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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=== 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 | 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 == | ||