The Lián Huā Zhǔquán [莲花主权] or Lotus Sovereignty is a small nation that borders the Covenant of Edom and The Holy Dominion of the Empyrean See. The Sovereignty maintains a steady alliance with Neighbours to the North, primarily the Covenant of Edom, the Empire of Gaennaan, and the Isharan Eisharate and to the far south with the Intersystem Alliance. Due to the Sovereignty's proximity to the Holy Dominion, and its history with that nation, the Sovereignty works to defend its continued existence.
With deep ties to its cultural roots, the Sovereignty is led by the descendants of the original crowned Sovereign. Supported by a group of senior leaders, the nation has developed as a constitutional monarchy, with the Sovereign holding limited power, but can return it when called for. Remaining as an ally of its many neighbors the Sovereignty has continued to work for the ability to free their ancestors and their descendants when called upon to do so. The nation works for the continued support of its own people, preferring an insular focus when needed.
While a semi-wealthy nation when compared to others nearby to it, the Sovereignty has attempted to develop concurrently to support its population. Recently the Sovereignty has worked to include some of the more advanced Artificial Intelligence as equal citizens of the nation, opening up to unique and advanced research programs.
Table of Contents
Etymology
The Lián Huā Zhǔquán drew its name evacuation vessel from the former Three Kingdoms and has since been a rallying cry to various organizations from the remnants of the Kingdoms. As one of the many vessels to leave the nation with members of the Royal Families, the Lián Huā or Lotus was the personal starship of a princess of the Royal Families.
Although a part of the larger fleet, the Lián Huā was one of the more notable vessels to launch, being designed from the ground up to establish a colony when needed. Once the new nation had begun in earnest, the people saw the Lián Huā as a rallying cry and vision of the future they needed. One of determination and grit to survive the coming Dominion and its oppression.
Princess Shàng Yìng (上岭) was one of the lowest on the line of succession for the Fechan Dynasty was one of the more highly motivated to establish a new homeworld for her people. Upon landing the people decided to raise Shàng Yìng to the seat of Sovereign and named their world for the vessel that saved them from persecution at the hands of their fellow countrymen and the Dominion as a whole.
Cartography
The Lián Huā Zhǔquán, lies galactic north-east of the Intersystem Alliance and galactic east of the Empyrean See, sharing a region of space with the Empire of Gaennaan, Thaedonian Federation, the= Covenant of Edom and the Ionian League colloquially known as the Eastward Rim. The Sovereignty is recognized as an interstellar nation representing 24 settled worlds, some in various states of Terraforming.
The major habitable worlds of the Sovereignty are spread through all of the Sovereignty's space, with very few locations having no habitable or near habitable worlds. The Sovereignty has in recent years delved into researching and developing technology to sustain life in hostile environments for possible future expansion as may be required for the Sovereignty moving forward.
The Sovereignty separates its spheres of influence into various divisions to denote the size of the zone and areas of responsibility. These range from the largest being the Sovereignty itself, then the Domains, which include several Sectors, which are a grouping of worlds aligned by either distance or trade.
Imperial Capital System - Tiāntáng 天堂
The Capital system of Tiāntáng (Heaven) is the oldest and most established world of the Empire. Home to the planet of Lián Huā, the System of Tiāntáng is itself found within the borders of the Domain of Leizu. Still, it remains functionally separate from the Region Leadership and the Sovereignty itself. Lián Huā is the seat of power and potential within the Empire, being home to many of the more powerful and lavish education facilities and gaining members from the many member worlds that make up the Empire. Lián Huā is often managed by a Cabal of the Leaders of the various metropolitan centers and Business or community members of high regard within the populous, reporting to the Imperial Leadership when needed.
The Surface of Lián Huā is covered in massive oceans, with cities covering a large amount of the land available to potentially house the billions of people that call the world home. Although nearly completely covered in some form of city or town, there are large swaths of land maintained as nature preserves by Imperial Decree.
The Capital is the megalopolis of Tianshuikou, notable for being the real home of the Empire and its most well-defended section of the planet. Within the city are many different sights and architectural marvels, many being those used by the government. At the center of the city is the Mènghuàn huāyuán (梦幻花园) or Garden of Dreams, a single garden encompassing a wide array of native plants from the Sovereignty and her allies, it is one of the largest of its kind in existence. The most notable admission to the Gardens is the so-called Gold Lotus or Jīn Lián Huā (金莲花) a famous symbol of the Sovereignty and its leader.
Besides the City of Tianshuikou, the major cities of Tiāntáng are Zhu’ang, Baozhu, Najin, Quyuan, and Yunnan. Each of these houses roughly one to four billion people within their border.
Lián Huā is orbited by several satellites of varying sizes, each having large numbers of developments upon their surfaces. Some for military purposes and others for civilian developments. Although Lián Huā has many orbital facilities, only one meets the requirements of being classified as a Megastation, the station called Jìnbù 进步 (translated as Advancement) the largest shipbuilding facility in the Sovereignty.
Notable Locations on Lián Huā:
Lián Huā Huánggōng 莲花王宫 (Lotus Imperial Palace)
Mènghuàn Huāyuán 梦幻花园 (Garden of Dreams)
Zhǔquán Jūnshì Zǒngbù 主权军事总部 (Sovereign Military Headquarters)
Zhǔquán Hǎijūn Xuéyuàn 主权海军学院 (Sovereign Naval Academy)
Zhǔquán Lùjūn Xuéyuàn 主权陆军学院 (Sovereign Army College)
The First Worlds of the Empire - Chéngdū Domain
Located in the Centre of the Sovereigntys' sphere of Influence, the Chéngdū Domain is the true center of the Sovereigntys' influence and Culture. Stretching roughly 20 lightyears in diameter it is managed as a single unitary state, with many of its leaders leading from afar and supported by local Governors and government officials.
As the Centre of the Sovereignty, the Chéngdū Domain is afforded some more luxury in the form of massive trade fleets that plow the star lanes in an almost ever-present fashion. If one wants to make it in the Sovereignty, then one must spend time within the Chéngdū Domain. Common among the planets of the Domain is the inclusion of Megaoloplis sized cities that have become synonymous with the Sovereignty itself. As the people have grown into their new worlds and purpose of the development of the continued development of the people. As they grew and changed, the Domain became home to some of the greatest developments within the realm of science and technology, especially the Sovereigntys' plasma weapons, missile technology, and its highly advanced information technology systems that have made them a valued trading partner. This often means that the Chéngdū Domain is home to criminal enterprises and vessels of both allies and sometimes enemies.
Centered around the system by the same name the Chéngdū Domain is administered by some of the most loyal members of the Sovereigns supporters. The Sovereign will once every 5 years take a tour of the Domain, in which she will assess the support that each world will be supported. The first world to be settled as a part of the Sovereigntys' expansion plans, the Chéngdū Domain is home to some of the more affluent and established trade networks and in most cases support networks to the larger Sovereignty.
Chéngdū is the definitive center of the Sovereignty, having Temini links to not only the other Sovereign Domains but also Threshold and the Norcian Republic. This allows for a massive amount of free trade and is the first waystation in the path to the other Periphery nations.
Habitable Planets
Chéngdū 成都
Zǎofǔ 皂阜
Zhaotong 昭通
Developing Planets
Huǒ 火 and Bīng 冰
Chongqing 重庆
Dalian 大连
Shenyang 沈阳
Tianjin 天津
Saville
The Barrier Worlds - The Zhàng'ài Domain
Named as such because they have formed the barrier between the Holy Dominion and the Sovereignty. With its location so close to the Holy Dominion the Domain has grown to be the area with the most deployed military assets of the Sovereignty. As a people, the Zhàng'ài Domain are hardened by their fear of the Dominion and its potential threat to them. As they have developed this fear, they are some of the most patriotic and advanced peoples within the Sovereignty.
With a direct termini link to the Covenant of Edom, the Domain is often used as a staging point for missions of trade and peace to the larger Periphery. With each passing year more and more development goes into both the static defense and more mobile systems that are starting to be more favored by the Sovereignty to combat the growing threats of the Dominion.
The most significant trade and development in the Domain come from the world of Jinan, home of the Advanced Energy Research Center. With only a small number of colonies on the planet, it was designated as one of the best places to develop not only advancements in energy systems for civilian and military applications. The most significant was the basis for the development of Plasma weapons systems. This has led to a significant increase in Criminality within the area and often sees criminal elements developing bases and facilities within the Domain.
Habitable Planets
Zhàng'ài 障碍
Bǎolěi 堡垒
Dùn 盾
Kazan
Hải Phòng
Inhabited Systems
Yan'an 延安
Kaifeng 开封
Jinan 济南
Yinchuan 银川
Haikou 海口
TheState of Qítài 祁态- The Qítài Domain
Located to the Galactic north of the Chéngdū Domain the Domain of Qítài is home to some of the more traditional and ecclesiastical members of the Sovereignty. Named as the State of the Soul, the Qítài Domain continues to be the gateway to the Covenant of Edom. As the center of culture and expression within the Sovereignty, the Domain holds many wonders and sites of semi-religious sentiment to the people.
Although heavily explored, the Domain only has a habitable or near habitable system within its galactic southeastern half. Many exploration missions have been conducted to better explore this area, but so far no systems of significant value have been located. As the Domain and the Sovereignty have grown the Qítài Domain has flourished. With the increase of trade into the larger Periphery, the Domain has seen an uptick in trade through the region and an increase in criminality.
Another development of the Domain is the so-called 灯塔 Dēngtǎ Nebulae or Lighthouse Nebulae. As this dense part of space has traditionally been seen as a calling for the people to view this amazing natural phenomenon. As a significant tourism trade has grown as the people wanted to explore and simply experience the Nebulae. Its name came from the view from the Qítài system and was meant to signify a light to light the way to the future.
Habitable Planets
Tai'an 泰安
Suzhou 苏州
Taizhou 台州
Inhabited Systems
Guangzhou 广州
Foshan 佛山
Heshan 鹤山
Ankang 安康
History
[Coming Soon.......]
Government
The Lián Huā Zhǔquán is a Federal state under a Constitutional Monarchy, lead at its head by the Sovereign. Lián Huā's Constitution was adopted in 3192 and has been amended a number of times since, it is a legal framework the governs the Sovereign, Government, a Unicameral legislature, and an advisory body, and the judiciary system. The Sovereign exercises her powers through the government that he appoints for a total service term of 8 years, in two 4 year periods. This body is responsible for the legislative decisions of the Sovereignty and is beholden to the Sovereign and its People. The Judiciary is independent of other bodies according to the constitution.
The Sovereign is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Navy and Army. She can declare war and peace, ratify laws and treaties, convene and close legislative sessions, call and postpone elections, dismiss the government and dissolve the parliament. The Sovereign maintains Veto power in the Senate. An Imperial veto on legislation can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in a review session of the Advisory board.
Supporting the Sovereign is the Sovereigns' council made up of the following members:
Heir Apparent to the Sovereigns' Throne
Head Magistrate of the Sovereigns' Supreme Court
Attorney General of the Sovereigns' State
Chief Adviser to the Sovereigns' Throne
Chief Diplomat of the Sovereigns' Throne
Chief Accountant of the Imperial Bank
Head of the Lián Huā Zhǔquán Civil Services
Head of the Sovereigns Imperial Guard
Head of the Imperial Armed Forces
These members are chosen to provide a wide array of advice and support to the seated Sovereign.
Imperial Senate
The Imperial Senate is the civilian representative body within the Empire and its various territories. While the Sovereign has the final say in all disputes and rules, the Imperial Senate only advises the Emperor on important issues or the need for change. The Senate is presided over by the Zhǔxí (Chairman), a senior elected representative as chosen by Sovereign and Head Magistrate of the Sovereigns' Supreme Court to lead the future of the Sovereignty.
Numbering almost 600 Members, the Imperial Senate, designed to best represents the general population of the Empire. Lead by at least one Zhǔxí, but more often two, the Imperial Senate works to discuss and, in some cases, resolve any territorial disputes without needing input from the Sovereign. Elections for the representatives are conducted by open elections held on each member world of the Empire, under the guidance of the Sovereignty Magistrate; each member is then moved to the Imperial Capital but is expected to undertake at least 3 months of every year upon their homeworld. While over 85% of the Senate is elected, the remaining 15% are appointed either by the Sovereign or an elected selection Zhǔxí. There exist laws that restrict relations that can join the Senate with the default being a new member is preferred to an entrenched individual.
Political Parties
The Senate has 6 political parties that, while are not mentioned in the slate of rule, are mentioned in the electoral act that the Representative Senate passed early into the founding of the Sovereignty.
Sovereigns Party – holds 44.5 % of all senate seats
Labour Party – holds 21.5 % of all senate seats
Faith Party – holds 19.5 % of all senate seats
Progressive Party – holds 6.5 % of all senate seats
Conservative Party– holds 6.0 % of all senate seats
Liberal Party - holds 2.0% of all senate seats
Rules of the Imperial Senate
One member, one vote.
A two-thirds vote must be attained to break a filibuster.
No weapons of any sort are permitted into the senate. Senators caught with a weapon will be disarmed and escorted to a holding cell until the Zhǔxí permits him to return to the Senate floor.
During a session on the Senate floor, no fellow senator may interrupt a fellow senator’s speech.
A senator may only miss ten (10) Called sessions during a year. Exceeding ten missed sessions may result in a fine and/or forfeiting of their seat.
Violent behavior by a senator is not acceptable and will result in the forfeiting of their seat.
All laws regarding civilian behavior are in effect during regular senate sessions.
At any time, a member of the Imperial Senate may give up his seat, at which point a new senator must be appointed.
Members of the Imperial Senate are free to vote as they please.
Senate Terms can not exceed 2 terms of service or 8 years of consecutive service, whichever occurs first.
A Called session can only be called by a Zhǔxí with support from 65% of the seated senate. This session must be presided over by all nominated Zhǔxí and the Sovereign.
IMPERIAL MINISTRIES
Making up the government is the Ministries of the Imperial Government function much the same as others within other nations, having specialists and leaders to operate as the voice and leaders of the Seated Government's various ministerial portfolios. These include:
Ministry of the Chancellor of the State
Ministry of Aged Care
Ministry of Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management
Ministry of Communications and Cyber Safety
Ministry of Attorney-General
Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs
Ministry of Defence
Department of the Sovereign's Fleet
Department of the Sovereign's Army
Ministry of Defense Industry
Ministry of Defense Personnel
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Industrial Relations
Ministry of Energy and Emissions Reduction
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Families and Social Services
Ministry of Housing
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Public Service
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Ministry of Government Services
Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development
Ministry of Regional Services
Ministry of Justice and Security
Ministry of Industry, Science, and Technology
Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Investment
Ministry of Treasurer
Ministry of Veterans Affairs
Ministry of Resources and Water
Ministry of Women
Ministry of Men
Ministry of Intersex
Ministry of Synthetic Life
Each Ministry has a small office within the Lián Huā Huánggōng, close to the Sovereign. The Major Government center is separate from the Palace but in close proximity. Most of the offices with the Huánggōng are simply a formality for the Ministers. The size of each ministry is dependant upon the financial backing or crisis management needed at the time, a very flexible and highly adaptive process
Military
Zhǔquán Hǎijūn 主权海军 (Sovereign Navy)
The Zhǔquán Hǎijūn is the spatial warfare branch of the Sovereignty, as the major mobile force within the Sovereignty. With a primary focus on the deployment of smaller vessels and very few Capital grade ships, the Sovereign Navy has a highly mobile and highly effective force. Recent redevelopment programs have focused on the deployment of a new series of Battleships, Carriers, and Destroyers to better augment their standing forces.
The Sovereign Navy makes heavy use of Plasma weapons which are heavily supported by missiles on most platforms.
Zhǔquán Lùjūn 主权陆军 (Sovereign Army)
The standing army of the Sovereignty is divided into planetary units that are managed on a planetary level by local commanders. The Sovereignty High command determines Statewide policies affecting the Sovereignty as a whole, while the local commanders determine local strategies. Each unit within the Army is developed along the lines of both a standing army and supporting the local police forces when the need comes.
Zhǔquán Wèiduì 主权衛隊 (Soverign Guard)
The Sovereign Guard is the smallest recognized force of the Sovereign Armed Forces. Attached to, and reliant upon the navy for transportation they serve as the forces to protect naval elements. The Guard is designated as a quick reaction force supported by the Navy to handle any disturbances to trouble.
Relations
Peripherian League
The League of Sovereign Nations of the Periphery, also known as the Peripherian League, was ratified on 3397.055. Because of its substantial wealth, economic strength, and military power, the Empire of Gaennaan acts as its head with the Covenant of Edom, the Ionian League, and Sovereignty acting as supporting powers with the express goal of protecting the small nations scattered throughout the region from both the threat posed by the Empyrean See but also from those threats within. Today, the Peripherian League acts as a trade authority, anti-piracy and protective services, source of relief aid, and more.
Empire of Gaennaan
The Lián Huā Zhǔquán and the Empire of Gaennaan share a bond of necessity. While the two empires are military and trade allies, much of their interactions are stiff due to the Lián Huān cautious nature and steadfast, albeit slow to adapt, principles. However, of the four major powers in the Periphery, the Empire would consider the Sovereignty a true ally by these standards. Outside of periodic joint military exercises, bilateral deployments occur through their common participation within the Peripherian League's peacekeeping forces.
Just as between their nations, Padishaah-Khanaan Khatiija Barasan-khan and Sovereign maintain a polite, if not stiff, association. Despite their numerous bridging commonalities in life and personality, it is the Lián Huān caution that keeps the women at arms lengths both publically and privately, it seems. Both are welcome to visit each other's realms in official capacities. Still, it is speculated that neither the padishaah-khanaan nor the Sovereign will build a close friendship on par with Tenno Rahai se Vatae, Leader of the Covenant of Edom.
Covenant of Edom
While similar in the eyes of the Sovereignty to the Empyrean See, the Covenant has proven itself a staunch ally and willing to put aside cultural differences to work for the benefit of the people. Originally, the Covenant and the Sovereignty were not on good terms, fearing that either nation might take over. However, due to the Ionian League's interceding and the Empire of Gaennaann, the Covenant and the Sovereignty saw the benefit of a trade relationship for simple necessity.
Due to the nature of the Covenant and Sovereignty locations, the Sovereigntys' leaders and military are required to pass through Covenant space to serve the Peripherian League better. As with most nations, limitations and stipulations are placed on all of these transits, often skirting habitable worlds or being placed under the guns of Covenant starships or stations. Thus fair, due to the Sovereightys' paranoia and standoffish culture, they refuse to be the first to begin an attack against a nation that they have considered an ally.
Ionian League
The Ionian League is a constant reminder to the Sovereignty that sometimes their more authoritarian approach works. Although a representative democracy, the Sovereignty see it more akin to an Ochlocracy or a nation managed by mob rule. The Sovereignty holds a large amount of respect for the League due to their attachment to remain connected to their history and ancestors, something that the Sovereignty also strives for but struggles with at times.
One of the furthest nations to make up the Peripherian League allied to the Sovereignty, the Ionians and Lián Huān share very little in common but continuously work towards finding common ground and working for the benefit of the League and humanity as a whole.
Holy Empyrean See
The Holy Empyrean See is considered the Sovereignty's nemesis despite its proximity between the two nations.
Due to the Dominion's expansive nature and aggressive tendencies, the Sovereignty suffered through several official and unofficial Crusades, the Empyrean's version of Invasions. Due in part to the Sovereignty's paranoia and general dislike of overt religion guiding the nation, the Empyrean See was quite possibly the perfect antithesis to the Sovereignty's expansion.
Although the Al-Aitihad and the Gaennaan Empire became the Fourth Crown of the Kingdom of Eirangard, hostilities have simmered between the two nations. However, there are often border skirmishes and raids conducted by proxies on behalf of either nation.
Economy
[Coming Soon.......]
Science and Technology
[Coming Soon.......]
Culture
The Culture of the Lián Huā Zhǔquán has deep roots and connections to the major populations of the Sovereignty, being Chinese. While over time and difference in location has seen some change, the majority of the people focus on trying to keep their culture alive. A majority of the people ascribe to a culture similar to the Han Dynasty within China's History.
The current period of time within the Sovereignty has created a focus on the internal growth and development and the continued expansion of its culture through either peaceful means or in some rare cases, hostile action. The culture prevails across the Sovereignty and is extremely diverse and varying, with customs and traditions varying greatly between provinces, cities, and even towns as well. Lián Huān culture exerts a profound influence on the philosophy, virtue, etiquette, and traditions of the Sovereignty as a whole.
Social Structure
Within the Sovereignty, there is a 4 Tier class system that gives significance to each person and their established level of support and responsibility within the larger Sovereignty.
Royal
The highest class of citizens this class is occupied only by the Sovereign and her family. At this level, the authority exhibited is considered as a right born of blood and education. Although not a religious people, the Royals have accepted some level of religious devotion over time as they have to need to be the rallying call to their people in times of strife.
Warrior-Scholar
All soldiers of the Sovereignty are expected to be exemplars of both the warrior ethos and as scholars of knowledge outside of their military career. While it is expected that all soldiers aspire to most of them fail to meet this standard.
The Higher level members of the Armed forces are some of the more scholarly inclined and favor their own teachings over those of other scholars. Each member of this tier focuses on the development of ideas and practices as needed for their people.
Artisan
Encompassing Scientists and artists, the Artisan class is while at a higher level than the average commoner. However, these people are some of the greatest advancers within the Domain, they further the plight of the Sovereignty, either through culture or technology development.
Commoner
The Commoner class is the remains of the population and as such is the largest number of people as needed. Each member of the Commoner tier is afforded very few luxuries by virtue of their position but are necessary to the day-to-day operation of the Sovereignty as needed.