Expanse Sector: Difference between revisions
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There are approximately 345 noble families residing in the [[Par'tha Expanse]]. Most of these families have been around in one form or another since the mid-Dynastic Era, though some have changed house affiliation over time as one house died and another was born. | There are approximately 345 noble families residing in the [[Par'tha Expanse]]. Most of these families have been around in one form or another since the mid-Dynastic Era, though some have changed house affiliation over time as one house died and another was born. | ||
While elsewhere in the galaxy the idea of universal suffrage and equality has long existed, in the [[Par'tha Expanse]] the philosophy has persisted over the millennia that the power of rule belongs by right to the well-born. Nobles and commoners alike subscribe to this point of view, and find it right and natural. Perhaps this attitude helps explain both why [[Par'tha Expanse]] citizens adjusted readily to the [[ | While elsewhere in the galaxy the idea of universal suffrage and equality has long existed, in the [[Par'tha Expanse]] the philosophy has persisted over the millennia that the power of rule belongs by right to the well-born. Nobles and commoners alike subscribe to this point of view, and find it right and natural. Perhaps this attitude helps explain both why [[Par'tha Expanse]] citizens adjusted readily to the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]], and why Federation sociologist and diplomats have had difficulty in igniting the idea of freedom and equality throughout the Expanse. | ||
The nobles of the [[Par'tha Expanse]] consider it subversive to seek power through popularity among the non-noble populace or by serving the selfish needs of the more needy, least educated, and least well-informed members of the nobility. Though there have been many popular and charismatic rulers over the centuries, few nobles have attempted to head a public uprising against the established noble class, and none successfully. Those who are thought to harbor populist sympathies are shunned, both by their peers and the lower classes. | The nobles of the [[Par'tha Expanse]] consider it subversive to seek power through popularity among the non-noble populace or by serving the selfish needs of the more needy, least educated, and least well-informed members of the nobility. Though there have been many popular and charismatic rulers over the centuries, few nobles have attempted to head a public uprising against the established noble class, and none successfully. Those who are thought to harbor populist sympathies are shunned, both by their peers and the lower classes. | ||
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Those caught breaking their word publicly or privately given are ostracized by the nobles of every house at the very least, and often sent away to live in the [[Freeworlds Region]] for years. Youngsters are occasionally permitted to reenter society after a suitable period of time, but for nobles in their majority there are no second chances - once branded a word-breaker, a noble is forever tarnished. | Those caught breaking their word publicly or privately given are ostracized by the nobles of every house at the very least, and often sent away to live in the [[Freeworlds Region]] for years. Youngsters are occasionally permitted to reenter society after a suitable period of time, but for nobles in their majority there are no second chances - once branded a word-breaker, a noble is forever tarnished. | ||
Cheating and stealing are other unforgivable offenses, which are perversely considered more serious crimes than murder. Murder itself is frowned upon in noble circles, but viewed as a viable method of taking care of intractable obstacles. (Murder is of course illegal in Par'tha and [[ | Cheating and stealing are other unforgivable offenses, which are perversely considered more serious crimes than murder. Murder itself is frowned upon in noble circles, but viewed as a viable method of taking care of intractable obstacles. (Murder is of course illegal in Par'tha and [[VIR|Imperial]] courts, but you have to be charged with a crime to be persecuted, and nobles tend to cooperate in concealing their own messes.) The exception to this are patricide and fratricide, which are very serious offenses against the social order, and threaten the very fabric of noble society. | ||
Naturally, there are scoundrels and blackguards among the nobility who engage in all manner of dark deeds, but even they are careful to hide their activities. | Naturally, there are scoundrels and blackguards among the nobility who engage in all manner of dark deeds, but even they are careful to hide their activities. | ||
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Because of the serious consequences of being found lacking in honor, questioning a noble's word is dangerous. Traditionally, the noble has two choices when faced with an insult; kill the offender (if a commoner), or challenge him to a duel (if a fellow noble). | Because of the serious consequences of being found lacking in honor, questioning a noble's word is dangerous. Traditionally, the noble has two choices when faced with an insult; kill the offender (if a commoner), or challenge him to a duel (if a fellow noble). | ||
The times have become more civilized in recent centuries, and commoners are no longer slain outright for insulting a lord or lady (roundly beaten perhaps, but not slain). Dueling has been declared illegal by the [[ | The times have become more civilized in recent centuries, and commoners are no longer slain outright for insulting a lord or lady (roundly beaten perhaps, but not slain). Dueling has been declared illegal by the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]], but it still goes on - quietly and behind the scenes. | ||
Duelist each chose a second, and agree on a suitably isolated place for the duel. [[Blasters]] (or phasers, or disruptors) are used in most duels - either set to stun or to kill depending on the seriousness of the offense and the houses involved. | Duelist each chose a second, and agree on a suitably isolated place for the duel. [[Blasters]] (or phasers, or disruptors) are used in most duels - either set to stun or to kill depending on the seriousness of the offense and the houses involved. | ||
Most house leaders pretend to be unaware that the tradition of dueling continues, though they must investigate if the duelers become too obvious. Fortunately for all concerned, dueling is rare enough that [[ | Most house leaders pretend to be unaware that the tradition of dueling continues, though they must investigate if the duelers become too obvious. Fortunately for all concerned, dueling is rare enough that [[VIR|Empire]] law-enforcement agencies do not feel obligated to step in and launch investigations. | ||
== The Sabre Rakes == | == The Sabre Rakes == | ||
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The duels continue, of course, in isolated locations agreeable to both parties. It is considered in bad taste to actually kill one's opponent among the sabre rakes, unless the rivalry is particularly serious. | The duels continue, of course, in isolated locations agreeable to both parties. It is considered in bad taste to actually kill one's opponent among the sabre rakes, unless the rivalry is particularly serious. | ||
Naturally, the sight of dozens of highly influential young nobles traipsing about with [[lightfoils]] of any kind makes the [[ | Naturally, the sight of dozens of highly influential young nobles traipsing about with [[lightfoils]] of any kind makes the [[VIR|Imperials]] nervous. Most [[Caraadian]]s see the fad for what it is - a simple infatuation with an elegant antique weapon vested with a rich and regal history. Few sabre rakes have more than a passing knowledge of the [[Lightfoils|lightfoil's]] real history. | ||
== The Imperial Leash == | == The Imperial Leash == | ||
The Par'tha nobles have a relatively free hand in governing their domain, at least when compared to other [[ | The Par'tha nobles have a relatively free hand in governing their domain, at least when compared to other [[VIR|Imperial]] sectors. The Emperor is content to allow the sector its independence for the time being, but he is not about to let the houses forget who has the ultimate power and authority. | ||
In addition to the large Imperial fleets which roam the sector, the Emperor has established a system to ensure the loyalty of the Par'tha houses and prevent the house leaders from becoming too entrenched in their powerbases. Every two years, the extended family of each High Lord travels to [[Valcaria]] to join the Imperial Court for a year, while the leader himself stays in the sector to govern with his advisors. The families are "invited" to the Imperial center in a rolling rotation which ensures that each cluster of allied houses has at least one major family living in Bylprass at any given time. | In addition to the large Imperial fleets which roam the sector, the Emperor has established a system to ensure the loyalty of the Par'tha houses and prevent the house leaders from becoming too entrenched in their powerbases. Every two years, the extended family of each High Lord travels to [[Valcaria]] to join the Imperial Court for a year, while the leader himself stays in the sector to govern with his advisors. The families are "invited" to the Imperial center in a rolling rotation which ensures that each cluster of allied houses has at least one major family living in Bylprass at any given time. | ||
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Everyone pretends to treat this as a great honor, but everyone knows that the expatriate families are hostages to ensure the continued support and loyalty of the [[Par'tha Expanse]]. With their loved ones held hostage on [[Valcaria]], few house leaders would contemplate defying the Emperor or conspiring with anti-Valcarian factions. | Everyone pretends to treat this as a great honor, but everyone knows that the expatriate families are hostages to ensure the continued support and loyalty of the [[Par'tha Expanse]]. With their loved ones held hostage on [[Valcaria]], few house leaders would contemplate defying the Emperor or conspiring with anti-Valcarian factions. | ||
The great migration of a household to and from [[Valcaria]] is an event accorded with great fanfare, and the tradition does have its beneficial side. By maintaining a constant presence at Imperial Court, the Par'tha nobles have greatly increased their standing in the [[ | The great migration of a household to and from [[Valcaria]] is an event accorded with great fanfare, and the tradition does have its beneficial side. By maintaining a constant presence at Imperial Court, the Par'tha nobles have greatly increased their standing in the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]]. In past generations, the Par'tha gentry were regarded by the empire elites as rather provincial and backward. In recent decades, however, the Par'tha nobles have become accepted as peers (though the occasional snub must be expected from time to time). | ||
The constant exposure to the [[ | The constant exposure to the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]] has also begun having an effect in Par'tha society, especially among the more impressionable young nobles. Some have been looking down their noses at their own houses and preferring [[Valcaria]] to [[Oscion]], their own capital. Others are becoming more open to Imperial High Culture, and its anti-alien philosophies. | ||
= Noble Life = | = Noble Life = | ||
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Nobles are accustomed to getting the red carpet treatment wherever they go in the sector. Nobles never have to wait in line - except behind a higher-ranking noble. They seldom make reservations at the exclusive restaurants they frequent, since even the most overbooked establishment bumps commoner guests off the reservation list to be able to seat a noble's entourage. By the same token, exclusive seating in stadiums, concert halls, and so on are never a problem. | Nobles are accustomed to getting the red carpet treatment wherever they go in the sector. Nobles never have to wait in line - except behind a higher-ranking noble. They seldom make reservations at the exclusive restaurants they frequent, since even the most overbooked establishment bumps commoner guests off the reservation list to be able to seat a noble's entourage. By the same token, exclusive seating in stadiums, concert halls, and so on are never a problem. | ||
Nobles are also, according to temperament and interest, often invited by various companies to try out complementary new products - everything from new racing air vehicles to new guardian [[ | Nobles are also, according to temperament and interest, often invited by various companies to try out complementary new products - everything from new racing air vehicles to new guardian [[rolf]]s, in the hopes that the noble will endorse it. This practice is frowned on by some nobles as being beneath one's dignity, but many younger nobles jump at the chance to play with the sectors newest toys. | ||
The drawback to celebrity, of course, is that the more prominent nobles get little privacy when traveling. There is a special section of the newsnets media that do nothing but dog the heels of popular nobles, watching their every move, waiting for something newsworthy to happen (like duels, rivalries, love affairs, betrayals, and so on). | The drawback to celebrity, of course, is that the more prominent nobles get little privacy when traveling. There is a special section of the newsnets media that do nothing but dog the heels of popular nobles, watching their every move, waiting for something newsworthy to happen (like duels, rivalries, love affairs, betrayals, and so on). | ||
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Life is not fun and games forever, unfortunately. Eventually, nobles have to settle down, get married, and find some aristocratic vocation. Nobles enter their majority at age 30, at which time they can vote, participate in sector affairs, inherit from their elders, and marry. Those wishing to marry at a younger age can get special permission from their high lords. Early marriage is fairly common, especially when the joining represents a political alliance between families or houses. | Life is not fun and games forever, unfortunately. Eventually, nobles have to settle down, get married, and find some aristocratic vocation. Nobles enter their majority at age 30, at which time they can vote, participate in sector affairs, inherit from their elders, and marry. Those wishing to marry at a younger age can get special permission from their high lords. Early marriage is fairly common, especially when the joining represents a political alliance between families or houses. | ||
There are a number of acceptable career paths for nobles - the military, the arts and sciences, and house and [[ | There are a number of acceptable career paths for nobles - the military, the arts and sciences, and house and [[VIR|Imperial]] government services. More common careers, especially those involving physical labor, are considered beneath a noble, and only a black sheep who does not value his reputation would consider becoming a freighter captain, programmer, or common laborer. Knights have a bit more flexibility than barons and lords, but not much. | ||
Those opting for military service can obtain a commission in one of the elite house regiments, or attend one of the Imperial academies and move up the Imperial chain. Nobles can become scientists, artists, and academians but only at the highest, most dignified levels - while being a gene-splicing specialist, a sculptor, or university professor is acceptable, being a family doctor, a | Those opting for military service can obtain a commission in one of the elite house regiments, or attend one of the Imperial academies and move up the Imperial chain. Nobles can become scientists, artists, and academians but only at the highest, most dignified levels - while being a gene-splicing specialist, a sculptor, or university professor is acceptable, being a family doctor, a tavern jazz musician, or basic education teacher is not. | ||
Finally, a noble can take a job managing house or Imperial assets. Many lords inherit jobs from their parents; if a mother runs a shipping company or an agricultural enterprise, her child is likely to take over when she retires, providing he is competent. Others can obtain desired jobs by cultivating a higher-up sponsor who will see they get good jobs. This is how most knights get work (especially the poorer ones). | Finally, a noble can take a job managing house or Imperial assets. Many lords inherit jobs from their parents; if a mother runs a shipping company or an agricultural enterprise, her child is likely to take over when she retires, providing he is competent. Others can obtain desired jobs by cultivating a higher-up sponsor who will see they get good jobs. This is how most knights get work (especially the poorer ones). | ||
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Each house province is governed by house-appointed leaders and nobles, and individual settlements within the provinces are governed by community leaders, most of whom are common citizens. In the day-to-day affairs, the house nobles usually defer to the common government officials, reserving their energies for establishing overall house directives and sector policy. The Expanse itself is governed by the nobles through the [[Par'tha Expanse Great Council|Great Council]], located on the sector capital of [[Oscion]]. | Each house province is governed by house-appointed leaders and nobles, and individual settlements within the provinces are governed by community leaders, most of whom are common citizens. In the day-to-day affairs, the house nobles usually defer to the common government officials, reserving their energies for establishing overall house directives and sector policy. The Expanse itself is governed by the nobles through the [[Par'tha Expanse Great Council|Great Council]], located on the sector capital of [[Oscion]]. | ||
Most of the hosues fear full absorption into the [[ | Most of the hosues fear full absorption into the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]], which has weakened opposition to [[House Larokon|Larokon's]] dominance. Most house leaders feel it important to present a more or less united front to the Valcarians. Should the houses become absorbed in a lengthy battle for sector dominance, the [[VIR|Empire]] may well take the opportunity to play each camp against the others, and step in to take over when the various factions have exhausted themselves. This, more than anything else, keeps inter-house squabbles from getting too serious. | ||
= House Defense Forces = | = House Defense Forces = | ||
Because the [[ | Because the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]] can not be everywhere at once, it permits most of its subject planets to protect themselves militarily. The [[Par'tha Expanse]] is trusted (and factionalized) enough to be given permission to maintain somewhat larger domestic forces. Each house has its own fleet which patrols within its own province, and its own armies to protect its worlds. Collectively, the houses patrol and protect the entire Expanse. | ||
The strength of a house navy is regulated both by the sector government and the [[ | The strength of a house navy is regulated both by the sector government and the [[VIR|Valcarian Empire]]. The fleets exist primarily to provide civil rather than military protection, and only ten percent of a house navy may be equipped with faster-than-light propulsion. | ||
House assets and nobles are protected by the House Guard, both within a house's province, and beyond. House Guard regiments are the only military assets allowed to travel outside the house province. Most guards are stationed within the house's province. Each world has its own law enforcement agencies; the House Guards enforce the will of the nobles. | House assets and nobles are protected by the House Guard, both within a house's province, and beyond. House Guard regiments are the only military assets allowed to travel outside the house province. Most guards are stationed within the house's province. Each world has its own law enforcement agencies; the House Guards enforce the will of the nobles. | ||
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House Guard officers are primarily drawn from the house's pool of nobles, though many capable officers are commoners who came up through the ranks. Uniform regulations are relaxed a bit for nobles of more powerful house families, and they may supplement standard issue armor and equipment with their own special touches. It is not uncommon to see a House Guard officer wearing custom-made armor or carrying non-regulation weapons. | House Guard officers are primarily drawn from the house's pool of nobles, though many capable officers are commoners who came up through the ranks. Uniform regulations are relaxed a bit for nobles of more powerful house families, and they may supplement standard issue armor and equipment with their own special touches. It is not uncommon to see a House Guard officer wearing custom-made armor or carrying non-regulation weapons. | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Par'tha Expanse|*]] | ||