Duval's principles and vision of a world in peace. This restriction was gradually phased out over the years, but the succession of Emperors has remained along the male line until recently."|Tourist Beacon 0128, Achenar system<ref name=":7">Tourist Beacon 0128</ref>}} | ||
[[File:Empire_Capitol_Achenar_6D.png|thumb|250px|Capitol, the Empire's capital planet]] | [[File:Empire_Capitol_Achenar_6D.png|thumb|250px|Capitol, the Empire's capital planet]] | ||
What is now known as the Empire began around in the middle of the 23rd century, with the architect of peace and an anti-Federation activist [[Marlin Duval]].<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/559fe59e9657ba1b5a47e853 | What is now known as the Empire began around in the middle of the 23rd century, with the architect of peace and an anti-Federation activist [[Marlin Duval]].<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/559fe59e9657ba1b5a47e853 GalNet: The Birth of an Empire]</ref> She had long spoken out against the oppressive Federal administration of the time. Such was her disenchantment that she gathered her family together, along with many supporters, and left the Federation. Marlin led them to a distant star system called Achenar, many light years from Sol, in order to found a new colony based on peaceful ideals.<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire" /> In 2292,<ref name="EE" /> a suitable home was found orbiting Achenar 6, a Class III gas giant, and Achenar 6d was colonised. Now called [[Capitol]], this moon formed the core world of the [[Republic of Achenar]], which would later become the Empire.<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire" /> | ||
The colony started off extremely well, and an administrative council was formed with Marlin at the head, in order to fairly distribute power throughout the colony. As the colony expanded, so did the council, with a determination that any and every situation was dealt with via peaceful methods and dialogue. This arrangement worked very well indeed and the colony continued to prosper. | The colony started off extremely well, and an administrative council was formed with Marlin at the head, in order to fairly distribute power throughout the colony. As the colony expanded, so did the council, with a determination that any and every situation was dealt with via peaceful methods and dialogue. This arrangement worked very well indeed and the colony continued to prosper. | ||
=== | ===From Republic to Empire=== | ||
The original government of Achenar was recorded as a democratic republic, elected senators representing the people and a council of high-ranking politicians acting as an executive body for the republic. Marlin Duval, as the founder and a popular political figure, retained a great deal of political power in this period, but enjoyed only a position of influence within the council rather than the absolute leadership of later Emperors. | |||
In 2296, only four years after the founding of the Republic of Achenar,<ref name="EE" /> Marlin Duval was killed in a shuttle accident, in which her partner and children also perished. No evidence ever surfaced linking her brother Henson to the incident, but even the most loyal Imperial historians openly accept that the event was suspicious in light of his subsequent actions.<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire" /> | |||
Assuming control of the senate as Marlin's closest living heir, Henson Duval quickly disbanded the ruling council and installed himself as leader of the Achenar system's colonies, transforming the Republic into the Empire.<ref name="EE" /> Citing the continued threats made by the Federation and their defencelessness in the face of a military invasion, Henson began a campaign of propaganda rejecting his sister's pacifistic ideals. Such was his passion and power of persuasion that he succeeded in converting the capricious colonists to his doctrines in a remarkably short period of time.<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire" /> Henson Duval was formally crowned as the first [[Emperor]] of the Empire in 2320.<ref name="TLOTD">Tourist Beacon 0159, The Line of the Duvals</ref> | |||
=== | ===Accusations of Genocide=== | ||
Imperial historians record that many native species were found on Capitol during colonisation, which the colonists took great care to protect as best they could. Among these species, unbeknownst to the newly-formed republic, were one of the few sapient species to have been encountered by humanity: [[mudlark]]s. Imperial scholars have suggested a number of factors led to the extinction of this species, not least of all imported bacteria carried along with the colonists.<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire" /> Within a few short years, this indigenous species had been rendered extinct.[[File:Imperial-Clipper-Cockpit-Planet-Capitol-in-Achenar.png|thumb|250px|Imperial Clipper cockpit and Capitol in Achenar]] | |||
Federal historians, citing Federal decrees of the time, paint a different tale. The official Federal version of events alleges that Capitol was in fact sterilised on the orders of [[Henson Duval]], brother of Marlin Duval, prior to terraforming some years after Marlin's death. Imperial scholars disagree on whether this was due to innocent confusion over misunderstood or misrepresented information, associating plans for the terraforming of nearby world Conversion, a project which would not be completed until 2696, with that of the genocide, or a deliberate political smear campaign based on Marlin Duval's antagonistic relationship with the Federation. | |||
Whether mistakenly or not, the Federation threatened retaliation if this action was repeated, and later used this event as the pretext for an invasion of Achenar in 2324.<ref name="GalnetBirthOfAnEmpire" /> | |||
=== The Battle of Achenar === | === The Battle of Achenar === | ||
[[File:Imperial-Navy-Fleet.png|thumb|250px|Imperial Navy fleet]] | [[File:Imperial-Navy-Fleet.png|thumb|250px|Imperial Navy fleet]] | ||
{{Main|Battle of Achenar}} | {{Main|Battle of Achenar}} | ||
The [[Battle of Achenar|war]] between the Federation and [[Achenar]] was notable as the first large-scale interstellar conflict. Much has been made over the years of the Federation's reasons for invading Achenar, in particular the claim that the annihilation of the native sentient species was little more than a slim pretext. While it was certainly true that the principal reason for the military action was | The [[Battle of Achenar|war]] between the Federation and [[Achenar]] was notable as the first large-scale interstellar conflict. Much has been made over the years of the Federation's reasons for invading Achenar, in particular the claim that the annihilation of the native sentient species was little more than a slim pretext. While it was certainly true that the principal reason for the military action was Achenar's refusal to join the Federation, it is also worth noting that the protection of xeno-culture and life forms was a key tenet of the Federation's founding.<ref name=":8">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/19-JUL-3301 A Clash of Titans] | ||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
Under the command of [[ | Under the command of [[Admiral]] [[Richard Morgan]], a [[fleet]] was assembled at [[Beta Hydri]] and began its transit to Achenar towards the end of 2323. That region of space was relatively unexplored and thinly populated at the time, meaning that the fleet lacked the logistical support needed for a mission of this scale.<ref name=":8" /> | ||
Despite a long and fragile supply line, Morgan chose to engage the defenders in a single large battle. Achenar was alerted to the plan and laid an ambush for the invaders, applying the infamous pack-hunting formation against the Federal fleet initially, then against its supply lines.<ref name=":8" /> | Despite a long and fragile supply line, Morgan chose to engage the defenders in a single large battle. Achenar was alerted to the plan and laid an ambush for the invaders, applying the infamous pack-hunting formation against the Federal fleet initially, then against its supply lines.<ref name=":8" /> | ||
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To deal with the rapid rise in population across many worlds, the Empire began terraforming of [[Cemiess]] 2 in 3080. This put paid to Federal ambitions in the system. A colonial charter had been established since 3055, but lack of funds had prevented any expansion. The act of approving the Imperial settlement proved to be the last of Gaylen Trasken Duval who died shortly afterwards, he was 109 years of age.<ref name=":9" /> | To deal with the rapid rise in population across many worlds, the Empire began terraforming of [[Cemiess]] 2 in 3080. This put paid to Federal ambitions in the system. A colonial charter had been established since 3055, but lack of funds had prevented any expansion. The act of approving the Imperial settlement proved to be the last of Gaylen Trasken Duval who died shortly afterwards, he was 109 years of age.<ref name=":9" /> | ||
===Recent events - | ===Recent events=== | ||
====3300 - 3305==== | |||
In 3300, Emperor [[Hengist Duval]] fell gravely ill, throwing the Imperial succession into question as his son and designated heir, [[Harold Duval]], was widely viewed as unsuitable to rule the Empire.<ref>[http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=560d50221f Newsletter #52]</ref> On December 19, Hengist appeared before the Imperial Senate to decree Harold was not of sound mind and could not succeed him to the throne.<ref>[http://elitedangerous.com/news/galnet/?read=19DEC3300fce3b0de3f373020e6cf3b5c58d73141 Heir to the Throne Officially Mad]</ref> Senator [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval|Arissa Lavigny]], Hengist's illegitimate daughter with [[Florence Lavigny]], was touted as likely to be named the next heir, and on December 22, Hengist announced he would marry Florence and thus solidify Arissa's claim; Arissa changed her last name to Lavigny-Duval.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/news?read=22DEC3300f8b120575cdb102684c7d394a21de3e8 Emperor To Marry Sweetheart]</ref> Hengist's illness subsequently worsened and he entered a coma, causing the wedding to postponed through July 3301.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/27b34f18704d470bd0e0f8a09721a81f488b7ee4 Emperor in Coma]</ref> | In 3300, Emperor [[Hengist Duval]] fell gravely ill, throwing the Imperial succession into question as his son and designated heir, [[Harold Duval]], was widely viewed as unsuitable to rule the Empire.<ref>[http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=560d50221f Newsletter #52]</ref> On December 19, Hengist appeared before the Imperial Senate to decree Harold was not of sound mind and could not succeed him to the throne.<ref>[http://elitedangerous.com/news/galnet/?read=19DEC3300fce3b0de3f373020e6cf3b5c58d73141 Heir to the Throne Officially Mad]</ref> Senator [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval|Arissa Lavigny]], Hengist's illegitimate daughter with [[Florence Lavigny]], was touted as likely to be named the next heir, and on December 22, Hengist announced he would marry Florence and thus solidify Arissa's claim; Arissa changed her last name to Lavigny-Duval.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/news?read=22DEC3300f8b120575cdb102684c7d394a21de3e8 Emperor To Marry Sweetheart]</ref> Hengist's illness subsequently worsened and he entered a coma, causing the wedding to postponed through July 3301.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/27b34f18704d470bd0e0f8a09721a81f488b7ee4 Emperor in Coma]</ref> | ||
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On January 25, 3305, Patreus personally executed Mordanticus for treason on the floor of [[Senate House]], before the members of the Imperial Senate and Emperor Arissa. The [[Imperial Guard]] then proceeded to gun down any senators who had previously expressed support for Nova Imperium, among them [[Pal Vespasian]] and [[Eloise Winterstone]]. Political [[Journalism|journalist]] [[Cassia Carvalho]] reported that mass arrests and public executions of Nova Imperium members and sympathizers took place across Capitol, and Nova Imperium strongholds throughout the Empire were eliminated from the inside by infiltrators who had been placed by Patreus.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5c485c99128401188a499c82 GalNet: Blood on the Senate Floor]</ref> The following week, Hadrian Duval broadcast a message stating that he had assumed leadership of the remnant of Nova Imperium in Paresa and would continue seeking to become emperor.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5c52c4a1231ede6f495e2c75 GalNet: The New Imperator]</ref> In April 3305, Princess Aisling unexpectedly reached out to Hadrian in an apparent bid to boost her image by helping Nova Imperium soften its stances.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5ca70cbdb0aea02ac026e55a GalNet: Aisling Duval Contacts Hadrian Duval]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5cade9e46239f914ad4b8ed3 GalNet: The Princess and the Imperator]</ref> Imperator Duval subsequently announced a tentative non-aggression pact between Nova Imperium and Aisling's supporters, and promised to review his organisation's policies.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5cb88b4d5da4892b03080cb8 GalNet: Hadrian Duval Confirms Pact]</ref> | On January 25, 3305, Patreus personally executed Mordanticus for treason on the floor of [[Senate House]], before the members of the Imperial Senate and Emperor Arissa. The [[Imperial Guard]] then proceeded to gun down any senators who had previously expressed support for Nova Imperium, among them [[Pal Vespasian]] and [[Eloise Winterstone]]. Political [[Journalism|journalist]] [[Cassia Carvalho]] reported that mass arrests and public executions of Nova Imperium members and sympathizers took place across Capitol, and Nova Imperium strongholds throughout the Empire were eliminated from the inside by infiltrators who had been placed by Patreus.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5c485c99128401188a499c82 GalNet: Blood on the Senate Floor]</ref> The following week, Hadrian Duval broadcast a message stating that he had assumed leadership of the remnant of Nova Imperium in Paresa and would continue seeking to become emperor.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5c52c4a1231ede6f495e2c75 GalNet: The New Imperator]</ref> In April 3305, Princess Aisling unexpectedly reached out to Hadrian in an apparent bid to boost her image by helping Nova Imperium soften its stances.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5ca70cbdb0aea02ac026e55a GalNet: Aisling Duval Contacts Hadrian Duval]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5cade9e46239f914ad4b8ed3 GalNet: The Princess and the Imperator]</ref> Imperator Duval subsequently announced a tentative non-aggression pact between Nova Imperium and Aisling's supporters, and promised to review his organisation's policies.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5cb88b4d5da4892b03080cb8 GalNet: Hadrian Duval Confirms Pact]</ref> | ||
====3306 - Present==== | |||
The Empire was shaken by a series of terrorist attacks on four [[starport]]s on September 10, 3306 that were carried out by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]], an extremist paramilitary faction dedicated to abolishing the monarchy by force and replacing it with a system of representation by elected senators.<ref name="Terrorist Attacks">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f59df9848baea0ae33e1e05 GalNet: Terrorist Attacks on Imperial Starports]</ref> Four days later, the NMLA also assassinated Prince [[Harold Duval]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f5f5a4a838b10170647e29b GalNet: Prince Harold Duval Assassinated]</ref> In response, the [[Imperial Navy]] embarked on a widespread anti-terrorism operation to root out the NMLA. Believing that supporters of the more moderate [[Marlin Duval|Marlinist]] ideology were collaborating with the radical and violent NMLA, the Imperial Navy attempted mass arrests of Marlinists. Millions fled their homes to escape persecution, sparking the [[Marlinist refugee crisis]], and by October 20, 3306, many had arrived in several outlying Federal systems. The Empire formally requested that the refugees be returned, but Federal Ambassador [[Jordan Rochester]] refused and asked [[Federal Congress]] to grant them asylum.<ref name="Refugees Flee">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f8eccd964813d010413e662 GalNet: Marlinist Refugees Flee to the Federation]</ref> On October 26, Federal Congress granted the Marlinists temporary Federal citizenship at the request of [[Shadow President]] [[Felicia Winters]] despite [[President of the Federation|President]] [[Zachary Hudson]]'s stated intention to return the refugees to the Empire.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f96dae3c5f82d16485c8ba7 GalNet: Congress Votes to Accept Marlinist Immigrants]</ref> As a result, tensions between the Empire and the Federation increased, with some fearing that the Empire could declare war to recapture the Marlinists.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f9c3b09f940387d9539a785 GalNet: Empire and Federation Clash Over Marlinists]</ref> The situation worsened on November 5, 3306, when the Empire invaded LTT 1935, a Federal system in neutral space that the [[Imperial Internal Security Service]] had reason to believe contained multiple hidden NMLA bomb-making facilities.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fa3f841861db67e3c548667 GalNet: Federal and Imperial Forces Engage in Battle]</ref> The conflict ended on November 12, with the LTT 1935 Confederacy securing a decisive victory and preventing an Imperial occupation.<ref name="FedResists">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fad25247ca22b31b03796c3 GalNet: Federal System Resists Imperial Takeover]</ref> | The Empire was shaken by a series of terrorist attacks on four [[starport]]s on September 10, 3306 that were carried out by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]], an extremist paramilitary faction dedicated to abolishing the monarchy by force and replacing it with a system of representation by elected senators.<ref name="Terrorist Attacks">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f59df9848baea0ae33e1e05 GalNet: Terrorist Attacks on Imperial Starports]</ref> Four days later, the NMLA also assassinated Prince [[Harold Duval]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f5f5a4a838b10170647e29b GalNet: Prince Harold Duval Assassinated]</ref> In response, the [[Imperial Navy]] embarked on a widespread anti-terrorism operation to root out the NMLA. Believing that supporters of the more moderate [[Marlin Duval|Marlinist]] ideology were collaborating with the radical and violent NMLA, the Imperial Navy attempted mass arrests of Marlinists. Millions fled their homes to escape persecution, sparking the [[Marlinist refugee crisis]], and by October 20, 3306, many had arrived in several outlying Federal systems. The Empire formally requested that the refugees be returned, but Federal Ambassador [[Jordan Rochester]] refused and asked [[Federal Congress]] to grant them asylum.<ref name="Refugees Flee">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f8eccd964813d010413e662 GalNet: Marlinist Refugees Flee to the Federation]</ref> On October 26, Federal Congress granted the Marlinists temporary Federal citizenship at the request of [[Shadow President]] [[Felicia Winters]] despite [[President of the Federation|President]] [[Zachary Hudson]]'s stated intention to return the refugees to the Empire.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f96dae3c5f82d16485c8ba7 GalNet: Congress Votes to Accept Marlinist Immigrants]</ref> As a result, tensions between the Empire and the Federation increased, with some fearing that the Empire could declare war to recapture the Marlinists.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f9c3b09f940387d9539a785 GalNet: Empire and Federation Clash Over Marlinists]</ref> The situation worsened on November 5, 3306, when the Empire invaded LTT 1935, a Federal system in neutral space that the [[Imperial Internal Security Service]] had reason to believe contained multiple hidden NMLA bomb-making facilities.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fa3f841861db67e3c548667 GalNet: Federal and Imperial Forces Engage in Battle]</ref> The conflict ended on November 12, with the LTT 1935 Confederacy securing a decisive victory and preventing an Imperial occupation.<ref name="FedResists">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fad25247ca22b31b03796c3 GalNet: Federal System Resists Imperial Takeover]</ref> | ||
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Amid the turbulence caused by the Marlinist refugee crisis, a [[Thargoid]] [[Second Thargoid War|resurgence]], tensions between the Empire and Federation, and widespread economic instability, Simguru [[Pranav Antal]] of [[Utopia]] proposed the [[Galactic Summit]] on January 1, 3307. It would be the first ever diplomatic conference between the three superpowers, and its purpose was to allow the Alliance, Empire, and Federation to peacefully debate their differences and agree on solutions to the most significant threats facing humanity.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fdce4b7b4ba847e4533d98e GalNet: Utopia Invites Superpowers to Galactic Summit]</ref> Despite the idea originating with Utopia, the superpowers ultimately selected Sirius Corporation to host the Galactic Summit after CEO Li Yong-Rui demonstrated he could better prepare security for the event.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6012ad824aaf2914d56a6da3 GalNet: Sirius Corporation Secures Hosting of Galactic Summit]</ref> The Empire's delegation to the Galactic Summit was led by Chancellor Anders Blaine, and included Princess Aisling Duval, Senator Denton Patreus, and members of the [[Imperial Diplomatic Corps]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60267b6db273a60cc1714ce7 GalNet: Empire and Marlinists Prepare for Galactic Summit]</ref> | Amid the turbulence caused by the Marlinist refugee crisis, a [[Thargoid]] [[Second Thargoid War|resurgence]], tensions between the Empire and Federation, and widespread economic instability, Simguru [[Pranav Antal]] of [[Utopia]] proposed the [[Galactic Summit]] on January 1, 3307. It would be the first ever diplomatic conference between the three superpowers, and its purpose was to allow the Alliance, Empire, and Federation to peacefully debate their differences and agree on solutions to the most significant threats facing humanity.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fdce4b7b4ba847e4533d98e GalNet: Utopia Invites Superpowers to Galactic Summit]</ref> Despite the idea originating with Utopia, the superpowers ultimately selected Sirius Corporation to host the Galactic Summit after CEO Li Yong-Rui demonstrated he could better prepare security for the event.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6012ad824aaf2914d56a6da3 GalNet: Sirius Corporation Secures Hosting of Galactic Summit]</ref> The Empire's delegation to the Galactic Summit was led by Chancellor Anders Blaine, and included Princess Aisling Duval, Senator Denton Patreus, and members of the [[Imperial Diplomatic Corps]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60267b6db273a60cc1714ce7 GalNet: Empire and Marlinists Prepare for Galactic Summit]</ref> | ||
On March 3, 3307, at the Galactic Summit in [[Sirius]], Chancellor Blaine personally ratified the [[Cornelius-Lasky Convention]] with his Federal and Allied counterparts.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/603f8712228a4030f344bcb3 GalNet: Superpowers Make Progress at the Galactic Summit]</ref> The conference was cancelled on March 11 following a series of coordinated attacks on starports in nine major systems, including [[Dawes Hub]] in Achenar, that were carried out by the NMLA.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/604a1301b02d5114c742fe00 GalNet: Galactic Summit Cancelled – NMLA Attacks Superpowers]</ref> The Empire denied any responsibility for the [[Nine Martyrs]] attacks and insisted [[Serene Harbour]], where the NMLA | On March 3, 3307, at the Galactic Summit in [[Sirius]], Chancellor Blaine personally ratified the [[Cornelius-Lasky Convention]] with his Federal and Allied counterparts.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/603f8712228a4030f344bcb3 GalNet: Superpowers Make Progress at the Galactic Summit]</ref> The conference was cancelled on March 11 following a series of coordinated attacks on starports in nine major systems, including [[Dawes Hub]] in Achenar, that were carried out by the NMLA.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/604a1301b02d5114c742fe00 GalNet: Galactic Summit Cancelled – NMLA Attacks Superpowers]</ref> The Empire denied any responsibility for the [[Nine Martyrs]] attacks and insisted [[Serene Harbour]], where the NMLA leader [[Theta Seven]] claimed to have escaped from and mentioned as a motivation for the attacks, was a Federal disinformation campaign.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/604b64ec0edb312109560151 GalNet: Starport Bombing Casualties Include Federal Vice President]</ref> As a result of the Cornelius-Lasky Convention establishing new communications protocols between the security forces of the superpowers, the Imperial Internal Security Service participated in the creation of the [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit (ACT)]] to defeat the NMLA.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6051fcec549a83506f45143f GalNet: Anti-NMLA Intelligence Unit Formed]</ref> | ||
Following the NMLA's bombing of Dyson City, Paresa in October 3307 in a second unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Hadrian Duval,<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61681c52c9c5cc09eb144690 GalNet: Terrorist Attack at Hadrian Duval's HQ]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61696e97cd1bf67b0f682a8d GalNet: NMLA Aims to 'Extinguish the Duval Line']</ref> the Imperial Senate offered to extend Hadrian and his wife, Lady [[Astrid Minerva-Duval]], its official protection to ensure the survival of the Duval bloodline until the NMLA could be defeated. It was rumoured that Emperor Arissa had been directing the Empire under senatorial protection for months from a secure location.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6177f01d6223d66b9439e86a GalNet: Alliance and Marlinists Address Refugee Crisis]</ref> Hadrian accepted, albeit with great reluctance, on November 2, 3307, relinquishing his position as leader of Nova Imperium and discontinuing the title of Imperator as per the Senate's terms. Nova Imperium was renamed Nova Paresa, and continued assisting the Empire against the NMLA.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/618134e7c39dca54f93f07b4 GalNet: Hadrian Duval Accepts Senate Protection]</ref> | |||
The NMLA was finally defeated in a decisive confrontation in the Mudhrid system on December 2, 3307. The bulk of the NMLA's remaining cells and supporters gathered there in an attempt to rendezvous with Theta Seven, who had gone into hiding after bombing the Marlinist Colonies in July, but they were defeated by Imperial forces with the assistance of independent pilots.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/619f87b6ec2baf12582da95a GalNet: The Battle of Mudhrid]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61a8b6928debb451f45185cf GalNet: Battle of Mudhrid Ends in NMLA Defeat]</ref> With nowhere left to run, Theta Seven killed himself, his last followers, and thousands of [[Far God cult|Far God cultists]] who he had taken hostage by detonating bombs aboard the [[Sacrosanct]] megaship on December 13.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61b22be2043a8c1f9e7ae20c GalNet: The Death of Theta Seven]</ref> | |||
Adding to the triumph over the NMLA, Hadrian Duval announced the birth of his son, [[Hector Mordanticus Duval]], on December 2. The birth of a new Duval was celebrated across the Empire, and Hector was immediately discussed as the most likely candidate to inherit the Imperial Throne from Emperor Arissa.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61a8c2dbb7edf77b734bd9f2 GalNet: Empire Celebrates Newborn Duval]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61b1f1013afea031b66553d2 GalNet: Tributes Gathered to Honour Duval Heir]</ref> Hadrian, Lady Astrid, and Hector left senatorial protection and made their official debut in Imperial high society at Princess Aisling's New Year celebration in Cemiess on January 1, 3308. Emperor Arissa's absence from the festivities was noted.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61bc62fe63bc1350305a7965 GalNet: Duvals Gather to Celebrate New Year]</ref> Chancellor Blaine clarified on January 7 that the Emperor was still under senatorial protection, which she had accepted in early 3307 in response to multiple assassination attempts, and he confirmed that Her Majesty would return to Capitol soon.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61d87063b2c1d9324e172402 GalNet: Imperial Intelligence Denies NMLA Connection]</ref> | |||
The superpowers agreed to shut down Aegis on January 18, 3308 per the recommendation of the [[Paul Baumann|Baumann Report]], which had found that Aegis was no longer able to effectively carry out its anti-Thargoid responsibilities. The Imperial Senate approved Senator Patreus's request for a military budget increase, allowing the Imperial Navy to assume Aegis's role in defending the Empire from Thargoid attacks.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61e6ba29f6b3cd47d1758763 GalNet: Superpowers Plan to Replace Aegis]</ref> | |||
==Society== | ==Society== | ||
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=== Public Holidays === | === Public Holidays === | ||
[[ | Citizens of the Empire celebrate [[Empire Day]], a [[holiday]] marking the anniversary of Marlin Duval taking the first step on Achenar 6d, every January 2nd. Celebration of New Year's Day within the Empire is deferred until Empire Day due to the two holidays' proximity.<ref>[[GalNet/3301/January#Emperor Issues His Traditional 'Empire Day' Message|GalNet: Emperor Issues His Traditional 'Empire Day' Message]]</ref> | ||
Significant non-annual holidays include the day of the coronation of a new Emperor, and the [[Imperial Wedding|wedding day]] of an Emperor.<ref name=":5" /><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/55b1fb9c9657ba0e3ae7daa3 GalNet: Dignitaries Start Arriving on Capitol]</ref> | |||
| | |||
=== | ===Corporations=== | ||
Notable Imperial corporations include: | |||
*[[Darkwater Inc]] | *[[Darkwater Inc]] | ||
*[[Eye on Achenar]] | *[[Eye on Achenar]] | ||
*[[Gutamaya]] | *[[Gutamaya]] | ||
*[[Imperial Herald]] | *[[Imperial Herald]] | ||
*[[Manticore]] | |||
*[[Mastopolos Mining]] | *[[Mastopolos Mining]] | ||
*[[The Imperial Citizen]] | *[[The Imperial Citizen]] | ||
*[[Torval Mining Ltd]] | |||
== Population == | == Population == | ||
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Effectively all Imperial systems have representation, but indirectly. Every [[Imperial Citizen]] has a right to representation by a Client. Every [[Client]] has a right to be represented by a [[Patron]], and every Patron a Senator. Senators generally represent power bases – which can be many systems or a specific interest group, and typically many hundred Patrons – though it is up to the Senator how many Patrons they have. There is not a fixed number. So if a system has just one Imperial Citizen living there, they will have representation in the Senate – but most likely only indirectly through their Patrons. It is likely there is a Patron at the head of each of the larger Imperial Minor Factions for example, but not a Senator.<ref name=":5" /> | Effectively all Imperial systems have representation, but indirectly. Every [[Imperial Citizen]] has a right to representation by a Client. Every [[Client]] has a right to be represented by a [[Patron]], and every Patron a Senator. Senators generally represent power bases – which can be many systems or a specific interest group, and typically many hundred Patrons – though it is up to the Senator how many Patrons they have. There is not a fixed number. So if a system has just one Imperial Citizen living there, they will have representation in the Senate – but most likely only indirectly through their Patrons. It is likely there is a Patron at the head of each of the larger Imperial Minor Factions for example, but not a Senator.<ref name=":5" /> | ||
[[Senators]] represent their Patrons as they see fit. Senators can also hold other roles, like [[Admiral of the Fleet]], [[Chancellor]], Leader of the House (runs the Senate hearings when the Emperor and Chancellor are not present). Senators can also have private interests, and generally represent one or more [[Corporations]] – often with large personal shareholdings in them. They are fully entitled to be biased towards their own interests, and generally do, as long as most of their Patrons hold much the same interests. Senators are above the law, subject only to a decree from the Emperor, and through history it has even been known for Senators to go to battle against each other.<ref name=":5">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/ | [[Senators]] represent their Patrons as they see fit. Senators can also hold other roles, like [[Admiral of the Fleet]], [[Chancellor]], Leader of the House (runs the Senate hearings when the Emperor and Chancellor are not present). Senators can also have private interests, and generally represent one or more [[Corporations]] – often with large personal shareholdings in them. They are fully entitled to be biased towards their own interests, and generally do, as long as most of their Patrons hold much the same interests. Senators are above the law, subject only to a decree from the Emperor, and through history it has even been known for Senators to go to battle against each other.<ref name=":5">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/governments-and-politics-in-elite-dangerous.225156/ Frontier Forums: Governments and politics in Elite Dangerous] by Michael Brookes</ref> | ||
== Key systems == | == Key systems == | ||