The Atlantean Empire, also known throughout the galaxy as simply "the Empire", is a unitary stratocracy with strong meritocratic characteristics. Located in the extreme northwest of human settled space, the Empire is far removed from the contested borders around the Periphery, Coalition and Empyrean See. However, the Empire's closest galactic neighbor and strongest ally, the Kingdom of Eirangard, is deeply involved in pan-galactic affairs. Given the deep historical and political roots which bind the Empire and Eirangard together, combined with a disproportionately large and capable Atlantean military, has let to an increase in the Empire's influence on the astropolitical scene in recent decades.
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Etymology
The name Atlantea is derived from the name of the legendary island of Atlantis (itself derived from ancient Greek meaning “Island of Atlas”) of Earth’s antiquity. According to the works of the ancient historian and philosopher Plato, Atlantis was home to a technologically advanced society and a virtuous people. Subsequent philosophical writings during the First Renaissance period used Atlantis as the setting of a utopian society where “generosity and enlightenment, dignity and splendor, piety and public spirit” are commonly held qualities among its people. When the first colonist arrived on this new world in the early 25th century, they chose to name their planet after this legendary paradise in the hopes it would serve as a guide and inspiration to succeeding generations.
Years later, Atlantea would go on to become one of the most important worlds in the Elysium League, considered by many second only to Elysium itself. Then, during the early stages of the rebellion against Eirangard, Atlantea became the first world to free itself from occupation, thereby assuming the unofficial role as the center for the rebellion. In 2935, Atlantea would be chosen as the new capital world for the government established by the formerly occupied worlds.
Through it all, the name Atlantea would serve as a reminder throughout the galaxy of a place known not only for its enlightenment and splendor. but also as the home to one of the galaxy's finest martial traditions.
Cartography
Located in the extreme northwest of human settled space, the Empire encompasses four spheres of influence, called Sectors. These sectors are bordered to the east and southeast by the Kingdom of Eirangard. <insert southern neighbor here>. To the north and west lay the galactic void of uncharted space.
Within its four sectors, the Empire controls thirty (30) inhabited worlds in various stages of development, three Mega-Stations and dozens of smaller outposts, stations and military bases. These worlds generally enjoy a good to excellent standard of living due to the Empire's extensive economic base and well-developed infrastructure.
It should be noted that while the Empire no longer officially supports an aggressive expansionist policy, Atlantean ships are occasionally sent on "long range patrols" beyond their borders into the vastness of unexplored space. Only time will tell of these "patrols" will result in the discovery of new worlds open to Atlantean settlement.
Atlantea Sector
Centered around the Imperial Capital, the Atlantea Sector contains many worlds that once belonged to the Elysium League and were occupied by Eirangard prior to the rebellion. Due to their long history, these worlds make this the most developed and heavily populated Sector in the Empire. It is also the central point from which all political, economic and military power originates within the Empire, as well as projecting outward to other nations.
Being located nearest to the neighboring Kingdom of Eirangard, the Atlantean Sector serves as the primary transfer point for goods and people flowing into and out of the Empire's vast network of interior trade routes. The significant amount of trade ensures the worlds of this sector have vibrant economies and the highest standards of living found in the Empire.
Culturally, due to the concentration of both Imperial government offices and the extensive interaction with foreigners, the Sector represents the broadest spectrum of humanity to be found in Atlantean society, although the juxtaposition also makes the differences easy to see between mainstream Atlantean culture and those brought into the Empire. Because of this, it is also where artistic and abstract intellectual pursuits are more readily accepted than anywhere else in the Empire.
Titanus Sector
The worlds of the second most populated and developed sector in the Empire were, like the worlds of the Atlantean Sector, settled prior to occupation by Eirangard, albeit at a lower level of development. Still, these worlds saw their fair share of conflict during the rebellion. In the decades after the Atlanteans won their independence, the Titanus Sector became the primary focus of the new government's rapid and extensive development programs,. These programs were aimed at providing an industrial and military foundation for the Empire to ensure its continued independence. As a result, it is often said there are more factories, shipyards and military personnel in the Titanus Sector than in the other three sectors combined- a claim rarely disputed by Atlantean officials.
Unlike the multicultural worlds of the Atlantean Sector, the worlds of the Titanus Sector almost universally display the 'stereotypical' traits of Atlantean culture where artists and intellectuals are few and far between. Instead, life in the sector is almost entirely devoted to service to the Empire in one form or another. Engineers, tradesmen, factory workers and military members dominate the population, along with those who provide necessary ancillary services to them. However, despite appearances, the people of the Titanus sector enjoy a high, if not very opulent, standard of living while in service to the Empire.
Volcanus Sector
Although settled during the time of occupation by Eirangard, the worlds of the Volcanus Sector were sparsely populated and of little interest to Eirangard. As a result, these worlds were mostly spared the destructive effects decades of rebellion wrought on worlds in the Atlantean and Titanus sector. In the decades following the establishment of the Empire, these worlds were initially given a low priority and maintained a large degree of independence, falling under the Imperial banner in name only. It was nearly a century after the Empire was established that a focused effort was made to bring the Sector more into the Imperial fold. The worlds subsequently experienced an economic and population boom, driven largely by Atlanteans who were seeking a different lifestyle.
Mostly agrarian worlds, the Volcanus Sector is culturally unique in the Empire. Unlike on most other worlds, the population long ago made efforts to live in harmony with their environment rather than attempt to dominate it. This has resulted in a huge variety in architecture, clothing, art and general aesthetics based largely on local geography. After the Empire began asserting itself more in the Sector, these traditions have continued as a point of pride among the population that distinguishes them from the more 'typical' Atlantean culture.
Raetea Sector
By far the least populated Sector in the Empire, the Raetea Sector is comprised of worlds that were discovered or settled after the formation of the Empire. As such, these worlds are not as developed as others in the Empire. In fact, while each world maintains two or three moderately sized population centers centered around spaceports, the majority of the worlds and moons are still being explored. As such, a large percentage of the Empire's scientific research occurs in this Sector, with a fair number of intergalactic scientists involved as well (when approved by the Atlantean government). The entire Sector is dotted with small communities, research stations and scientific expeditions sponsored not only by the Atlantean government, but also some of the finest institutions of higher learning throughout the galaxy.
It should be noted the Raetea Sector also acts as the base for further Atlantean exploration of unknown space to the galactic north and west. Long range reconnaissance and exploration ships frequently depart from the Sector for stars and worlds yet unknown in an effort to further expand both scientific knowledge of the univerice and the Empire's territorial holdings.
History
Colonization and Foundations
Cooperation and Common Cause
Occupation and Rebellion
Building an Empire
Pax Atlantea
Government
The Emperor
Prefects
The Senate
Legates
Consuls
Proconsuls
Magistrates
Vicars
Military
The Empire has an extremely well disciplined, equipped and lead military that is considered amongst the best in the galaxy. It is also disproportionately large. As the Empire is a stratocracy, the military is involved in most aspects of daily life throughout the Empire, requiring extensive manpower to properly function. Whereas most nations average one or two percent of their population in military service at any given time, the Empire averages nearly nine percent of its population in active service. This number can swell to nearly twenty-seven percent during full mobilization of reserve forces during a time of war, allowing the Empire to combat larger nations if need be.
As a stratocracy, the social and political standing of individuals, and entire families, is directly linked to military service. Advancement in military rank and prestige increases the influence that individual, and by extension their family, has on the social and political affairs of the nation. Likewise, dishonorable military service can carry heavily social and political penalties. These factors reinforce the strict discipline each member of the Imperial military receives throughout their childhood training.
Imperial Guard
Although the smallest branch of the Imperial military, the Imperial Guard is the elite ground combat force of the Empire and represents the epitome of Atlantean marital traditions. Trained and equipped with the best the Empire has to offer, the Guard is generally organized to serve as light infantry, with small detachments designated to serve as Special Operations Forces. In the centuries since its establishment, tradition holds that no Imperial Guard unit has ever capitulated in combat against an adversary.
Only the best and brightest are accepted into the Guard after serving in another branch of the Imperial military. The Guard accepts recruits from all branches of the Imperial military, although nearly seventy percent come from the Imperial Army. Also, like the other branches of the Imperial military, NCOs and Officers are selected based on merit and performance rather than lineage or mere reputation. This is important as Imperial Guard officers officially outrank officers in other branches of the same paygrade and only a higher ranking officer can countermand an order from an Imperial Guardsman.
Palatine Guard
Equal parts Honor Guard and bodyguard, members of the Palatine Guard compose a single legion and are pulled from the ranks of the already elite Imperial Guard. These Guardsmen have the honor to directly serve the Emperor and his family anywhere in the galaxy, typically in the form of a small detachment. The Palatine Guard is also responsible for the security of the Imperial Palace and the safety of all within. To accomplish this task, officers of the Palatine Guard speak with the authority of the Emperor and have absolutely authority. Only a higher ranking officer of the Palatine Guard can countermand an order of a Palatine Guardsman.
Imperial Army
Imperial Marines
Imperial Navy
Maritime Service
Imperial Security
System Guard
Imperial Auxiliary
Fleet Reserve
Relations
Although fiercely independent and stubbornly prideful, the leaders of the Atlantean Empire long ago realized no nation can exist in a vacuum. Political and military alliances are seen as helpful, although by no means necessary, to the long-lasting security of the Empire. Further, strong political and military ties naturally lead to increased trade between nations, boosting the Atlantean economy and supporting domestic industries which the Empire relies on heavily in developing its own infrastructure. In recent years, the Empire has also indicated a willingness to establish formal relations with non-governmental organizations in limited circumstances.
The Atlantean Empire maintains three general classifications for its relations with other nations: Allied nations, neutral nations and hostile nations.
Allied Nations
These nations have strong political, social, economic and/or military ties with the Empire, although they are few in number.
Kingdom of Eirangard
Star Kingdom of Persica
United Star Commonwealth
Neutral Nations
These nations have limited but fair political ties with the Empire, enjoying free trade and commerce but little (if any) military interaction.
Intersystem Alliance
Isharan Eisharat
Hostile Nations
These nations have poor (if any) political ties with the Empire, representing a potential or continued threat to the Atlantean people.