FT Voluntary Star-State Index [OOC]

[The Uthani Imperium]

Preface:

First and foremost, hello and welcome to the Future Tech Voluntary Star-State Index, or VSSI for short. The following thread is an attempt to provide an optional or otherwise non-mandatory index of FT players and their nations. The goal of this project is to provide an easily accessible catalogue of national information; including government type, relevant cultural information, and relative location as defined by the galactic quadrant system (ie: Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma) for nations who consider themselves members of the FT-Prime canon. Participation in this thread is in no way mandatory for inclusion in the greater FT-Prime canon, nor does this thread seek to provide a basis to exclude or otherwise define who is and who is not a member of FT-Prime.

In saying such, the VSSI does not operate on a “by-application” inclusion method, but instead simply provides a framework which players may choose to use in defining their nation. Continuing this, as the OP of this thread I will be curating as opposed to moderating any and all posts. Any player that chooses to provide their national information will be added to the greater index (with one exception mentioned below). That being said however, inclusion in the index does not necessarily guarantee that your nation is recognized as canon by other players who have also submitted their information for inclusion in the VSSI. Only through cooperation and discussion can players absolutely confirm the existence of their nation in regards to another player’s established canon.

The only rule of the VSSI, is that players refrain from mentioning the existence of other player’s nations in their excerpt. This is to prevent the VSSI being used as a guidelines to define who is or who is not canon in the greater FT-Prime continuity.

In conclusion, it is my hope that the following index proves a useful tool that players can use to learn about each other’s nation, and also provides a framework that allows players to formulate role-plays with one another. All entries are listed by shorthand nation name alphabetically, with names linking to the submitting player's post in the thread.

Suggested Information:

While there are no enforced guidelines as to what can or cannot be included in a nation’s index entry, so long as the entry follows the one rule listed above, I have seen fit to provide a general list and short description of information that I suggest is included. It is as follows:

Official National Name: The official name of your nation, as defined by your national government. It is suggested that the player provide the name in the language of their nation, with translation in brackets. For example: Hasmi Katti Šittar Šiun (The Kinsmen of the Star God). For nations organized that do not define their entities as nations (ie: some warbands, migratory fleets or etc.) Marking N/A is suggested.

Short National Name(s): The nickname(s) or otherwise common usage name(s) of your nation. If the player has an established shorthand name for their nation in their own language it is suggested that it is presented with the translation following in brackets. For example: The Uthanium, The Uthani Imperium

National Government Type: The best definition for the structure of governance your nation has in place, as well as the driving ideological force behind it if pertinent.. For example: Hereditary Autocratic Monarchy: Rexist Political Theory.

Prevalent Sentient Species: A list of prevalent, sentient, species that reside in your nation. Simply providing a list is acceptable, but if applicable it is suggested that the submitting player provide follow up information on any species that is not human. This can include a general physical description, a detailed biological breakdown, or whatever the submitting player prefers including links to pictures or otherwise. (It is requested that any pictures be either linked directly to or placed in spoilers so as to avoid clutter.)

Important Cultural Information: A blurb about the general culture of your nation. Players can be as specific or vague as they choose, with potential entries ranging from a broad overview of the customs, traditions and habits of their people to the cultural-analogue that the player has chosen to base their nation around.

Galactic Quadrant Location: The quadrant (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta) that the player has chosen for the location of their nation. Players are free to describe their general location (ie: Northeast Gamma Quadrant, Northeast Gamma Quadrant: Syndicate Arm etc.) But it is required that positioning of a player’s nation in relation to another player's nation, be refrained from mention. This is to prevent the idea that the index defines who or what is or is not canon.

Factbook Link: A place for players to provide a link to their factbook if they have one.

To clarify, the above is simply a suggested format that the player may use if they so desire. So long as player’s excerpts adhere to the VSSI’s single rule, they are acceptable and will be added to the index.

[The Uthani Imperium]

Index A-M

A

• Auracexian Hegemon

B

• Bakra
• Black Sun

C

• CUE

D

• Diopolis

D

E

• Estainia

F

• Ferret Civilization

G

• Gata'ja

H

• Huerdaen Star Empire
• Hurlik

I

• Imperial & Federal Union
• Infinite Sun

J

K

L

• Lotrabme

M

[The Uthani Imperium]

Index N-Z

N

• Nyte
• Nexxu
• Nalydya
• NeoSindar Empire

O

P

• Perseid Federation
• Primareliqua

Q

R

• Riæluman Realm

S

• Serukta Sehkrisaal
• Sunset

T

• Thompsonshire
• Ten Thousand Suns

U

• UEG
• Uthanium
• United Terran Alliance

V

• Volkartia
• Valsenar
• Vojvodina-Nihon
• Valefore
• Voidborne
• Vixia Prime

W

X

Y

Z

[The Uthani Imperium]

-Reserved-

[The Uthani Imperium]

-Reserved-

[Sunset]

Official National Name: The Republic of Sunset
Short National Name(s): Sunset, The Republic (Internal)
National Government Type: Representative Republic; Progressive Libertarian
Prevalent Sentient Species: Human (MetaHuman) Sanglanti, Centaur, Dwarf, Troll, Neko, Tonhi, Kitsune, Elf, Orc; Pyrk, Kal-En-Vesho, ArAreBee, Artificial Intelligence, Therian, Oeie, Ju-Docri, Bajoni, Otterkin, Tlokselo, Aquafor, Xypndi, Skri, Doso, Ewkoo Uh Va, I-We, Qoyat, Tjorengo, Xiaru, Eakhm, Cyar, Ixut, Ojeni, Kaissi, Danyth, Nwlyan, Coatlicue, Eserisha, Dulyani, Telari, Arenja, Esti'Ilwe, Duab'Akii, Duwerli. (Common / Uncommon)
Important Cultural Information: With forty-five different sentient species and sub-species in the Republic, one of the questions often asked by visitors is 'Where are all the different cultures?'

The answer to that is that they are all around but that in some cases they are hard to spot or even differentiate from the broader culture of the Republic. While Sunset culture tries to present itself as open and inclusive, this is also somewhat self-selecting. Cultures and civilizations that differ wildly from that of the Republic will often have very little representation and this only by those who are adventurous, inquisitive, or curious. Since these are some of the defining aspects of civilization in the Republic those that hail from cultures or civilizations that either do not include these aspects or outright scorn them often exclude themselves and do not seek to maintain company with it.

This also means that a lot - the majority - of species that can be found in Sunset originate from civilizations that have some or all of these as key virtues. Thus they are often quick to adapt and adopt to the culture and technology of those around them; The Melting Pot of Sunset Culture and Society.
Galactic Quadrant Location: Alpha Quadrant, approximately 24,000ly galactic-south of the Core.
Factbook Link: Linked Factbook

[The Uthani Imperium]

Sunset: Your submission has been added to the VSSI, thank you for submitting an entry.

[Diopolis]

Official National Name: Sancta Rice Diopolises [Holy Imperial Dominion of Diopolis]

Short National Name(s): Diopolis. It is referred to internally as "the dominion", but diplomatically it may sometimes be referred to as an empire.

National Government Type: It's a near-absolute divine right monarchy.

Prevalent Sentient Species: Human. Non-humans are ineligible for subject or peerage status, and cannot live here permanently, although a few slaves of nonhuman origin are present here, mostly in menageries. None make up a significant enough portion of the population to be worth mentioning.

Important Cultural Information: The main cultural force is the Diopolisian rite Catholic church. Other major cultural forces include societal pressures to defer to the peerage, the Imperial throne(pronouncements from the Emperor are followed religiously by the populace) and the family.

Galactic Quadrant Location: Beta quadrant.

Factbook Link: Here's the Wiki page, which is more detailed.

[Thompsonshire]

Official Nation Name: The Grand Duchy of Thompsonshire

Short National Name(s): Thompsonshire

National Government Type: Constitutional Grand Duchy

Prevalent Sentient Species:
    » Homo sapiens sapiens (74%)
    » Homo sapiens albus (elf) (12%)
    » Homo sapiens felis (felinid human) (4%)
    » Assorted others (10%)

Important   Cultural   Information:    The   Grand   Duchy   of
    Thompsonshire is  the primary  inhabitant of the  Amicitia stellar
    system.    Originally   a   ragtag  collection   of   YellowApple,
    Inc. colony ships  which crash-landed on the icy moon  Amor of the
    gas giant Caritas, the survivors  - under the leadership of Hilmar
    Prästost -  banded together and,  lacking an immediate  ability to
    contact  YellowApple, Inc.,  soon formed  the Grand  Duchy, naming
    Hilmar Prästost as  its first - and thus far  only - duke.  Though
    contact was  soon reestablished (the  work of Grand  Duke Hilmar's
    younger  brother, Sir  Birgr Prästost,  now "Count  of Amicitia"),
    independence as a new sovereign  nation had already been declared,
    and  said contact  -  instead of  reconciling Thompsonshirean  and
    YellowApplan  governments -  resulted  in a  gradual and  peaceful
    secession (not  unlike several YellowApplan  protectorates; unlike
    them,  however,   the  Thompsonshireans  are  more   dependent  on
    YellowApplan  superluminal transit  infrastructure and  commercial
    routes than they are on YellowApplan military protection).
    
    While the Grand Duchy is not overtly theocratic, the Church of the
    Superuser  -  a  nominally-Christian  denomination  which  heavily
    incorporates elements  of Norse  paganism -  maintains significant
    cultural and political influence, the  primary symptom of which is
    a strict code of  honor which permeates throughout Thompsonshirean
    politics,  military doctrine,  and socioeconomics.   Said code  of
    honor  prioritizes  the  needs  of  the  Thompsonshirean  military
    complex -  a vaguely-feudalistic system  of knights and  squires -
    over most other priorities.
    
    The lifestyle of the average Thompsonshirean is relatively simple:
    isolationist and introverted, yet well-mannered and devout.  Given
    the Thompsonshirean heritage of survivalism, most Thompsonshireans
    tend to be self-sufficient, and upon encountering one of their kin
    in   need,  will   prioritize  helping   said  kin   also  achieve
    self-sufficiency ("Teach a man to fish, and he shall eat forever")
    rather than simply provide for his/her immediate need ("Give a man
    a fish, and he shall  eat for a day").  Thompsonshireans typically
    dress in warm  apparel; the most common wardrobe  begins with long
    undergarments and socks  (typically made from a mix  of flannel or
    wool and  ceramic fibers,  the latter  used as  heating elements),
    thus  covered  by  a  thicker long-sleeved  flannel  shirt,  denim
    trousers (often waterproofed with linseed oil, wax, or a synthetic
    polymer,  and  frequently  worn with  suspenders),  and  insulated
    waterproof (usually  rubberized) boots,  and finally covered  by a
    hat (typically  with a fur interior  and waterproofed cloth/canvas
    or synthetic fabric exterior; ushankas  and knit caps are the most
    common  styles,  though "baseball"  and  "trucker"  caps are  also
    commonly  worn  with  hooded  jackets,  and  some  Thompsonshirean
    ushankas and  knit caps  include bills),  jacket (like  most hats,
    typically composed of  a fur or flannel  interior and waterproofed
    canvas  or  synthetic  exterior, though  rubber  and  waterproofed
    leather are not unheard of),  and insulated outer trousers (again,
    with a fur  or flannel interior and canvas  or synthetic exterior;
    many Thompsonshireans, however, will wear this *instead* of rather
    than in addition to inner  trousers).  A Thompsonshirean is rarely
    encountered  without some  form of  hunting or  fishing implements
    when outdoors.   A Thompsonshirean  residence or  business without
    racks for hats, coats, and firearms is virtually unheard of.

Galactic Quandrant Location:
    Delta Quadrant,  approx. "two o'clock" from  galactic center, near
    galactic boundary (close to tip of Outer Arm).

Factbook Link:
    None at  this time; should  one exist, it  will be located  in the
    nation's             dispatches              and/or             in
    http://iiwiki.com/wiki/Thompsonshire.

[Serukta Sehkrisaal]

SERUKTASEHKRISAAL
^{Sacral Empire of the Second Children of the Light}

Often a point of confusion due to the eclectic nature of Seruli'san (the Holy and Imperial Word of the Sacral Empire; otherwise known as the native tongue of the Serukta), in addition to the exceptional difficulty which arises in both learning and speaking it, the Sehkrisaal is known by many names. Chief amongst these - and the one recognized most evidently beyond the boundaries of the Thionic Expanse (see below) - is that of the "Sacral Empire," the closest rendering of the word "Sehkrisaal" into Galactic Standard. As a matter of official policy, the full and legal name of the Sacral Empire is "Serukta Sehkrisaal," or the "Sacral Empire of the Second Children of the Light." It is this measure which is inscribed on all official documents, writs, legal proclamations, edicts, clerical and ecclesiastical declarations, and characters - both imperial and ennobled.

Location
The primary volume of the Sacral Empire is firmly situated within the Alpha Quadrant. Specifically, the four kasa'ad (comparable to "kingdom" in many languages, though "province" is accepted in description) of Suu'benoth, Masaas'vol, Qa'salnaar, and Si'kuraq are situated within a gravitationally-bound region of space containing gas and particulate of considerabl (relative) density within the Galactic Bar of the Galactic Core Region; this region is commonly known as, due to the prevalence of arid worlds within it and the general hostile astronomical weather in the volume, the "Thionic Expanse."

The Thionic Expanse, and through extension its contents, are in relative proximity to the Solarian Reaches and Sol System itself, leading in the past to the growth of a significant human population within the Sacral Empire. In addition, the Empire is located near several interstellar trading lanes and station spurs, granting an avenue for both export and import - though such is often heavily controlled by the Great House Riijmakar, which has an Imperial Charter of Monopoly on commerce, trade relations, and mercantile licensing and regulation when it comes to both internal and external trade.

Within the Thionic Expanse, officially, the Sacral Empire constitutes sixty-four distinct stellar systems, thirteen of which contain planetary bodies capable of permanent settlement and habitation; beyond the gravitationally-demarcated boundaries of the Expanse, the Empire has at least one known territorial holding in the Gamma Quadrant, that of Arahbaltu.

Governance
The Sacral Empire is most appropriately defined as an absolute theo-monarchy in the classical sense; such is to say that, from the perception of the Burning Crown, the holy scripture of Khasa'ilu (see below), and imperial law, the Sacral Empire is headed by a sovereign which is presumed to be a physical manifestation of the primordial monad or "Absolute Divinity" of creation, that of Sa'ilu, the Endless Flame.

As a matter of hierarchy, imperial bureaucracy is broadly divided into three strata, with eleven sub-strata:

• The Burning Crown
  
  • The Sehkrisah: The political and martial title of the Sacral Empire as a star-state and polity - often compared to an "emperor" or "caliph." As a benefit ex offico is also known as...
    
    
  • The Naa'suakaan Khasa'ilu: The "Anointed Guide and Guardian of the Path of the Endless Flame," or the leader of the religious faith of the Sacral Empire, that of Khasa'ilu, or the "Path of the Endless Flame." In addition, as a benefit ex officio is also known as...
    
    
  • The Kasa'adii of Suu'benoth: By benefit of the Burning Crown's political office, the Sehkrisah is, in turn, the Kasa'adii of Suu'benoth and, as such, has an Imperial Charter of Monopoly regarding Serijn production and distribution, as well as being the sole legal source of Imperial Writs Internecine in regard to the Thu'laiika Sakiin.
  Regardless, the Sehkrisah is always the Naa'suakaan Khasa'ilu, and vice versa; the Burning Crown is, in turn, perpetually drawn from the Holy and Imperial House Lusarha (also known as the "Sehk'lusarha") which is the highest ennobled household in the Sacral Empire and the longest (and only) reigning dynasty in its history. Typically, inheritance of the title "Sehkrisah," its entailment, offices, duties, and role is determined via agnatic primogeniture (or a form of modified Salic law, for the sake of comparisons to Galactic Standard systems of inheritance); with the ascension of Raislu Sessai Sehk'lusarha (Raislu VI), however, this process - which was never enshrined by imperial law, but merely a matter of peaceful convention - was reverted to the original manner, that of "first to the throne." As such, Raislu Sessai ascended to the throne and was pronounced the Sehkrisah Naa'suakaan Khasa'ilu following arrival to the throne before his elder siblings - a practice accomplished through the quiet detention of his siblings following his father's passing.
  
  The Sehkrisah has, as a matter of imperial law, absolute authority to draft, promulgate, declare, and execute legislation as an Imperial Edict or Declaration. Such cannot be overturned, superseded, or rendered null and void by any lesser body; such laws, depending upon focus, are considered Imperial, religious (or Ma'adha), or - in certain circumstances - both. As a matter of policy, the Sehkrisah further serves as the "Fount of Final Appeal" in all criminal, civil, and religious judicial proceedings, and may be petitioned for such from lower nobility or offices.
  
  
• The Imperial Court Offices
  
  • Office of the Saik'saihuul: Often compared to a "Grand Vizier" or "Prime Minister," the Saik'saihuul is the highest executive office in the Sacral Empire, to the exclusion of the Crown itself. The office is selected/appointed and serves at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown and may be dissolved at will; any person may be appointed to Saik'saihuul insofar as they are drawn from the Sinah (see below) of Asarsinah or Mislusinah, thus requiring the office to be filled by a Serukta mechanically.
    
    As a matter of his office, the Saik'saihuul serves as the mouthpiece and Crown in absentia, and leads the Saihusaalt (see below). He is, in addition, often the closest personal adviser to the Sehkrisah and, in addition to the Saihusaalt, can be drafted on matters of exceptional importance to draft and promulgate legislation with the Burning Crown outside of Imperial Edicts and Declarations - that of a "Council Declaration." Regardless of the source of the declaration - with or without council - it is considered Imperial Law, but not religious law.
    
    
  • The Saihusaalt: The "Imperial Divan," "Privy Council," or "Small Council." The Saihusaalt acts, as a collective, as the personal advisers to the Sehkrisah and is staffed by the Saik'saihuul (whom, in the absence of the Sehkrisah, presides over all meetings) in addition to Saihuula (sing. Saihuul). Saihuula are appointed to ministerial offices (portfolios or saihuulai [sing. saihuulan]) by the Sehkrisah and serve at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown. Much like the Saik'saihuul, they are required to be drawn from the Asarsinah or Mislusinah, and thus must be Serukta. Saihuula may, also, be appointed to the Saihusaalt without portfolio.
    
    
  • The Sanaiidra: Equivalent to an "imperial parliament," the Sanaiidra has, under certain Sehkrisah, been exceptionally powerful. Given proper circumstances and permitted to function in full, the Sanaiidra acts as as the primary legislative body of the Sacral Empire in matters of imperial promulgation, either with the Crown-in-sitting or in the Crown's absence (assuming Crown assent is granted); functionally, the Sanaiidra is a unicameral parliament. Even so, the Sanaiidra may be called and prorogued at the will of the Crown and, as such, its power is largely dependent upon the willingness of the Sehkrisah to rule from the Burning Crown itself; regardless, the Sanaiidra may consist of:
    
    
    • Any ennobled party from a Saar'naiid (pl. Saar'naiidra) or "House Superior"; that is to say, any noble whom is a member of a House Superior has the legal privilege to attend the Sanaiidra when or if it is called.
      
      
    • Any ennobled party from a Sai'naiid (pl. Sai'naiidra) or "House Inferior"; that is to say, any noble whom is a member of a House Inferior has the legal privilege to attend the Sanaiidra when or if it is called.
      
      
    • Any other party granted authority and privilege to attend in accordance with Crown Prerogative.
    Under Raislu Sessai, the Sanaiidra has never been convened; even so, the Crown has ultimate prerogative to grant parties attendance rights and may, further, regardless of legal privilege, remove any person or persons from the Sanaiidra by prerogative. The Sanaiidra, as a body, represents the rights and powers of the Ahuru'saarsai (see below).
    
    
  • The Ahlraimaalk: The "Ecumenical Council" of the Sacral Empire. The Ahlraimaalk is staffed by persons and parties selected and appointed by the Crown; typically this constitutes the leading officiators of the sa'denaan or religious schools of Khasa'ilu. Much like the Sanaiidra and Saihusaalt, the Ahlraimaalk and its constituent parties serve at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown and may be called, prorogued, or have parties individual or collective dismissed or convened in accordance with Crown Prerogative. Much like the Saihusaalt, the Crown and the Ahlraimaalk may draft and promulgate legislation of an extraordinary purpose beyond Imperial Edicts and Declarations; unlike the Saihusaalt, however, laws drafting "in Crown council" with the Ahlraimaalk are, universally, considered religious law or Ma'adha. The Ahlraimaalk, as a body, represents the rights and powers of the Ahuru'ilutaah (see below).
    
    
  • The Husmaliik: Often compared to a martial council or "meeting of Joint Chiefs," the Husmaliik is the third executive body, appending the Saihusaalt and the Ahlraimaalk, and constituting - at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown - the Ima'sabitah of the Ima'adhusal (sideranaval forces), the Kara'kaliishah of the Kara'adhusal (ground forces), their executive staff personnel, or any other person or persons granted the privilege by the Crown. Strictly speaking, the Husmaliik does not draft or promulgate either imperial or religious law domestically; however, in the instance of conquest or occupation, it is often convened in-council with the Crown for the creation of martial declarations regarding prerogatives and actions undertaken in combat zones or recently conquered territories. The Husmaliik, as a body, represents the rights and powers of the Ahuru'alidaial (see below).
  Due to the nature of the Sacral Empire, in actuality, there are numerous other court offices - excluding entirely household offices of exceptional importance. For the sake of brevity, only the most influential or pressing of court offices and bodies have been listed.
  
  
• The Asarsinah
  
  • The Ahuru'saarsai: The "Ennobled." Comprising all Saarba'al (Lords Superior) and Saiba'al (Lords Inferior), the Ahuru'saarsai or "Saarsai" serve as the administrative backbone of the feudalistic system of the Sacral Empire, acting as governing authorities in their entailed fees, lands, and territories. Each are given a certain degree of autonomy, though each are bound by both imperial and religious law (Ma'adha). Amongst the Saarsai, three offices ex officio are granted, further, extraordinary powers:
    
    
    • The Kasa'adii of Masaas'vol is granted an Imperial Charter of Monopoly concerning trade, commercial, and mercantile regulations and licensing - both in regard to export and import as well as domestic commerce. Due to the emphasis placed upon the slave trade in the Sacral Empire and due to its prevalent, neo-mercantilist economic policies, the house which holds the Kasa'ad of Masaas'vol has considerable sway and influence within the Empire - particularly when it comes to diplomacy, as trade outposts are often the easiest way for foreign parties to begin diplomatic relations with the Empire. Even so, due to Crown Prerogative, the issue of the slave trade is heavily regulated further directly from the imperial capital, superseding certain regulations which otherwise would be executed by the party granted said monopoly.
      
      
    • The Kasa'adii of Si'kuraq is granted an Imperial Charter of Monopoly concerning the research, development, and procurement of certain technological mechanisms, engineering, and - specifically - ship and weapon manufacturing. Due to such, the Kasa'ad of Si'kuraq is often stated to be the industrial heartland of the Sacral Empire and due to such, the house which holds the Kasa'ad of Si'kuraq has considerable sway and influence within the Empire - particularly when it comes to weapons manufacturing and technological development. Even so, due to Crown Prerogative, the issue of martial technology is heavily regulated further directly from the imperial capital, superseding certain regulations which otherwise would be executed by the party granted said monopoly.
      
      
    • The Kasa'adii of Qa'salnaar is granted an Imperial Character of Monopoly concerning finance, credit, and minting of specie. Due to such, the Kasa'ad of Qa'salnaar is often in strict competition with the Kasa'ad of Masaas'vol for the "wealthiest kasa'ad" in the Empire, excluding the Kasa'ad of Suu'benoth; as such, the house which holds the Kasa'ad of Qa'salnaar has considerably sway and influence within the Empire - particularly when it comes to the extension of credit, financing other parties (including other imperial monopolies), and investment. Even so, due to Crown Prerogative, the issue of minting specie is heavily regulated further directly from the imperial capital, superseding certain regulations which otherwise would be executed by the party granted said monopoly.
  • The Ahuru'ilutaah: The "Clergy." Comprising all sa'denaan, the Ahuru'ilutaah or "Ilutaah" serve as the religious backbone of the theocratic system of the Sacral Empire, acting as dispensers of sacraments, hierophants and hierodules, in addition to acting as primary judges and interpreters in regards to religious law and the Ma'adha-based, parallel court system.
    
    
  • The Ahuru'alidial: The "Imperial Forces." Comprising all branches of the imperial (or Crown) military, the Ahuru'alidaial or "Alidaial" serve as the martial backbone of the military of the Sacral Empire, acting as soldiers, conquerors, captors, and the Crown threat of violence and martial conformity.

Economics
Strictly speaking, the Sacral Empire operates broadly on a mercantilistic economic policy, placing emphasis on the importation of raw materials and resources which otherwise cannot be obtained domestically for refinement, processing, and use in the production and manufacturing of completed (and higher value, relative to their constituent components) goods for export. As such, the Empire places decidedly protectionist regulations and tariffs in regards to the importation of completed goods or luxury goods, spare when domestic production capabilities are absolutely insufficient and of the utmost necessity. Due to this, amongst much of the population, consumer goods and appliances commonly seen in other star-states are woefully absent. As a base example, much of the population of the Sacral Empire, for example, lack means of visual media (such as televisions, networked computer systems, etc.), often lack simple household goods (such as electric stoves and ranges, microwave appliances and toasters, etc.), and even mechanical means of locomotion (such as automobiles) relying instead on beasts of burden.

Insofar as economic and monetary policy, economic direction is sourced primarily from the Burning Crown - specifically from the Crown-in-council of the Saihusaalt - with notable cooperation (and competition) between the Great Houses of Nahaasiin (of Qa'salnaar) and Riijmakar (of Masaas'vol). These distinct parties often work both cooperatively and against one another as prevailing international and domestic market trends dictate, with the Crown taking precedence in many spheres and markets, most notably the slave trade and the production of stellar craft (both subliminal and superluminal). This cooperative/competitive nature, further, extends to monetary policy; despite the Great House of Nahaasiin having an Imperial Charter of Monopoly in regards to minting specie, the imperial currency (the qiraat) is, atypically, bimetal in nature and considered a partially-backed currency, deriving much of its value from small portions of the exceptionally valuable, liquid and "metallic" psychotropic Serijn - of which the Burning Crown holds a monopoly on the production and distribution.

Due to such, while the Great House Nahaasiin may, in fact, mint at its leisure and, thus, directly impact the value of the qiraat domestically (as sale of the qiraat to foreign parties is exceptionally regulated to the point of practical prohibition without exclusive authorization from the Crown, resulting in a good/service or comparable specie international trade system), the Burning Crown can, equally, influence the value of the qiraat through manipulation of Serijn in the consumer market - beyond simple minting into specie.

Lastly, as previously mentioned, the Sacral Empire is a star-state which practices institutional, generational slavery. As such, persons as individuals (and, in certain exceptional cases, as collectives) have long-since been commoditized as marketable chattel. While fief-bound peasantry, commoners, and an influential mercantile class of aristocracy make-up much of the domestic labor, slaves outnumber these classes by a considerable margin. This has, amongst other contributed factors, lead to the effective stagnation of the broad consumer market in the Sacral Empire, leading many star-states and interstellar organizations to compare the domestic living conditions of the "common man" in the Empire to that of the "Third World" of 21st Century Terra.

Demographics
The Sacral Empire is a caste-based society, utilizing a system of social, political, and religious sorting known as the Sinah. In the Sinah, most persons born of one caste, in turn, inherit their wellspring's caste and sub-caste (or Sinah and Ahuru'sinah). In some cases, the Sinah is divided based upon species strictly, but not all castes are based upon species. Below is an abridged listing and description of each Sinah (caste) and Ahuru'sinah (sub-caste) with appending bodies, species, and further information noted:

• The Asarsinah
  
  • Ahuru'saarsai: Comprising the "nobility" of the Sacral Empire and serves as the administrative backbone of the Empire. In sum, it is comprised wholly of members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
    
    
  • Ahuru'ilutaah: Comprising the "clergy" of the Sacral Empire and serves as the religious backbone of the Empire. In sum, it is comprised wholly of members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
    
    
  • Ahuru'alidaial: Comprising the "imperial armed forces" of the Sacral Empire and serves as the martial backbone of the Empire. In sum, it is comprised wholly of members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
  The Asarsinah, as a collective, constitutes a system of minority rule in the Sacral Empire; as such, the Asarsinah (and by benefit, the Serukta) dominate political, religious, martial, and (arguably) commercial enterprises in the Empire.
  
  
• The Mislusinah
  
  • The Ahuru'sadaial: Comprising the "house forces" of the Sacral Empire, the Ahuru'sadaial or "Sadaial" is comprised, in whole, of the Serukta species and theo-political class. Unlike Serukta found within the Asarsinah, however, the Sadaial are not, strictly speaking, active participants in imperial governance; historically derived from Lords Inferior (and their households) which were unable to support their own lands and property during a cataclysmic, stellar tidal swell which struck the Empire known as the "Thionic Harrowing," the Sadaial is comprised of the descendents of these Saiba'al and households which pledged fealty to more influential and powerful Lords Inferior and Lords Superior, eventually becoming elevated vassals of their new liege lords. Even so, unlike the Saarsai, the Sadaial may not be granted entailment and remain as Sadaial; instead, their liege must seek permission from his mediated lord and, then, seek assessment from the Ilutaah in lieu of the Burning Crown.
    
    
  • The Ahuru'nahseraa: Comprising the "free Serukta" of the Sacral Empire, the Ahuru'nahseraa or "Nahseraa" is comprised, in whole, of the Serukta species and theo-political class. Unlike Serukta found within the Asarsinah, however, the Nahseraa are not strictly speaking, active participants in imperial governance; historically dervided from Lords Inferior (and their households) which were unable to support their own lands and property during a cataclysmic, stellar tidal swell which struck the Empire known as the "Thionic Harrowing," the Nahseraa is comprised of the descendents of these Saiba'al and households which did not pledge fealty to more influence and powerful Lords Inferior and Lords Superior. In the contemporary state of the Empire, the many domestic Nahseraa live, effectively, as mercantile aristocrats or have adopted a semi-nomadic, commercial lifestyle known as "Haash," living much of their lives traveling city to city and town to town trading. Others have long since left the Empire and, as such, the Nahseraa are one of the few Ahuru'sinah which has a significant presence beyond the boundaries of the Thionic Expanse outside of matters of imperial concern.
• The Raakisinah
  
  • The Ahuru'mahliiri: Comprised of the much of the mahliiri (sing. mahliir) species, the Ahuru'mahliiri was the second Ahuru'sinah created as a consequence of the inclusion and social uplifting (as opposed to technological) of a secondary species into the Sacral Empire. Native to the Ur'maak System in Masaas'vol, the mahliiri were once a socially and commercially wealthy civilization in the Thionic Expanse before the First Great Purification which brought them into conflict with the Sacral Empire. Choosing to submit, the mahliiri were spared the purification and xeroforming of their homeworld, Laluba'al, and have since become the wealthiest Ahuru'sinah of the Raakisinah in the empire, constituting much of the aristocratic, mercantile classes of the Empire.
    
    
  • The Ahuru'nabaati: Comprised of much of the nabaati (sing. nabaat) species, the Ahuru'nabaati was the third Ahuru'sinah created as a consequence of the inclusion and social uplifting (as opposed to technological) of a secondary species into the Sacral Empire. Native to the Na'kaab System in Si'kuraq, the nabaati were once a scientifically and technologically advanced civilization in the Thionic Expanse, capable of such marvels as (in at least once instance) stellar engineering. During the Second Great Purification, however, the nabaati were subjugated by the Sacral Empire, their homeworld of Aba'tiis purified and xeroformed, and much of their technological advancement lost. Eventually, the naabati were socially uplifted to an Ahuru'sinah of the Raakisinah and, now becoming the second wealthiet Ahuru'sinah of such in the Empire and present through many different enterprises, ranging from research and development to luxury services.
    
    
  • The Ahuru'ahkrimaal: Comprised of the sum total of the ahrkimaal (sing. ahkrim( species, the Ahuru'ahkrimal was the first Ahuru'sinah created as a consequence of the inclusion of a secondary species into the Sacral Empire. Very little information about the ahkrimaal is known; imperial records have either been lost or otherwise obfuscated from public dissemination (a common practice). Even so, it is widely believed that the ahkrimaal species originated from Suu'benoth, possibly from the Navaiihta or Uhrku'uk Systems, the same kasa'ad from which the Serukta originated within the Thionic Expanse. Due to this, it is commonly believed the ahkrimaal were technologically uplifted during the early periods of the Sacral Empire; even so, they are - either as individuals or bodies collective - an uncommon sight in the Empire.
• The Kersusinah
  
  • The Ahuru'kerdaial: Comprising the "imperial levies" of the Sacral Empire, the Ahuru'kerdial or "Kerdaial" is the most "privileged" of the Kersusinah and constitutes a wide range of species - including humans. Often employed as supplement forces to Sadaial detachments and as a police force, the Kerdaial is often see nas the "Law on the Ground" and is often charged with the enforcement of imperial, religious, and noble law (where applicable).
    
    
  • The Ahuru'sadrkar: Arguably the largest (or second largest) Ahuru'sinah, the Ahuru'sadrkar or "Sadrkar" comprises the commoners and land-bound peasantry (or serfs) of the Sacral Empire and, much like the Kerdaial, contains a wide range of species - including humans.
    
    
  • The Ahuru'iskrisinu: Arguably the largest (or second largest) Ahuru'sinah, the Ahuru'iskrisinu or "Iskrisinu" comprises the sum total of the the slave population in the Sacral Empire and contains a wide range of species - including humans. The Iskrisinu is further divided, broadly, into three sub-strata which, in turn, are often divided further based upon specialization and focus:
    
    
    • The Atasakri is the only sub-strata of the Kersusinah for which practical literacy (writing and reading, beyond rudimentary pictographs) is not considered a treasonous offense. They are often employed as scribes, clerics and clerks, and foreign diplomats and translators.
      
      
    • The Masakri is the sub-strata of the Kersusinah which constitutes much of the manual labor workforce of the Sacral Empire and is, often, considered the most "oppressive" of Ahuru'sinah sub-strata to be classified into simply due to the hazardous environments and conditions to which they are dispatched.
      
      
    • The Naiasakri is the sub-strate of the Kersusinah which constitutes "household property" in the Sacral Empire. This often includes simple house servants, cooks, child-rearing personnel, personal companions, and "slaves of the bed and bath."
  The root of the word "Kersusinah," that or "kersu" is derived from the Seruli'san word "kersuna'ad" which, literally, means "pain mark." The Kersusinah, as such, are renowned for bearing tattoos or brands which identify not only their Sinah and Ahuru'sinah, but also homeworld, whether they are of native or foreign chattel origin, their owner(s), and respective liege lord.
  
  
• The Rinasahkri
  Strictly speaking, the classification of "Rinasahkri" is neither a Sinah nor an Ahuru'sinah, but the lack of such. Equivalent to a Writ of Proscription or Outlawry, any party - individual or collective - declared "Rinasahkri" is considered beyond the protection of law - be it imperial, religious, or noble. Such persons often attempt to flee the Empire, or are individuals whom are a portion of a subjugated civilization not intended for inclusion into the Sinah. Any party - individual or collective - may be declared Rinasahkri by the Crown, excluding the Sehkrisah himself, though this does include members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.

Culture
For the average sadrkar (commoner) in the Sacral Empire, life can be described simply as: hardship, faith, obedience, and loyalty. As can be expected, these qualities are pervasive in the culture of the Sacral Empire - and often strictly enforced by law. Even so, as a multi-species polity, this can take numerous forms, and despite the overwhelming presence of Khasa'ilu - or the only legal and state-enforced religion of the Sacral Empire - can often present itself in a manner seemingly contradictory to official doctrine, but otherwise permitted. This is due, in part, to the variances in law and jurisprudence throughout the Empire, ranging from one liege lord to the next, one city to the next, much less one planet or planetary system to the next.

Despite the difficulty for average life in the Empire - and often contrary to public perception - certain cultural mores have, over time, integrated themselves into the Sacral Empire from foreign sources - both now conquered and free. While this example is more prevalent throughout the Raakisinah due to the differences in cultural expression between the nabaati, mahliiri, and Serukta, possibly the most pervasive source of "different" culture in the Empire is that which has originated over time through trade - both foreign and domestic. Many habits, as an example, of the tribal and semi-nomadic nature of the Haash has, over time, incorporated itself into imperial society - particularly reverence for family, even amongst the commoner classes.

In addition, imperial culture is known abroad for three seemingly all-pervasive aspects: reverence for the divinities of Khasa'ilu; emphasis upon meals and social gatherings which surround cuisine; and, lastly, cleanliness.

In the Empire, regardless of origin, an individual whom was born into imperial society will, in all likelihood, revere a particular divinity of the Path of the Endless Flame over others. Merchants, as an example, often Ha'maahr or Ha'luulai, the Serukor whose spheres encompass commerce, travel, and social games; further, soldiers and pit-fighters might pray in worship to Korsiidh (the Serukor of conflict and honor) or Kaadija (the Serukor of the hunt and cunning); even still, prostitutes or mothers might pray to Se'hkinaa (Serukor of passion and intimacy) or Sa'addai (Serukor of mercy and conception). It is not uncommon, even if an individual is within quick distance of a ma'sarahk (or Ilutaah-sanctioned temple) to construct a shrine or altar of their own make (known as a sarahk) in reverence to their Serukor of choice or even Sa'ilu (as the Father of Fire) and Sihu'ekla (as the Mother of Water) themselves.

Secondly, cuisine and meals as a point of social interaction is of considerable cultural emphasis in the Sacral Empire. In imperial society, there are traditionally two meals occurring at or (or soon thereafter) dawn and dusk, following morning and evening ablutions and prayers; this is practiced, in part, due to the overwhelming desert climates of the habitable worlds in the Thionic Expanse, making midday meals uncomfortable or otherwise untenable, but also due to such meals often coming before the officially beginning or immediately following the traditional "prayer-to-prayer" work period of the average day on most inhabited worlds.

Lastly, of international renown, the Serukta are known for their cleanliness - a practice which borders on the obsessive. Incorporated into each and every regimen of prayer, it is typical for individuals to do a complete ablution (bath) before entering a ma'sarahk or undertaking prayer or other meditative practices. In the least, it is a matter of religious law that all Ilumaarai ("Illuminated," a term for followers of Khasa'ilu) are to wash their hands, feet, and face before committing to prayer or another devotional practice. Over the centuries, this has grown to become an all-consuming endeavor to keep-out the dust, sand, and silt of the arid worlds for which the Thionic Expanse is known; as a consequence, it is often said that despite the often prohibitive costs of water (depending upon localized seasonal cycles), a commoner will give his last qiraat for a cup of water to bathe his face than he will to drink. Certainly an exaggeration, but the proverb does well to demonstrate the focus of hygiene and cleanliness which religious scripture and pervasive social norms have enforced on the Sacral Empire - even despite its myriad of species.

[Nyte]

Official National Name: The Interstellar Empire of Nyte
Short National Name(s): Nyte
National Government Type: Semi-Benevolent Dictatorship
Prevalent Sentient Species: Nyteborne (Human)
Important Cultural Information: The Nyteborne are for the most part a violent and unforgiving people; due largely to their violent history under the control of the guilds and the banks. To the majority of the Nyteborne, life is cheap, and you only live once. As such, they try to make the most of their lives. How they do this varies. For some, its illegal drugs, alcohol, and a life of crime. For others, its accumulating wealth and political power. The more progressive of the Nyteborne endeavor to focus their cultural traits in more productive ways; usually this is done by joining one of the Empire's numerous colonization missions, joining one of the branches of the military, or by becoming an arbitrator.

A few of the Nyteborne however still seem trapped in the past. These outcasts; usually the surviving members of, or the descendents of, members of the guilds and banks that were largely wiped out by Conrad Curze several centuries ago still remember the old ways, and even now, centuries after their fall they dream of recapturing what they feel is their rightful place. Much of the internal strife that exists within the Empire is the direct result of the actions of these individuals who to this day still quietly, and secretly fight the war against Conrad Curze and his Interstellar Empire.
Galactic Quadrant Location: The Interstellar Empire of Nyte is located along the Gamma/Delta border.
Factbook Link: Factbook

[The Uthani Imperium]

The above excerpts have been added to the index, thank you all for your entries.

[The United Colonies of Earth]

Official National Name: Mensīrīsaineānas Nyšgǵeballaineānas Earthāneā, (Velas) Colōniai Unitai Terrās/Earths ([The] United Colonies of Earth)

Short National Name(s): CUE, "Cybal" (Tellurian for "Cueball"), MNE, Earth, Imperial Earth, United Colonies, the Colonies

National Government Type: Utilitarian Totalizing Federal Republic (Totalizing here means "seeking to bring all human colonies under its' control peacefully".)

Prevalent Sentient Species: Humans (you know about them already) make up about 95% of the population of citizens. The remaining 5% are Garsekans, a bipedal species of methane-breathing extremophilic insectoids. They aren't a hivemind, and their world culture is defined by worship of humans as gods.
"Foreign long-term workers" and others granted legal alienship include Hyllans, a heavily computerized species from the planet Hylla who interact with humans mostly for their amusement and our protection (they claim), and Legrians, who are reptilian in appearance, live mostly in tunnels, and hail from the ice-covered, volcanic world of Legria. They have several governments, one of which, the Dominion, sees humans as a threat and is in a cold war with us.

Important Cultural Information: The UCE's culture is nebulous and hard to define. Common features to most subcultures are an affirmation of utilitarianism, secularism, appreciation of democracy, and a generally pro-intellectual attitude. Otherwise, most 21st century human cultures have survived and admixed within the colonies into unique forms. For instance, Maline, one of the Inner Colonies, is a colony with a uniquely mixed culture: Legrian, mainstream Chinese, Brazilian and Peruvian elements all contributed to its' formation.

Galactic Quadrant Location:Alpha and Beta, encompassing most of a sphere about 1,000 lightyears in radius around Earth.
Factbook Link: Our "about" page on NationStates.

[-The Unified Earth Governments-]

Official National Name: Unified Earth Governments

Short National Name(s): UEG, Earth Alliance, The Alliance, Earth Gov.

National Government Type: Federate System Alliance

As a government, the UEG is based around a loose federal system, where each planet (The state) is closely linked to the main body, but has enough independence to easily stay afloat on a stellar level, this ensures that regardless of what happens, Humanity can survive in any fashion, with as close to its ideals as possible in case of the most worrisome of apocalyptic scenarios. Due to Humanity reaching social climax in the 22nd century (And somewhat in the early 23rd century.) there is little distinction between the conservative and liberal elements on planets. As an alliance of worlds, a planet can succeed at any point beyond a few select inner colonies, and a few outer colonies, however the process is complex and slow.

Prevalent Sentient Species: The majority of all species in the UEG are Human, although a minority of the population are alien, mostly Council races.

Important Cultural Information: As a whole, the culture of the UEG is in many ways a massive collective of various cultures that homogenized over the years of Human society. From as far back as the 21st century, customs and traditions began to mix between countries, despite the best efforts of extreme left and right opposition.

Many of Earths cultures however are still around individually, and while many ideals from across the globe have mixed, it isn't hard to see cultures which have managed to survive despite the eventually mixing of a cultural stew. As well due to the early colonial era, and expansion of Human territory, many planets are beginning to grow their own sub cultures and customs that come with it, usually templated off the majority inhabitants.

As well, there is a notable developing cultural clash between worlds that are within the inner colony sphere, and those within the outer colony sphere, with notable traits as the outer colonies being more socialist leaning, and family oriented, while the more industrialized inner colonies are more based around the market and individualism. It isn't uncommon to see large families that enjoy each others time sin the outer colonies, as opposed to the more nuclear and controlled inner colonial population.

In fact, because of the melting pot of ideas, concepts and such, the cultural background of the UEG is extremely varied, and much like the genetic make up of the majority species, this fact makes them an extremely well control group for cultural and social testing.

Galactic Location: The UEG is primarily within the Orion spur, or the local cluster. However some of Human space, bound by the relays lead to other misplaced parts of the galaxy.

Factbook Link:
Factbook
History
Colonies
Noveria (Colony Information)
Embassy Program V.II

[The Uthani Imperium]

Hasmi Katti Šittar Šiun
The Kinship of the Star God
Uthanium

Hierarchy and Function of the Government

The Uthanium is most accurately defined as a theocratic feudalistic monarchy, wherein the supreme sovereign of the Uthanium is both Emperor and God-Incarnate of the Uthani religion. This being said however, an argument has been made that the Uthanium is both a monarchy and stratocracy, owing to the unique position the military-industrial complex plays in regards to the formulation of foreign policy and to a somewhat lesser extent legislature. In saying such, the government structure of the Uthanium is divided principally between the ennobled aristocracy and the administrative military convocation. The supreme sovereign of the Uthanium, the Emperor of all Suns, is officially recognized as the head of both administrative divisions and as a result is afforded powers as both ruler and commander-in-chief.

Hierarchy and Function of the Ennobled Aristocracy

The Uthanium is, de jure, under the direct rule of the Emperor (or Empress) of All Suns (henceforth referred to as the EAS). However, given the nature of interstellar governance and the complications arising from ruling billions of peoples, power is decentralized into a system comprising principally of ennobled aristocracy, with a minor administrative class consisting of special corporate entities. That being said, the various lower nobility and administrative positions are obliged to enforce Imperial edicts and laws as directed by the EAS with comparatively little leeway in their enforcement and interpretation. Likewise, the ennobled do not in actuality own the territory that they govern, as with a traditional feudal society. But instead are granted a familial estate, the right to pass laws, and the right to collect a percentage of the tax in the territories that they hold suzerainty over. All Uthani positions of nobility are officially and functionally hereditary, utilizing absolute primogenitor to regulate succession. As a result of the presumed divinity of the Emperor of all Suns, all ennobled aristocracy derive their right to rule via an extension of the EAS' God-hood.

As stated before, the Emperor or Empress of All Suns is the supreme sovereign of the Uthani political entity, and likewise is also considered the literal incarnate of the Uthani God Ilumar. In saying such, the EAS’ word is considered law, and all official Imperial edicts flow directly from the crown, generally by official decree. That being said, certain practical restrictions do exist in regards to the Monarchy’s relationship with the ennobled classes below him or her. The Monarchy is expected to respect the legislature implemented by those below him or her (so long as they do not violated existing Imperial law, or directly affect the status of a territory said lord does not hold suzerainty over.) Likewise, the EAS is required to entertain petitions from his or her vassals, and provide neutral (and generally arbitrary) council should conflict arise between two or more lords. Finally, given the EAS’s perceived role as Divinity-in-the-flesh, the EAS is required to represent the spiritual interests of all followers of The Way of Ilumar, and is expected to perform certain religious ceremonies as required. The most important of which is the reaffirmation of the divine right to rule to the lords under him, a ceremony conducted once every five years, in which all ennobled must be present.

The smallest (numerically) but most powerful (in regards to the size of their administrative holdings) class of nobility below the EAS, are the Sallandātar. Sallandātar literally translates to “Great guidance of the divinity,” and their role in the Uthanium’s government structure reflects this considerably. A Sallandātar is charged with administering and governing on a system-wide level, and directly collects a fixed “administrative tax income” from all the inhabitants of the system they hold the title for. As with the EAS, the Sallandātar possess the ability to create legislature for the territories they administer, but likewise, must respect the legislature of the lords under them so long as they do not violated Imperial or system laws already in place. The Sallandātar, possessing the second highest position in the Uthanium, is only obliged to pay the 2% Imperial Tax on of his or her’s income, and likewise is the only ennobled class permitted to form semi-autonomous military units (principally in the form of system militias.)

Directly below the Sallandātar is the Teputapar class of nobility. Teputapar translates directly to “Leading little ones,” and references their role as administrators and rulers of planetary bodies. The Teputapar is usually granted an estate in the capital city of a planetary body, and possesses the right to collect tax and create legislature for the entirety of his or her possession. The Teputapar has an additional responsibility, in that he or she is directly responsible for the review of Uthani military emplacements directly relating to the planetary body he or she governs. While the Teputapar is not authorized to command or reorganize military units (under normal circumstances), he or she is permitted to form planetary militias during times of war or when a direct threat to the safety of their subjects is present. These militias are not permanent military units, and must be disbanded when the crisis has passed.

The second lowest classes of administrative ennobled are the Taninutnē. Taninutnē translates directly to "Order of the soil," and is responsible for administrating and passing legislature for planetary provinces. The Taninutnē possesses the same rights to taxation and legislation that his or her superior do, though they do not possess the legal right to raise levies, nor are they responsible for providing oversight to military installations.

The lowest class of administrative ennobled is the Bēluru. Bēluru translates directly to "Lord of the mud," and is responsible for the administration and legislature of cities and townships, and as those above is also granted the right to collect a fixed tax for his services. Under certain circumstances, corporate entities may be granted the title of "Restricted Bēluru," wherein they afforded the rights to taxation and the formulation of legislature (with approval from their Taninutnē), but lack the extension of divinity as granted by the EAS.

Heirarchy and Function of the Military Convocation

The Military Convocation, or Lāhha Pankus in Uthani, is the official legislative and administrative body of the Uthani military apparatus. The Military Convocation is directly appointed from the ranks of the Uthani military by the Emperor of all Suns, with the nine members serving as members of the Convocation until death or retirement from active service. Due to the nature of Uthani government, the military installations of the Uthanium; including ships, space stations, planet-side emplacements, or otherwise, are governed by the laws of the Convocation as opposed to the lords who would normally possess domain over the areas said installations are located. In saying such, legislature of the Convocation directly affects anyone within the defined boundaries of said military installations, regardless of their status as military personnel or civilians. Likewise, active members of the Uthani military are not obliged to pay any of the ennobled taxes below the Sallandātar's, nor are permanent civilian residents of military installations required to pay any level of taxation below Teputapar. It should also be noted, that Military Convocation laws and the Uniform Military Code of Conduct are two distinct things. Convocation law directly affects defined areas of military control, while the Code of Conduct is only applicable to military personnel regardless of location.

Functionally, the Military Convocation serves more as a think tank as opposed to a true legislative body. While the Convocation is free to draft any legislation they see fit, the status of said legislation is ultimately determined by the Emperor of All Suns, who is responsible for signing any laws into being. That being said, the Military Convocation is in a unique administrative position as they directly control the economic policy of military-associate-corporations, and likewise directly control the distribution and price control in regards to the military currency. The Military Convocation, while decidedly more centralized than the hierarchy of the ennobled aristocracy, is not without its own internal divisions. Unlike the ennobled aristocracy however, legislature drafted by minor councils below the Convocation must present their bills to the Convocation, who will then have the authority to approve or deny without consulting the Emperor of All Suns. Likewise legislature created by minor councils must abide by the legal code set by the Convocation. It should also be noted that the Convocation does not exist within the military command structure, and simply sets laws for installations, as opposed to issuing orders or commanding soldiers.

On the topic of minor councils, the vast majority of military law is set by the Convocation, and in saying such the minor councils generally only dictate curfews and in some cases substance policies. The minor councils likewise are appointed by the Convocation, though these decisions must be passed up the line to the Emperor of All Suns for final approval. Likewise, not all military installations have their own legislative councils. In general, only the largest military installations have these councils, and even then their existence is not guaranteed. Ships of the Uthanium's navy are a special case, as the commander of the vessel reserves the right to establish official legislature without the consultation of the Military Convocation. This legislature is in-effect wherever the ship might be located (so long as it is within the territorial demesne of the Uthanium), but can only directly affect the crew or passengers aboard the aforementioned vessel. That being said, any laws or codes established by the commander of a vessel must adhere to the code of conduct established by the Uthani military, and generally the vast majority of Convocation legislature still applies. When outside the territorial boundaries of the Uthanium, Convocation law no longer applies to any ship-borne civilians or military personnel, regardless of whether or not the ship is in port.

Economics and Monetary Policy

At its simplest form, the Uthanium's economic model is Dirigism, wherein private property and business are the mainstay, but effectively required to adhere to the needs and directive of the state. That being said, the Uthanium's governments possess a minority of industrial assets, instead relying on indicative planning to direct industrial goods towards the necessary market sectors, as opposed to issuing a direct or required mandate in regards to production. Because of this, national industry is often primarily focused on the production of goods deemed necessary for the survival of the state, the most notable being agricultural products, mineral extraction, heavy and light industrial goods, as well as ships, arms and munitions. These goods likewise make up the bulk of the Uthanium's export portfolio, with a strong government incentive to sell surplus goods on the international market. As a result, the vast majority of luxury or otherwise "non-essential" goods found within the Uthanium are imports, a phenomenon further enforced by the government's incredibly miniscule tariffs on goods of this nature.

Economic policy and directive is somewhat unorthodox in the Uthanium, owing to the fact that two distinct administrations have the authority to issue economic directives. Because of the political administrative divisions between the ennobled aristocracy and the military apparatuses of the Uthanium, two distinct ministries exist to service the economic needs of the civilian and military markets. Civilian market directive is handled by the Economic Planning Committee (EPC), an organization comprised entirely appointees of the Emperor of All Suns. Most government owned industry and companies are likewise handled by the EPC, though this does not included corporations that have been elevated to the position of Bēluru. Military market directive is handled by the Center for Economic Logistics (CEL), whose members are directly appointed by the Military Convocation. The CEL's primary responsibility is influencing the production of armaments, militarized shipping, and munitions. With secondary considerations for government owned industry focusing on these fields of production.

In regards to monetary policy, the Uthanium is again unorthodox in that it has two distinct currencies, one backed by fiat and the other by a portfolio of commodities. The Uthanium's fiat currency is minted and distributed by the Economic Planning Committee, and is the primary currency used by civilians in the Uthanium. The commodity based currency is minted and distributed directly by the Center for Economic Logistics, and is the currency that military pay is issued in. In accordance with the laws of the Uthanium, all business must accept both currencies. Because of the inherent nature of commodity and fiat based currencies, the military currency has a higher exchange rate and value than the civilian. This being said, economic institutions are prohibited from exchanging civilian currency for military notes, though the opposite is not the case. Because of this, civilians in the Uthanium very rarely possess military currency, with a few notable exceptions.

Species

Due to the nature of the Uthanium, ethnocentrism and systematic discrimination is prevalent throughout society, resulting in what can arguably classified as an ethnically-homogenous state. While minority communities do exist (principally human, with notably smaller non-human communities also in existence,) this section primarily serves to document the biological characteristics of the Uthani.

• Uthani: The average Uthani stands between 6’2 and 7’0, with males predominately between the heights of 6’6 and 7’0 and females between 6’2 and 6’6 on average. Uthani have a predominately scaled skin, with soft fleshy portions appearing only at the fossas (such as the popliteal fossa, the anicubital space and the axilla). Uthani have a pair of 5-8 inch horns which protrude from the back of their head and are parallel to one another, both of which taper out at a fine point. The Uthani hand has a total of five digits, the outermost of which is opposable, likewise all of the digits possess a single talon. The Uthani foot, like the hand, has a total of five digits each with a talon. The Uthani head is somewhat elongated, with a distinctive endonasal (flushed/interior nose), and almost indistinguishable ears which barely extend from the rear of the head. The Uthani mouth is long, wide and contains a total of 60 serrated teeth which are often replaced.

Culture

Tenants

The culture of the Uthanium can be broadly explained by examining the three core tenets of Uthani society.

• Honor: Within the Uthanium's society, honor and dignity play a major role in one's perception of themselves and indeed the community's perception of an individual. Honor in the Uthanium is most broadly classified as fair dealings with others, mutual respect, an adherence to the laws of the Emperor of all Suns, a willingness to sacrifice and aid one's community, and the community's perception of an individual as reliable or trustworthy. In Uthani society, offense against one's honor or the honor of one's family is often considered a neigh-inexcusable offense, often resulting in codified competitions or trial-by-arms to restore one's personal or familial honor. Several Uthani schools of thought and indeed organizations exist that more thoroughly codify and expand upon the meaning of honor in society, and in general members of these organizations pride themselves on adherence to the codes established by their superiors. The most debated honor-related topic in the Uthanium is the extension of mercy, with many schools of thought proclaiming it dignified, while others claim that granting mercy is in and of itself dishonorable as it shames an enemy beyond redemption.
  
  
• Loyalty: Loyalty, to the Emperor of all Suns, the Uthani State, one's family and one's community, is held dear in Uthani society. Citizens of the Uthanium are expected to defend the Emperor of all Suns and the Uthani state in all circumstances, and obey the laws of the Uthanium it entirety. On a more realistic level, loyalty to one's family and community is highly prided among the people of the Uthanium. In times of need or otherwise duress, citizens are expected to aid their community and family without gain or otherwise reimbursement. The majority of citizens likewise will show strong affiliation and allegiance to their families, going so far as to defend one another when clear guilt or wrongdoing is evident. Because of this, a breach of loyalty is considered an extreme affront against oneself or one's family. A person who has been shown to be disloyal or untrustworthy, is often ostracized by his or her community, and will carry oftentimes carry a life long stigma. Because of these ramifications, breaches of loyalty are uncommon, and indeed many citizens of the Uthanium will put loyalty over personal well-being or safety.
  
  
• Piety: Religious obedience and reverence to the Uthani God Ilumar is held in high importance among the citizens of the Uthanium. The majority of citizens in the Uthanium have personal shrines or otherwise devotions to Ilumar, and the vast majority of them attend religious services regularly. Government policy implemented by the Uthani state ensures that the worship of Ilumar is the only faith permitted in public, and under certain administrations a policy of "Conversion-or-death" has been implemented to non-believers. Because of the religious nature of Uthani society, slandering Ilumar, holding the God in contempt, or otherwise showing what is perceived as disrespect towards Ilumar often results in a person being ostracized, or in some severe cases violence against the person and his family. An Uthani is expected to hold the word of Ilumar (and by extension his incarnate the Emperor of all Suns) above all physical laws or regulations. Generally this means adhering to the Path of One Thousand Steps, the Uthani religious document that codifies the lifestyle a believer is expected to adhere to. The Path of One Thousand Steps covers a variety of topics including dietary restrictions, behavior, proper worship, and many others.

Location

The Uthanium is located in the Northeastern Gamma Quadrant.

[The Uthani Imperium]

Update

The VSSI list has been updated, with the above entries added.

[Auracexia]

THESOVEREIGNHEGEMONYOFAURACEXIA
E'SOVAAR'AEN A'KAE'MAAN'ARIT AORAQET'YA

Location: The entirety of the Sovereign Hegemony of Auracexia lies within the Orion Spur of the Alpha Quadrant.

Official National Name: Ascendant Syndicated Hegemony of Auracexia

Informal National Name: Auracexian Syndicated Hegemony of Auracexia

Short National Name: Auracexian Hegemony/Auracexian Empire

National Government Type: Hereditary Unitary Imperial Autocracy, with Parliamentary Democracy.

The supreme executive power of the Auracexian government is vested in the Prime Archon (Dévnostraéva) although power is often delegated to the First Consul of the Auracexian Empire and to the Cabinet and other officials; The Prime Archoness (Dévnostraéva-Saéret), the wife of the Prime Archon, also wields considerable executive power — however, only by the virtue of her wife the Prime Archon, Xeteriana Navras Delya Ravyn'na-A'stra'eva. The First Consul (Dévno'kaénsurat) and Vice Consul (Närsii'kaénsurat) are appointed together by the Council of Electors, for which each star system, planet and district, and the Imperial Capital is allocated a number of seats based on it's representation in all three houses of Parliament. The First Consul and Vice Consul serve one-hundred year terms, and are eligible for unlimited terms, the First Consul and Vice consul are analogous to that of a president and vice president. Archons (Astraévae) answer to the Prime Archon, and are responsible for the administraton of a star system within the Auracexian Empire, immediately below the Archons are the Lesser/Alter Archons (Närsii'straévae) who in turn are responsible for the administration of the planets within a star system, beneath the Lesser/Alter Archons are the Demi Archons (Aktya'straévae) who in turn are responsible for the administration of regions or districts of a planet. Each Demi Archon is represented in the parliament of each planet, who in turn are led by the Lesser/Alter Archons. The Lesser Archons, which have their own representatives in the parliament of each star syatem are led by the Archons, who in turn represent each star system in the Imperial Parliament are elected by the people of each planet. Each of the twelve Archons are represented in The Imperial Assembly, one of three houses of Parliament.

Prevalent Species: The Aoraqet'yari (Auracexians), a race of genetically engineered unisexual metahuman females.

Important Cultural Information: Aoraqet'yari are highly social beings and tend to live in large social groups. More than any other creature, the Aoraqet'yari are adept at utilizing systems of communication for self-expression, the exchange of ideas, and organization, and as such have created complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups. Aoraqet'yari groups range from families to nations.

Social interactions between Aoraqet'yari have established an extremely wide variety of values, social norms, and rituals, which together form the basis of Aoraqet'yari society. Aoraqet'yari previous to their ‘alteration’ were completely human, although inherently immune to the banes of modern mankind such as frailty, sickness and death. As such, previous to their ‘alteration’ Aoraqet'yari enjoyed extreme longevity (1,500-2,000 years) far surpassing that of modern humans, post-alteration this has become somewhat of a ‘curse’ as due to artificial engineering, the effect of free radicals on the body have been effectively neutralized, allowing Auracexians effective immortality.

In addition to living in large social groups, a substantial majority of Aoraqet'yari are divided into houses or dynasties — through progressive series of marriages, Aoarqet'yari dames rose in social rank gaining considerable political clout. Owing to the lack of sexual division throughout the Sovereign Hegemony of Auracexia, Aoraqet'yari women abandoned the old traditions that had previously been assigned based on gender, with families becoming matriarchal. Aoraqet'yari dames — the sires of their offspring, began marrying dames or mothers of other families, and through this practice the oldest and most venerable houses of Aoraqet'yari society were born. The matriarch or head of a House possessing such a higher social rank are therefore privy to the political matters and have considerable power and influence on politics, even at the lowest administrative subdivision.

In Aoraqet'yari society, aside from choosing a mate based on the typical qualities (hip-to-waist ratio, breast size and hair quality/color), mates are chosen based on additional characteristics: eye color, tentacle coloration and pattern, size, and flexibility. Another means of attaining higher social rank, is that of being an Aoraqet'yari woman of considerable beauty, those aware of their qualities possessing enough cunning can utilize this same quality to exploit the favors of others for her benefit, or hold in check the favor she exhibits to others until a more favorable woman is found to be her mate.

As a result of the establishment of houses, Aoraqet'yari society became divided into social classes:

• Grand Dames, women who've sired and birthed children
• Dames, those who've only sired children
• Matriachs, those who only birthed children
• Femmes, those who have reached the age of maturity and are of breeding age
• Ingénue, those who have not reached the age of maturity.

Factbook: Auracexia

[Nexuu]

Official National Name: Cyberocracy of Nexuu

Short National Name(s): Nexuu, New Terra (Internal)

National Government Type: Benevolent A.I. Cyberocracy

Cyberocracy is defined as a form of government that rules by the effective use of information. In Nexuu's case the government is ruled by four AI which at the same are assisted by a group of human advisors. These AI administrators have access to a massive information network which they use to handle all state related affairs.

Prevalent Sentient Species: Human (including Cyborgs), Artificial Intelligence

Important Cultural Information: Nexuuans were originally from Terra, and therefore, still holds some similarities to Terran culture such as the English and Spanish languages. As individuals, Nexuuans hold a large amount of personal freedom and are generally open-minded to other cultures. As a nation, Nexuu's main objective is its survival, which the AIs preserve at all cost.

Galactic Quadrant Location: Beta Quadrant

Factbook Link: Nexuu

[Imperial and Federal Union of States]

Official National Name:

Reichs und Bundes Unionen der Staten (Imperial and Federal Union of States)

Short National Name(s):

Imperial & Federal Union, R.u.B Union, Imperial Union

National Government Type:

Constitutional Monarchical Federation

The Imperial & Federal Union of States is--as the name suggests--a federal union of multiple states underneath the banner of a central government. This central government consists of both an Imperial and Federal branch, and is the one unifying factor across the whole of the Imperial and Federal Union. The two main components of the Imperial & Federal Union are: 1) the member states, 2) the Imperial Crownlands, with the Noble Estates making up a smaller, and less important third category.

Member states are relatively independent actors, and are represented in the Federal Diet, where each member state is permitted to send one representative. Although member states are required to pay Federal taxes and laws, obey Imperial edicts, abide by decisions of the Courts, and the Contract & Charter of Union, so long as they do not breach these regulations, they are relatively free to act as they will.

The Crownlands on the other hand are ruled directly by the Emperor. The Crownlands--often called 'the Empire'--are generally organised as viceroyalties, with a local governor charged with executing the Emperor's authority. The Crownlands tend to be some of the most important regions of the Imperial & Federal Union, serving as major points of administration, economic, and military activity for the surrounding member states.

The noble Estates are a minor third category, and are generally remnants or special grants of territory to a specific noble house, as opposed to territory governed by the Emperor or a member state.

For more information, see here.

Prevalent Sentient Species:

Human (Homo sapiens)
Nekomimi (Homo sapiens felis)

Important Cultural Information:

The Imperial & Federal Union represents a mixed group of the various cultures that inhabit its member states, crownlands, and noble estates. The Union's population is almost entirely descended from the inhabitants of the original colony vessels which arrived in the Aquila Cluster during the Old Terran colonisation effort. As multiple states of Old Terra supported their own programs, the populations that came to made up the Imperial & Federal Union came from several distinct locations. The majority of the population descended from colonists who arrived aboard ships sponsored by the Imperial Commonwealth of Great Britain, the Holy Roman Empire and Kingdom of Iberia. A significant minority of the population--mostly concentrated in the Nakabe Prefecture--are descended from the Imperial Japanese Co-Prosperity Sphere.

The culture of the Imperial & Federal Union heavily reflects this make up, and is often defined by nostalgia for Old Terra, and the lost homeworld. It is exceptionally fashionable to appeal to the styles of Old Terra, and historical analogues are widely accepted and adopted by society at large. The society as a whole tends to the conservative, favouring continued stability and preservation of order to significant social change. As a result of this conservatism, there has been relatively little mixing of the various cultures that make up the Imperial & Federal Union, with preference instead given to preserving local custom and tradition to creating a more cosmopolitan society.

Galactic Quadrant Location:

The Imperial & Federal Union lies on the border of the Beta and Delta quadrants, approximately half way between the galactic core and rim.

Factbook Link:

II Wiki Article

[The Uthani Imperium]

Update

The entries for Nexxu and the Imperial & Federal Union have been added to the VSSI listing.

[Riaelume Aesjnuth]

Official National Name: The Realm of Riælume Æsjnuth (The name actually means "Astounding Realm" in native language).

Short National Name(s): Riælume Æsjnuth, or the Riæluman Realm

National Government Type: The realm is a centralized interplanetary meritocratic autocracy. While the governments of colonized planets still hold some power, they only act more as the extended hand of the government. The most powerful citizens of a colony are compulsorily elected to the Realm Council, but only after proving themselves through all kinds of tasks, usually imposed without their knowledge to test them. In a similar process, the Supreme Councillor, the most powerful person in the realm, is elected. The Supreme Councillor elects other dominant Aesjnuthians to be the heads of the centralized government's branches. The Realm Council appoints members of the Realm Judiciary. Power and reputation moulded by honor and justice are the main elements that can get one a position in the government.

The main driving political force of the Realm Government is progressivism. The economic system is also similar to capitalism, but the government can always put regulations on the economy whenever it wants.

Prevalent Sentient Species: Prumumeians, meaning "from home" (the Aesjnuthian system's equivalent of a Humans) are the most predominant species in the Aesjnuthian system. There are three subspecies: Uludians or U. Prumumei (strong intellectual Neanderthal-like beings), the Niw or N. Prumumei (intelligent paranoid modern human-like peoples), and Meidans (offspring of both species). A fourth subspecies, the agile elf-like Elufians went extinct millions of years ago, but a handful have been brought back to life by genetics with mixed results.

There are also artificial or modified lifeforms including sentient drones and computers, and experimented Prumumeians. There are only a few sentient non-organic lifeforms that are friendly to the Prumumeians; a large percentage escape from the system. A group of enhanced Prumumeians called the Ehijri Vieung or Ehijri work as elite soldiers for the Realm Forces.

Important Cultural Information: Meid-Uludian culture is the most dominant in the realm. It is strongly materialistic, and could be said to be atheistic. Science, logic, and reasoning dominate this culture, although some things of the past like the belief of elementals remain. Everything is measured, whether "by mind or heart." Meid-Uludian culture is coldly compassionate, and bases the worth of a person or being on its capabilities rather than appearance or history. Uludian culture brought about the Realm language, Meuvæl and named the cosmic bodies.

The Niw culture in comparison is based heavily on reputation, morals and principles, moulding most of Aesjnuthian mainstream values. Power and dominance with chivalry and honor rule this culture. It is similar to the saying "might is right" where the powerful and reputable have the right to control the weak. However, an ideal powerful person in Niw culture does not abuse their power, and instead applies it considerately, fairly and with just reason.

Galactic Quadrant Location: Alpha quadrant of the Melukulan Galaxy.

Factbook Link: Work In Progress

[The Ten Thousand Suns]

Official National Name: The Grand Empire of the Ten Thousand Suns

Short National Name(s): The Empire, the Grand Empire, the Ten Thousand Suns, the Seven Suns (derogatory)

National Government Type: Semi-hereditary meritocratic feudalistic dictatorship. The emperor rules over many great and lesser kingdoms, which in turn oversee smaller lords. Inheritance is claimed by whoever is best able to take and keep a position, usually - but not always - a blood relative.

Prevalent Sentient Species: Hroa'agh, some Ixee communities

Important Cultural Information: Hroa'agh society is based around the acquisition of Status - recognition and admiration of peers. Humility is considered a personality defect, something that other species can find off-putting. Promotion usually occurs via competition (rarely violent). They were uplifted by the Ixee, a humbling event that has given the species as a whole a bit of an inferiority complex but given them an understanding that other species have vastly different psychologies. Despite their size, speed, and predatory nature, they tend to shy away from direct conflict, preferring posturing and politics to armed conflict.

Galactic Quadrant Location: Central-eastern gamma quadrant.

Factbook Link: Link

[The Volkartian Consortium]

Official National Name : The Volkartian Consortium.
Short National Name: Volkartia
Galactic Quadrant Location: Delta, Near Beta
Factbook Link: In-Game

Politics

Minimal, Cyberdemocratic, Libertarian.

The Consortium has a minimal political system. The GovCorps, the expanded successors to mutual-credit banks, handle the majority of governance, and are cyberdemocratic entities organized on corporate terms. Each citizen of a GovCorp is at once a shareholder and an employee, having both one share (vote) and paid a minimum income. GovCorps also own all land in a given habitat, renting it out to other corporations as it wishes.

The Consortium proper is not a government but rather an alliance. Any GovCorp that conforms to basic Volkartian economics is part of the Consortium. Generally, this means following the economic system of the Consortium. Politics is very much secondary to economics in the Consortium, a fact that is often cited as the major reason the Consortium rarely actually does anything new and tends to just focus on its own continued survival. The lack of politics is also probably the reason why nationalism and patriotism are foreign ideas, as the average Volkartian holds no fealty to the Consortium except in how its continued existence benefits them.

Economics

Corporate, Syndicalist, Mutualist.

Corporations and syndicates dominate the Consortium's planetary economies. Corporations are a company that operates as a single person for legal purposes. Syndicates are worker collectives that control the factories and service sectors of the Consortium. GovCorps handle governance and land usage of a given habitat, all citizens have a vote as shareholders and a minimum income as employees of the GovCorp. Hypercorps handle finance and marketing (HyperCorps), generally being small entrepreneurial entities rather than the lumbering behemoths that were their MegaCorp ancestors. MicroCorps handle the arts and sciences (MicroCorps), operating as cooperative entities formed by creatives to combine their abilities. It is illegal for one type of company to perform functions of another. They must instead find or create a separate company to do it. Generally, there are set contracts between syndicates and corporations. For example: A MicroCorp designs a product. A Syndicate mass produces it. A HyperCorp sells it to the public. Each of the three partners gets 30% of the profit. The remaining 10% is taxes.

There also exist two off-planet corporate types: The MilCorps and the ExoCorps. The Board of Expansion, the only true Consortium-wide government, regulates both. They are government entities. MilCorps will generally sell their services as a security force to other corporations. ExoCorps sell the resources they harvest on the open market. Recently, the Board assumed responsibility as the main foreign affairs ministry of the Consortium. Many protest this as a power grab but the Board insists it falls within their duties.

New members of the Board of Expansion join through a vote by the Board's members. Most current members are leaders of major MilCorps and ExoCorps. Were it not for their inability to work together, there would be significant corruption. As it is now, the Board tends to choose new members to keep an eye on them. Most Board members are vicious rivals with each other.

Culture

Individualist, Survivalist, Anarchic.

Volkartian culture tends to work in waves. Different cultural trends become dominant over time. There are a few static cultural traits. The most noticeable of these is a fear of centralized authority.

Certain cultural trends become part of established culture. The enlarged canines common with transhumans is a good example. This began when incorporating animal traits was in vogue. Other examples include a general lack of body hair and androgynous traits. Finally, the air is quite central to Volkartian culture. One major planet is a gas giant and the other is a Venus-like plane.. The former's moons are the focus of colonization. The latter is full of floating cities. Aerocraft are the primary method of traveling from city-to-city.

Currently, subtle cybernetics are popular. The most common example is sub-dermal implants and cybernetics integrated into organic tissue. Another popular method is the outright replacement of organic parts with life-like cybernetic replacements. This is especially common among soldiers and police. Garish and obvious cybernetic enhancements are currently unfashionable, but not especially rare.

Individualism is the dominant cultural paradigm, as befits a society where the economic far outweighs the politic. To the Consortium, hierarchical cultures seem bureaucratic and creativity-stifling. Egalitarian cultures appear well-intentioned but prone to irrational sentimentality. The dominance of individualism is a major reason the Consortium lacks a powerful state or powerful churches. Both need and create hierarchy. Individualism is also to blame for the slow technological progress of the Consortium, as science also functions best in a hierarchical system.

Major Sapient Species

Transhumans: Refers to the various augmented offshoots of humanity that still have humanoid bodies.

Ualgeshi: The successor species to the Geshirani. The ualgeshi are also transnatural. Their origin species was carnivorous. They are notable for their emotional detachment and complex social networks.

Tangerikans: The dominant species of the planet Tangerik, they are a species of herbivores. Unlike transhumans and ualgeshi, the Tangerikans prefer cybernetics to genetic augmentations. Tangerikans also have a monopoly on Volkartian mecha. Nobody else wants them.

Indies/Xenostrains: Both refer to someone so augmented that they stop resembling their original species. An Indie is unique, while a Xenostrain is a group of such beings based off of a single template.

[The Uthani Imperium]

Update

The above entries have all been added to VSSI, thank you for your submissions.

[Estainia]

--- This FT has been retconned, my apologies ---