Praetorian PMC

The Praetorian Congressional Republic (PCR) is the primary governing body in LP 1-52. The PCR was founded out of the turbulent history of the Praetorian faction. After gaining ground, Praetorian PMC reorganized itself into the PCR to become better able to lead its people. The PCR bases it’s government on a people first system. The PCR has also renewed the factions original vision for community outreach and aid. The PCR is led by a High Praetor, who is then assisted by the Praetorian Council.

Note: The Praetorian PMC exists in-game as a Squadron and a Minor Faction.^[1] ^[2] Thus the name Praetorian PMC must be used here as well. The Praetorian PMC was added to Elite Dangerous as a Player Minor Faction on 19 December 2017.^[3]

History

Humble Beginnings (3302 - 3305)

Praetorian PMC was founded on March 20th, 3302, by CMDR Wyatt Novak and CMDR bb942. The group started as a combined force of mercenaries, traders, miners and explorers, all working and travelling together for survival. After stopping in LP 1-52, the yet to be named group decided to settle in the system due to its proximity to several useful systems.

This burst of activity caught the attention of Titan Industries, another mercenary corp who had settled nearby. Several pilots clashed with Titan Industries recon elements in LP 1-52. The group began to stock up on resources for engineering and credits for repairs. The leaders uncovered much intel that could be capitalized on, and the first action using this intel came by June of 3302, when several pilots engaged several Titan mining vessels, caught off guard by the attack. This assault caused a flood of Titan combat vessels in LP 1-52, and soon an all-out war broke out. Friendly pilots continued to defend their territory, while the leaders came up with a plan. Eventually, after both sides suffering many losses, Titan Industries began to slowly decrease the frequency of attacks, and eventually they stopped altogether in August.

Between the Titan War and the growing need for a purpose, Praetorian PMC was formed. Together, as a unified force, Praetorian PMC began to offer their services to other groups in the galaxy. With the appearance of Thargoids in the Pleiades Nebula, Praetorian pilots spent a good chunk of their time engaged in Thargoid combat, exploring the Milky Way, and working contracts. This continued well into 3304 and 3305.

Noxx Conflict (3305 - 3306)

With mounting casualties in the Pleiades Nebula due to the Thargoids, mass recruitment campaigns began to strengthen their numbers. Among the new recruits was CMDR Noxx, who became a trusted advisor to Praetorian. He quickly rose through the ranks, until one day Noxx sabotaged the Praetorian Network, and tried to overthrow Praetorians leadership. He was quickly removed from the faction, but still took a number of members with him. They founded the 104th Humanity Defense Force. 104th Pilots began attacking Praetorian pilots, both in LP 1-52 and other systems. The factions began fighting conflicts, with Praetorian mostly working to defend its territory while the 104th tried to push inside of it. Eventually, after losses on both sides, Praetorian and the 104th met for mediation. The fighting was briefly stopped, but the cease-fire didn’t last, and battles continued for control of LP 1-52. Eventually, the 104th forces pulled out and moved to the “Marines” system. They issued a formal declaration, informing Praetorian to stay away from the system, and the conflict ended.

New Friends, New Faces (3306 - 3307)

By 3306, Praetorian had largely become a different corporation, and Shepard introduced a new name to the corporation; Blackstar Interstellar Corp. Shepard also began moving resources to a new home, the Barathaona system. As it’s influence grew, the faction gained many contracts, completing multiple anti-xeno contracts and several mining contracts. Eventually, in late 3307, Blackstar was contacted by the Elite Xbox Stellar Alliance, and offered a place in the coalition. The EXSA was a multi-faction alliance headed by CMDR Lev of the Deep Space Syndicate. Blackstar happily accepted, becoming the third faction to join the alliance and a founding member. During this time, Blackstar also reached out to several other independent factions, including the Guardians, The Explorers of the Galactic Table, and the 227th DSRT.

The Guardians War (3308)

Flying with the EXSA, Blackstar participated in several events and operations with the faction. During this time, Blackstar pilots participated in several money-making ventures. During one of these trips, Blackstar pilots were engaged by a known pirate, CMDR Kermit. As Blackstar pilots moved to defend themselves, the leader of the Guardians, CMDR Dog Brandon, began defending Kermit, attacking Blackstar pilots. Communication attempts were made, to inform Brandon who he was attacking, but Brandon continued the assault. The news of the Guardians attack was brought to the EXSA, who sent reinforcements. CMDR Lev and several DPSS ships entered the system and helped Blackstar push Brandon and Kermit out of the system. Blackstar and the EXSA began making preparations for war. The EXSA offered several attempts to make peace, offered that Brandon only play reparations for the ships destroyed. The Guardians denied all requests, on January 24th, 3308, Blackstar officially declared war on the Guardians. EXSA war ships poured into the Guardians home system of Dvorsi. The fighting lasted several weeks, and more attempts to get Brandon to pay reparations were made, but ultimately all failed. During this time, the Guardians hired many pirates and gankers to aid in their fight, but eventually Brandon's wealth ran out, and he was forced to retreat. The EXSA celebrated a well-fought victory.

A New Era (3309)

By the end of 3308, Praetorian was nearing its 50th anniversary, and Shepard, always looking towards the future, made several announcements. First, Blackstar would be moving all its assets back into LP 1-52, their old home. Second, Blackstar would once again return to its original name, Praetorian PMC. By February of 3309, these changes had been complete, and a new era in Praetorians history had begun.

Key People

Tobias Flavian, Founder

Tobias Flavian was the originally founder of Praetorian PMC. Before his death in 3301, he was a seasoned pilot, fighter, and leader. He forged Praetorian into what it was today, and even as age began to creep up on him, he refused to leave the cockpit.

Flavian founded Praetorian after his Roman heritage. He took great pride in his old earth heritage and visited Rome several times.

Mark Shepard, High Praetor

Mark Shepard became the CEO of Praetorian after Flavian. He is noted to be a capable leader, and has a good mind for both strategy and business. Shepard's ideology lead him to believe Praetorian needed to adapt to the new century, and he convinced the Board of Directors to follow a reorganization plan, known as "Shepard's Plan." After several key changes, Shepard became the High Praetor of the PCR.

Shepard served in the Federal Navy, earning a piloting job, and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 3288 and bought his first ship, a Cobra MK2. After flying solo as a CMDR, Shepard began to miss the brotherhood of the Navy, and searched for a group to provide him this brotherhood. He joined Praetorian after seeing a local ad, and quickly made a name for himself, even catching the attention of Flavian himself. Shepard was officially promoted to a team leader position in late 3289, and by 3290, Shepard had become the right hand of Tobias Flavian.

Shepard has been noticed by several media outlets for both his business sense and his leadership. On several occasions, Shepard allowed reporters to ride in his ship during missions.

PCR Military

The armed forces of the Praetorian Congressional Republic (PCR) are a comprehensive and formidable military apparatus dedicated to defending the PCR's territory, projecting power, and maintaining security within and beyond its borders. Comprising the PCR Navy as the primary space-based defense force and the PCR Auxiliary as the reserve component, the armed forces form a cohesive and disciplined organization. The collaboration between the PCR Navy and the PCR Auxiliary is vital for the overall success and effectiveness of the Praetorian Congressional Republic. While the navy takes the forefront in defense and combat operations, the auxiliary branch plays a critical role in providing the necessary support infrastructure and services to sustain military operations and maintain the well-being of its personnel.

Praetorian Congressional Republic Navy

The PCR Navy is the primary branch of the Praetorian Congressional Republic responsible for defense and security. The Navy is composed of highly-trained crewman, staff, and officers who work together to protect Praetorian from external threats and maintain order within its territories.

The Navy's responsibilities include safeguarding the borders of the Republic, conducting patrols to ensure the safety of shipping lanes, and responding to emergencies and crises that threaten the security of the Republic. The PCR Navy also works closely with other military and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the Republic is well-protected against all potential threats.

In addition to its defensive and security responsibilities, the PCR Navy is also committed to promoting peace and stability within the galaxy. The Navy participates in humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts, providing aid and support to those in need. Joining the PCR Navy requires a deep commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and order.

Praetorian Auxiliary

The PCR Auxiliary serves as the reserve military force within the Praetorian Congressional Republic. Complementing the active-duty PCR Navy, the Auxiliary consists of dedicated individuals who stand ready to support and augment the regular forces in times of heightened need or emergencies. Reserve personnel within the PCR Auxiliary maintain a level of readiness to ensure their preparedness for potential activation. While not in active service on a day-to-day basis, they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to swiftly transition into operational roles when called upon.

During times of conflict, crises, or other situations demanding additional military resources, the PCR Auxiliary can be mobilized to reinforce the PCR Navy. These reservists may serve in various capacities, including providing supplementary manpower for combat operations, filling critical support roles, or assisting with logistics and administrative tasks.

Organization

The Praetorian Congressional Republic operates on a hierarchical structure designed to ensure effective leadership and efficient decision-making. At the top of the hierarchy is the High Praetor, who is responsible for the overall leadership of the Republic, setting its strategic vision and ensuring its successful execution. Beneath the High Praetor is the Praetorian Council. The Praetorian Council helps run the day-to-day of Praetorian, achieving both short term and long terms goals for the faction.

Below the Praetorian Council is the officers of the PCR Navy and the PCR Auxiliary, who serve as the backbone of the Republic's military and support operations. The officers are responsible for leading and managing their respective branches and ensuring that their soldiers and personnel are trained and equipped to carry out their duties effectively.

Finally, at the bottom of the hierarchy are the pilots and support personnel of the PCR Navy and PCR Auxiliary, who carry out the day-to-day operations of the Republic. Each member of the hierarchy is critical to the success of the Republic, and all are expected to work together in pursuit of the common goal of protecting and serving the citizens of the Praetorian Congressional Republic.

Praetorian Council

As the primary governing body of Praetorian, the Praetorian Council determines the missions and goals of Praetorian. In charge of setting up contracts, foreign affairs, and making sure Praetorian Law is fair and just. Using the knowledge and experience of both Fleet Command and the Board of directors, the Praetorian Council is well equipped to lead Praetorian through all situations, from system security, to economic stability, to war strategy and planning.

Imagery

The flag of the PCR was designed by ADM Wyatt Novak, in 3309. After a meeting of Praetorian Council, Novak produced the flag, parts of which are also used on the coat of arms. The center shape is based of a shield of the ancient Earth unit from which the PCR gets its name, the Praetorian Guard. The shield symbolizes the protection and security that the PCR provides to its citizens. The swords behind the shield are modelled after ancient roman "Gladius swords," that reinforce the PCR's military focus. The laurel wreath around the swords is to symbolize victory and achievement. Finally, the stars around the symbols is to symbolize the interstellar expansion and influence of the PCR.

Notes

Praetorian is an in-game squadron while Praetorian PMC is an in-game Federation-aligned democratic minor faction.

The PNV Osiria Rose in battle wreckage during the Titan War
ADM. Wyatt Novak, CMDR bb942, and CMDR VinylicTomb673 during a Halloween Event in 3303
PNV Victory and PNV Widow Jane on patrol during the Noxx Conflict
The PNV Osiria Rose heads off on a new mission