Subject: The Second Empire Mon Dec 22, 2014 4:35 am
"It would be a joke if the conduct of the victor had to be justified to the vanquished." - Emperor William III speaking to his Generals during the capitulation of Hunsrück.
Formal Name: The Second Empire of New Terra or the Terran Second Empire Informal Names: Reactionaries, Puff's Abbreviation: NTE Population: Census data has largely been ignored during the war, the previous and most recent population figure labeled the total New Terran population throughout all of it's dependencies and territories as being nearly 35 billion, but that was several years ago and current estimates put the Terran population as being well over 40 billion.
Above: Illustration depicting the Imperial Diet, the institution for much of New Terran history was responsible for major constitutional action and nomination of new Emperors.
Technology Tags: During William Talbot's reign New Terra moved to swiftly re-adjust it's negative cultural aspects and there was significant hope that this would lead to a major turnaround in the nation's technological deficit and whilst major improvements have been made there remains a significant lack of progress and major technological innovation.
Obstetrics - The one aspect that couldn't be changed was population control, New Terra has always been one of the most populous civilizations in the Galaxy. Priority remains amongst many New Terrans that having a large family is always more desirable to ensure economic security and potential politically valuable placements if a particular son or daughter married into a wealthy or prominent family and/or rose high in the security forces, nepotism is largely excused provided it doesn't become burdensome to the state as well which compounds this motivation.
Intrigue - The state of New Terra prior to the rise of Talbot set a perfect foundation to make New Terra one of the most effective practitioners of state intrigue in the Galaxy. Spurred on by a reformed Imperial Guard there was little that was able to put a damper on their abilities and they experienced an astounding degree of success during the Great War. Even in their weakened state, the Imperial Guard remains one of the most effective forces in the Galaxy and retains a small 'garrison' on nearly every planet the Imperial Guard has access to or has heard of.
Mobility - Imperial Admiral Kiselyov utilized his own personal 'Decisive Jump Battle Doctrine' to astounding success during the Great War, this impressed Talbot, who was then only a Marshal, so much that he promoted Kiselyov immediately and established the tactic as a fleet-wide doctrine, Kiselyov would later be appointed the position of Marshal during the 'Troubles' after Talbot's seizure of the Empire and later declaration of Emperor. The tactic revolves around rapid combat jumping to gain greater positioning and for purposes of harassment, although later in the war several nations managed to develop a somewhat efficient counter to the strategy they were never able to entirely overpower it.
Massive Fleet, Small Ships - Named after the official policy in regards to ship production, the New Terrans continue to retain their small ship focus and are often able to rally up impressive numbers within their fleets that wouldn't be possible for other conventional military powers. Although this is becoming increasingly burdensome as helium-3 sources have largely been destroyed in Tefeull forcing the Empire to resort to mining it's own domestic fields which are believed to be running out at quite a rapid pace.
Economic Might - Whilst New Terra maintains an average in both Political and Military power they are relatively unmatched when it comes to economic soft power, prior to the war at one point they were producing goods for nearly 60 percent of the civilized galaxy from their massive industrial complexes and engaging in lucrative trade contracts with other nations. This took a hit during the war and it's aftermath but with a recovering industry and large population to work in it the potential for New Terra to once-more overtake the Galaxy with it's economy remains, provided they are able to remain politically stable.
"No matter if it is a white cat or a black cat; as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat." - Etienne Gerard Lasalle, Imperial Guard Commander and renowned spymaster.
Species: The Empire retains only an ever so slight hold over it's 'kin' species that have been part of the nation for centuries and have only recently gained more autonomy and political power and they remain ever hungry for even more. Political analysts predict the Tahar to attain their near complete independence from New Terra within the next few decades, if not the coming few years.
The Tahar - An ape-like race which inhabit the inner regions of 07N and also the ones responsible for the name 'Tranquil Expanse' before being annexed into the Empire the Tahar had always been a relatively peaceful peoples who excelled at trade and had a willingness to exchange resources for autonomy the learned Emperor Vukhym VI oversaw the peaceful annexation of their territories in the early High Period. They have their own long-standing history of dominating the Heraklians, having previously invaded the world in their early expansionist history before being pushed out.
The 'Heraklians' - The actual name of this species is indecipherable so they are commonly referred to as the Heraklians after the General who conquered their first world, Heraklios. They are a lizard-like people who are rigidly tribal in nature and are extreme aggressive they killed the first diplomats which arrived from the Empire in the middle High Period resulting in a brutal war against their people which they lost.
Culture: New Terran culture is a rapidly changing and evolving series of adherence to social norms, family is highly revered by most New Terrans and there remains a prevalent fixation on authority wherein the most accomplished members of a family are seen as it's 'leaders' rather than strict adherence to elders. New Terrans themselves are extremely culturally diverse and there remains virtually no discrimination based on ethnicity, universally the population prefers to identify as New Terrans owing to a cultural focus of unity over division, their tumultuous history is often believed to be the cause of such unusual human unity. When it comes to outsiders New Terrans often view themselves as the most advanced human culture and it isn't uncommon to hear them speak publicly this way even to fellow humans even though discretion remains an important part of their society.
Homeworld Name: New Terra Homeworld Location: 08N Homeworld Description: The planet is nearly an Ecumenopolis heavily segregated by region with economic and politically linked areas usually being seen as the most cleanly and presentable and the residential and industrial sectors being heavily overpopulated and filled with squalor. Other Systems: 08M - Called the 'Northern March' this area is often also ascribed the informal label of 'Heart of the Empire' owing to the large industry and massive military shipyards present in the sector. Previously the center-point of the landed elite there has been a significant shift in regional power structures where military officials have begun assuming many of the old social importance of these once-powerful Estates. 07N - Called the 'Tranquil Expanse' by the Tahar, this sector of space is the location of the home planets of both major non-human populations within the Empire, this relatively small area of space has been the site of various battles since before humanity first embarked into the stars and the peace brought by the Empire seems like a dream to many of the older veterans of these past racial struggles. 09N - Nicknamed 'Merchants Folly' in the early days of the Republic this area of the space gradually became one of the most populated regions in the Empire owing to it's vastly expanding economic infrastructure. Foreign corporations often make their homes in the rich capital of the region 'Ambrosia' and billionaires from all across the Galaxy come to do business with the many banks and state industries littering the surface.
Political System: Whilst New Terra seems an absolute monarchy there remains a seemingly complex series of political and legal jurisdictions that are adhered to. Legally, the Emperor rules at the invitation of the Imperial Diet to adhere to policies that comply with the Imperial Constitution which specifically define the powers of the Emperor. Whilst this implies the Emperor rules at the behest of the Diet as is commonly proscribed in Imperial Charter the reality is that the Emperor rules largely through his own personal support base which serves to properly signify the limits on his power. Frequently this includes a variety of political, judicial and military officials to maintain the authority of the Emperor who is expected to adhere very stringently to developing political and social issues during his rule. This sort of authoritarian regime based entirely within popular opinion is labeled within New Terra as the 'Peoples Mandate' where rulers who perform unfavorably are seen as having lost the People's Mandate and therefore forfeiting their right to rule, New Terran history is filled with Emperors deemed tyrannical many of whom ended their reigns in bloody usurpation as a result of losing the Mandate.
During the First Empire the Diet consisted of appointed members of the Nobility who qualified through ownership of specific land areas which also determined their personal voting power. Members of the current Diet are elected in a semi-democratic process in which only individuals who own land are permitted to vote, this system was established by the New Guard Movement lead by Hyeon Taejo who rapidly gained power in the wake of the military coup against Sigismund IV.
Imperial Succession remains unclear, legally the Imperial Diet still has the authority to elect a new Autocrat upon the resignation or death of the reigning Emperor but growing sentiment within certain royalist sects believes that a more direct line of succession based around the Talbot Dynasty should be established, suggested heirs for this project centers around either William's Nephew, Son or younger Brother.
History: Imperial history is often categorized as an unending struggle for power from all aspects of political and military life in a structure that often personifies the worst traits of humanity.
Old Imperial History:
Early Period(Initial Colonization, Population Boom, Fall of the Republic)
Spoiler:
The very beginnings of the Empire are often its most cited and heralded aspect but it has become increasingly hard to put exact dates to corresponding events, causing aspiring historians much frustration and confusion.
The very beginnings of the New Terra colony is marred by secrecy logs were frequently deleted and replaced during the early ages of the Republic and very little remains for today's historians to analyze and draw conclusions from. What is known is that an idealistic association of Earth's corporate elite united and funded an ambitious expedition to the stars encouraged by what they believed was an increasingly anti-Capitalist agenda they sought to etch out a new home in space that they would be able to mold themselves.
The initial colony on New Terra and its adjourning moons and planets was an astronomical success many resources were readily available and trade with Earth and other Alien cultures brought immense prosperity to the leading companies who then invested these profits into their planet and as a result New Terra flourished. An elective local government was set up to help nurture a republican tradition on the planet but was heavily influenced and controlled by the founding CEO's.
Eventually, backed by powerful corporate executives, the Republic of New Terra was proclaimed by it's second Governor and ties were cut with Earth. The sudden nature of this proclamation is disputed by Historians and many estimate this was a direct result of Earth's war with the Alarei whilst others believe this could have been a result of the 'Black Wednesday' bombardments either way this event is commonly used to mark the beginning of New Terra's independence.
Not much is known of New Terra's actions afterwards but what is recorded is that the now independent state entered a golden age where the Republic flourished immensely and increases in technology as well as economic prosperity resulted in a massive population boom it's believed that this is when the cities of New Terra began to envelop the entire planet. But it wouldn't last forever, after an extensive period of economic prosperity the Republic eventually suffered a downfall it wouldn't recover from.
In it's later years the Republic became marred by decadence and economic stagnation with government corruption running rampant whilst the corporate elite began to hoard their wealth. Society began to reach it's breaking point when a man named Oliver Scarfield entered the picture, Oliver was a successful military commander who's victories over notorious pirate gangs and alien raiders rapidly escalated his popularity amongst the common people. Normally such events wouldn't concern the societal elite but during the later years of his career Oliver had begun adopting populist rhetoric and had begun positioning himself politically. After a series of radical speeches made to a gathered association of conservative political figures the Corporate leadership decided to smear his image and drum him out of the military.
When the order arrived for Oliver to stand down and report to the Capital for judgement he instead gathered his men and presented them with the order, Oliver gave a speech to his men in which he suggested that the Republic had been taken over by subversive and tyrannical elements which greatly incensed the men, when the civilian military overseer interrupted the display and demanded the soldiers present stand down it sent them into a frenzy, the overseer and his staff were killed on the spot and the course was set.
Scarfield lead his army to the capital where he dissolved the civilian government and declared himself President for life, soon afterwards he began to gather around like minded conservative politicians to form his new government with whom he would begin 'restructuring society'. Historians estimate that tens of millions were killed in Scarfields suppression of political freedoms and occupation of corporate properties. In place of civilian government Scarfield set the foundation for the Empire by promoting several select members of the political and military structure with which to form a new bureaucratic elite for the nation.
Oliver Scarfield died suddenly of illness shortly after a period of upheavel and left no children behind. His legacy was inherited by his protege Vukhym Kobrynska who, after a political struggle, proclaimed himself an Emperor and oversaw the birth of the Noble Estates, the monopolization of the Guilds, and the reintegration of the Corporations. His heirs would oversee the military expansion of the Empire and the conquering of the various neighboring territories which remain part of the Empire to this day.
High Period(Rise of the Empire, Ambitious Expansion, First Interregnum)
Spoiler:
To be finished.
Late Period(Fall of the Taejo, Second Interregnum and Current Day)
Spoiler:
The Peace of Berallia, signed by Daeso II, Eternal Emperor and head of House Taejo, brought an end to the First Interregnum after almost twenty years of continuous warfare. The treaty reaffirmed the rights and privileges of powerful noble realms such as the Duchy of Pyrrhus, the March of Valois, and the Duchy of Bromfeld, whilst also establishing several free trade zones in the 09N sector regions which would now exclusively restrict trade in those zones to Guild vessels only.
A tenuous peace existed between the Emperor and his former enemies who had revolted against him years ago, this had been the first time a civil war concluded itself and hadn't resulted in the deposition of either the Emperor or his enemies. This brief period of peace lasted until the death of Daeso II six years later bringing the matter of succession of the Throne to the Imperial Diet.
House Taejo and it's supporters voted for Daeso's brother Hyeon to be nominated successor to preserve the peace but they were opposed by an association of Noble Estates calling themselves the Kurgan League who preferred to nominate the Duke of Pyrrhus, Sigismund Opalinski, to succeed the late Emperor. The Taejo and Kurgan argued and deliberated their positions for weeks to the various Nobles assembled in the Diet and when the vote was finally called almost two months later the Kurgan had won by a firm majority.
The Taejo disputed the vote but Hyeon deemed his forces inadequate for war and accepted the Diet's decision which could have destroyed any possibility he may have had to become Emperor in the future. Sigismund IV ruled with an iron fist and was a supporter of the 'United Economic' movement to revoke the privileges enjoyed by the Guilds and Corporations and bring them more in line with the Imperial State, this naturally caused the Guilds to begin funding his enemies and investigating ways to undermine his power essentially turning the Empire into a powder keg just waiting to explode with the right spark.
Sigismund IV appointed William Talbot, Marquis of Valois, as Imperial Marshal who shook up the officer staff by purging any potential non-loyalist elements from the command structure greatly upsetting the balance of power and causing the Guild's to gear up for war. The first spark came during the 'Ambrosia Affair' in which an attempt by the Guild to forcibly oust an official elected by local nobility lead to open warfare in the streets of the planet Ambrosia, when information came forward that a significant amount of men killed were Imperial Gendarmes the Emperor himself declared the Peace of Berallia defunct and ordered the Imperial Military to begin policing several previous free trade zones in Merchant's Folly. Talbot got his fleet as far as Keiersburg, a remote trading outpost on the edge of Imperial space between Merchant's Folly and the interior, when he was engaged by forces loyal to the 'Commercium' as rebellious members of the Guild had begun calling themselves, Talbot lead his men to victory after a daring attack managed to split the rebel formation in half causing them to flee the battlefield.
The resulting occupation caused major unrest as undisciplined Imperial troops engaged in widespread looting and atrocities against what they deemed were 'Commercium' peoples. This lasted until the military seizure of power after the Kaiming crisis.
Current Events
Spoiler:
The Great War against the USC and UCFP as well as their allies has sapped New Terra of much of it's will to continue fighting and has resulted in a considerable drain of it's resources, the New Terra that exists today is very different from the New Terra that prevailed from the onset of the war, although they claim victory in the Great War it's clear that the hollow declaration cost them immensely.
Important People
Spoiler:
Enlightened Emperor, William III of House Talbot: 'He lead a road of glory throughout the Galaxy' is how many in New Terra refer to the Galaxy's arguably most well-known and most controversial figure, he usurped the 'tyrants' of Opalinski and he brought great prosperity and security to his nation. His pride and/or love for his nation caused him to push the USC and UCFP into a war that brought widespread devastation upon the Galaxy, he still remains a popular figure amongst large segments of the population but it's clear this admiration has reached it's limits. Whilst New Terra still views the man in a more positive light the rest of the Galaxy is split on his reputation with many positively recalling his exploits whilst others believe him to be responsible for the deaths of billions.
Antoine d'Anjou, First Minister of State: Antoine has seen his way through three wars, a Commonwealth and two Empires and has never lost his position as First Minister. His loyalty is to the nation rather than to the men who inhabit it and he has shown himself to be a masterful bureaucrat, juggling the economic worries of the Empire with enviable ease. It will certainly be a sad day when the old man finally departs, his seat will be hard to fill and the 'Marshal-Emperor' Talbot will have to look far and wide for a competent replacement.
Marshal of the Empire Pavel Kiselyov, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Armada: Promoted due to merit, Admiral Kiselyov has become devoted to his Emperor and he is largely renowned for his establishment of competent and effective military strategies utilized by the Imperial Fleet. Under his leadership the Imperial Fleet became one of the most successful formations in the Galaxy during the early stages of the Great War before the tide slowly turned against them. He continues to lead the Fleet with unfaltering ingenuity and competence although the resources hes had to work with have become increasingly limited.
Etienne Gerard Lasalle, Commander of the Imperial Guard: An extremely capable spymaster, he understands the game fully and he's one of it's best players having earned his way into the Imperial Guard's ranks at the young age of 27 he established himself as a capable yet enigmatic agent, this tripled upon his ascension to the leadership and he's believed to be behind almost every major event in recent New Terran history and conspiracy theories are abound when it comes to speculation over his capabilities. Seemingly nothing escapes his oversight and it's claimed by many that he's one of the most powerful men in the Empire aside from the Emperor himself, who recognizes his talent but keeps him at an arms length.
Hero Character: Name: Grand Prince Alexander Douglas Talbot Race: Human Age: 28 Position: Major, Special Operations Force Allegiance: The Imperial Family Story: Being the younger brother of William Talbot he swiftly made his way through the ranks and although he was eager to prove himself he was largely kept away from any significant action during the Great War. Even now his post largely consists of aiding scout ships in the surveying of new worlds and potential colonies for the Empire where hostile contact is largely unexpected and easy to avoid. Even though he lacks the ambition of his elder brother he still remains patient and devoted to his nation, awaiting the right time to show his worth.
Military Information
Overview: The Imperial Military proved itself during the Great War that it was more than capable of conducting large scale warfare against more advanced opponents, but the primary enemy it couldn't conquer was logistics. Formations and Fleets often outran their supply lines only to become stalled as a result of mismanagement and general lack of logistical capabilities in enemy territory, this lead to unfortunate incidents where the Imperial Fleet would engage in piracy to re-supply itself in the field earning itself a less than stellar reputation. The Imperial Navy is still one of the most capable forces in the Galaxy but has found itself stymied by fuel shortages and general apprehension towards armed conflict by the Empire's political leadership.
Although commanding the largest army in the known galaxy Imperial Doctrine focused on the 'skillful and virtuous' use of troops as opposed to overwhelming numbers and massed charges at enemy positions in an attempt to overrun them. Specialized contingents of disciplined Imperial soldiers perform mobile warfare tactics to outflank and destroy enemy positions as lesser trained units defend and maintained a frontline, doctrines such as defense-in-depth and mobile warfare played a big part in Imperial strategy.
General Headquarters of the Military includes four departments: The General Staff Department, the General Political Department, the General Logistics Department, and the General Armaments Department all working towards keeping the military running as efficiently as possible with such a large amount of manpower.
Military Organization:
Imperial Ground Force:
Having it's origin in the reformation of Republican military units during the fall the Imperial Ground Force is the largest standing army in the known galaxy with tens of millions of soldiers under its command. The Army is marked by qualified and competent officers overseen by the more privileged High Command made up almost exclusively by former Nobility although under the new administration a major change-up of this composition is being seen.
Interesting Branches:
Imperial Army - The largest grouping within the Ground Forces is the large mass of soldiers that constitute the Imperial Army. Often the lesser-trained and 'expendable' of the organizations it's made up of men from all walks of Imperial life and officer positions are hotly contested by able-minded recruits.
Imperial Hussar Corps - The Hussar's operate as rapid reaction units often working in tandem with Naval and Airborne assets and being heavily mechanized the Hussars are known for reckless and daring exploits and for undergoing extremely dangerous operations. Hussar's themselves abide by a sort of odd subculture where they carry themselves vulgarly and often express themselves through crude behavior, they are also known for excessive drinking and smoking.
Mechanized Corps - A major linchpin of Imperial operation is maintaining a major core of well-trained and well-equipped soldiers supported by various mechanized assets. These formations are used to outmaneuver and destroy valuable enemy positions such as command and logistics assets as well as important placements.
Imperial Gendarme - The police units of the military, often used to support local authorities in enforcing Imperial law. Being a major paramilitary unit it's often kept in close relations with the Imperial Army.
Imperial Army Special Operations Forces - Made up of various elite formations the Special Forces of the Empire are one of the best Specops units under Imperial Command. Second only to the Imperial Guard themselves, Imperial Special Forces often finds themselves in operations ranging from all possible theatres of combat from space to the skies to the ground to even underground if need be.
Imperial Skirmisher Corps:
The aerial warfare division of the Imperial Military is comprised of thousands of fighters and bombers often deployed from light carriers and other ships to support either ground or naval forces in combat situations. The force often uses massed groups of outdated fighters to cover and support more advanced models in the field.
Imperial Space Force:
The naval warfare branch of the Imperial Military, the Imperial Space Force can trace it's lineage all the way back to the earliest days of the Republic where it's primary role then was combating pirates and alien raiders it has since developed into one of the largest navies in the known galaxy.
Rather than pursuing a focus on large and expensive carriers and dreadnoughts which would be technologically obsolete when compared to other nations the Empire has focused on extremely light mobile vessels capable of fending on their own against fighters and bombers whilst still being able to project force unto the enemy. Major focuses of Imperial Naval Doctrine is long-range combat and extensive mobility with support from light carriers and small docking bays to maintain a defensive skirmish line with enemy ships during combat.
Interesting Branches:
ISF Surface Defense Force - A somewhat land-based fighting force they serve to defend planets from invasion by foreign military forces, they are often positioned on militarized space stations equipped with long-range missile batteries and other measures to hinder enemy movements in Imperial Territory.
ISF Marine Corps - Armed elite brigades operating on ISF ships, often receiving cutting edge equipment and extensive training. Specializations in ship and space station boarding operations and bearing a very proud tradition of conducting themselves honorably in the field.
ISF Naval Skirmisher Force - Made up of fighter craft taken from the ISC and often used to defend ships against similar fighter attacks.
Imperial Guard:
One of the oldest institutions in the Empire, the Imperial Guard have transformed dramatically over the years from a small ceremonial bodyguard unit to a full fledged paramiitary organization under direct control of the Emperor. Receiving first priority for technological improvement coupled with harsh training has made the Imperial Guard exceptionally dangerous to it's enemies.
Interstellar Artillery Command:
One of the more secure divisions of the military, this organization handles all nuclear, biological and other heavy armaments employed by the state.
Auxiliary Forces:
Made up of alien troops yet commanded by humans the Auxiliary is a haven for non-humans seeking steady pay it's a unique group in that it accepts non-humans from every planet in the galaxy who seek to fight for the Empire, either for advancement or a steady pay.
Ship Composition: WIP
Racial Benefit: Imperial Glory Ship costs cut in half at the expense of -10 HP per ship.
Last edited by Thimble on Tue Jan 06, 2015 2:03 am; edited 2 times in total
EyesofMarch Admin
Posts : 259 Join date : 2014-01-06 Location : Evanthar
Subject: Re: The Second Empire Sat Dec 27, 2014 5:50 am
Once you finish that hero section you are A-Okay. Very nice.
Thimble
Posts : 159 Join date : 2014-01-12
Subject: Re: The Second Empire Mon Dec 29, 2014 3:51 pm
Already done champ no problemo.
Also I edited and touched up on a bunch of other areas too so if you even give any form of a shit go ahead and take another look, otherwise fucka you.
Subject: The Second Empire 
Mon Dec 22, 2014 4:35 am
