Democracy of Greats

From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future
Jump to navigation Jump to search

The Democracy of Greats is a polity located in the Vargr Extents.

Democracy of Greats sm.jpg

Allegiance Codes[edit]

The following astronavigational codes have been used by this polity.

Polity Astronavigational Codes
Polity Survey Code Type Remarks
Democracy of Greats Pre-Imperial VaVd No standard code None
Democracy of Greats 1st Survey (300) Vd 2-ltr code None
Democracy of Greats 2nd Survey (1065) VDeG 4-ltr code None

Description[edit]

Claiming a third or more of the space and worlds in Knoellighz Sector, its remaining systems found in Dhuerorrg, the Democracy of Greats is the dominating polity of its region, deep in the Vargr Extents. In Knoellighz alone, the Democracy surrounds 343 parsecs (hexes) of space in which 150 worlds are located. Across the sector border into Dhuerorrg, the polity adds another 223 parsecs and 60 additional worlds for a total of 210 worlds found in 566 parsecs of claimed space.

Of utmost importance to the Democracy of Greats, and indeed the other four polities in Knoellighz Sector as well, are the seven Jump-1 mains (defined as ten or more adjacent systems requiring only Jump-1 drives to commute) found inside its borders. Some of these claimed mains reach outward of the polity's official borders like horns or spurs. Still, these mains are claimed or spoken for by the Greats even if they have yet to fully assert such claims. The seven mains are each ruled by an elected 'Great', a powerful and Charismatic Vargr, as a representative (see Government, below).

Piracy and privateer activity are mainstay staples of the Democracy of Greats, both inside and outside its borders. The polity seeks to balance this with 43 or more Naval Bases supporting the most populous navy in Knoellighz Sector. Split between Corsairs and privateers bearing Letters of Marque under the sector-wide concept of the Hunters' Bawn (see below), the polity has 45 'Corsair' Bases inside its claimed boundaries.

On its Trailing and Rimward edges, the Democracy of Greats is neighbor to the Empire of Varroerth, the Members of Knaeleng and the Bakne Alliance. Rimward and inside Knoellighz Sector are the smaller neighboring polities of the Ascendancy Pact and the Oculus Alignment. Spinward of its frontier edge, the Democracy has discovered the Zhodani Consulate. The Democracy has yet to reach further Coreward and discover the Brzeh Council. Their explorers have missed each other in the vast black. It is only a matter of time, though, as the polity is salivating to conquer the second largest Jump-1 main (dwarfed by the famous Bridge of Destiny) in Knoellighz -- a route that stretches into Ghoekhnael Sector.

Summary (Specifications)[edit]

A. Goals: 1105[edit]

The sophonts of this polity are driven by several shared motivations and goals. Though its expansions have come with a brittle infrastructure cost, Corsair and privateer infestations, poor trade lane development, and poor polity communication between the Greats, all have set their conquering gaze upon the Coreward frontier. Some goals of the polity include but are not limited to:

1. Domination of the entire Coreward border of Knoellighz Sector. This puts the Democracy of Greats in direct competition with the Zhodani Consulate's Trailing wilds.

2. Eventual expansion further across the Bridge of Destiny. With Vargr polities such as the Ascendancy Pact and the Infinity League in the way, the heroes of the Democracy are currently content at least that Vargr -- and not Humans -- are the master of the Bridge.

3. Capture and claiming of the newly-discovered 63 worlds of a massive Jump-1 main starting at Lluenkhaegon (Knoellighz 1407), circa 1105. The Democracy hopes to explore and lay claim to this main in order to gain a proper foothold in its expansion into Ghoekhnael Sector.

4. Rid Knoellighz Sector of the Zhodani Humans and all their aspects and attributes.

B. Polity Quick Facts: 1105[edit]

The following overview is available of this polity:

  • Astrography: This polity is located over two sectors.
  • Astrography: It is located spinward and coreward of the Third imperium.
  • Astrography: This polity is estimated to have around 210 worlds and systems.
  • Capital: The capital of this polity is Duesaenlaell.
  • Population: This polity is estimated to have a population of TBD (millions).
  • Population: The most numerous race of this polity is Vargr, most notably Gvegh Vargr.
  • Economy: The economic output (gross product) of this polity is estimated at TBD (BCr).
  • Economy: The per capita earning of inhabitants in this polity is estimated at TBD (Cr).
  • Economy: The resources available in this polity are estimated at TBD (RU).
  • Economy: The shipyard capacity of this polity is estimated at TBD (Mtons)
  • Economy: The Starport Authority population is estimated at TBD (employees).
  • Military: The armed forces of this polity are estimated at TBD (BEs).
  • Technology: The average technology level of this polity is estimated at TL-?.
  • Technology: The highest attainable technology level of this polity is estimated at TL-?.
  • Technology: Technology level research in this polity is working towards mastering TL-?.

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

The only polity in Knoellighz to grow from Trailing Dhuerorrg Sector and expand Spin-Coreward, rather than from Gvurrdon Sector, the Democracy of Greats sacrificed quality of colonization in favor of the fast land-grab race. While its frequency of conquest was less than its neighbor the Ascendancy Pact, the Greats eventually claimed more worlds while lesser states solidified their existing claims.

Arriving in Knoellighz Sector just after or alongside other empires, the Democracy of Greats used their cult of personality to prod the wave of hungry Vargr ever Spin-Coreward, whether a world could successfully colonize a target planet or not. This wave was ridden in favor of the illusion of greatness that was conducted and pushed by the elected "Greats". As more Jump-1 mains were discovered, the polity crept forward and let discipline slip in the secluded and rural systems it reached. It is for this reason that the Democracy of Greats features such a collection of Corsair Bases. In an attempt to react to a wake-filled upsurge in piracy, the Greats adopted a trend that had come to them from Rimward polities. The Hunters' Bawn privateer guidelines and Letters of Marque were instituted. This olive branch to entice the Corsairs and still maintain their Charisma worked. Today, the Democracy fields the most privateers on all fronts and trade lanes, and especially on the Bridge of Destiny, a long Jump-1 main stretching across four subsectors and connecting four empires.

In 1095, a court battle was conducted, covered by news networks transmitting the proceedings to nearly the entire polity. It was yet another of many clashes between Charismatic Greats. The question was raised as to which Great held authority and rule over Rurzsik and Urgung. On one side, both these worlds were members of the same Jump-1 main headquartered in Ourdzoeg Subsector and the Great there felt that the two worlds should reside under his rule, operating from Negarrghoeoegong (Knoellighz 2510). The other side of the case argued that both Rurzsik and Urgung fell within the boundaries of Elkhaghaza Subsector and thus were the purview of the mobile Great whose office was on Adhaeoe (Knoellighz 2517). After presenting their cases (more akin to heated shouting matches, and garnering heightened network viewership), the courts ruled in favor of a compromise solution brought to them from outside the courtroom -- to the resentment of the two parties. The courts appointed a corporation a lease from both, to ranch and process livestock goods, to be sold for the profit of the corporation in each subsector.

In the year 1105, an enterprising colonization administrator discovered Lluenkhaegon (Knoellighz 1407). Determining that this was the first of many worlds in an extensive Jump-1 main, he filed all the correct paperwork and thus laid claim to the spoils of the find. Knowing that the polity would not grow fast enough to engulf the entire main into the Democracy's borders, the wildcatter set into motion plans for his heir to expand the claim. Once the new main was found to hold ten or more worlds, a new Great would be needed, the first in over a century.

Rebellion Era and Beyond[edit]

A polity-wide shakeup happens during the same time of the Imperium Rebellion as the heir presents his find and lays claim, without being elected by its people as the first new Great, making the entire polity sit up and take notice in the foresight and advantages in deep exploration.

During Hard Times, the waves of failing worlds takes their toll, causing many rural worlds to become forsaken and unpatrolled, seemingly forgotten by the Greats. This encourages even more piracy in the Rim-Trailing wilds of the empire. While the Coreward frontier expands and traders leave behind Knoellighz sector along this new main, the rest demand a cut in protest. A rash of dog-eat-dog contention for the remaining spoils takes place and the Greats nearly erupt into civil war.

Much of the excitement of the new and leading-edge Jump-1 main blinds the polity to the encroachment of Virus. The entirety of Knoellighz Sector is taken by surprise by the Vampire Fleets riding in the wake of already weakened Corsairs and apathetic privateers. The entire polity, once Great, becomes another victim of the Wilds. It isn't until the Zhodani and the Infinity League reach out to the rest of the sector with Quarantine guidelines from the distant Regency, that the Wilds are once again slowly re-discovered.

Demographics: 1105[edit]

Significant populations of the following sophont races reside within this polity:

Historical Eras[edit]

No information yet available.

History: General Overview[edit]

No information yet available.

History-Era: Milieu 1100[edit]

No information yet available.

Major Historical Events Timeline: 1116[edit]

These are some of the more important historical events that have affected this sector:

  • No information yet available.

Government & Politics (Leadership)[edit]

Haphazard and built on the racial attribute of Charisma, the Democracy of Greats prides itself on the rise, deeds, election and installment of seven 'Greats', Vargr of powerful personality and career. While the larger polity prides itself on these seven heroic leaders of their mains and immediate environs, the Greats themselves are privy to a group secret.

Meeting at a central located world for a summit every seven years (the Democracy reveres the number seven) -- even though the capital of the Democracy of Greats is on the Rimward border -- the elected Greats serve for life as micro-autocrats of their Jump-1 mains. It is believed by the 210 worlds' populations that these vaunted Greats meet to make decisions by voting behind closed doors. But in truth, once the seven are alone and before no-one else, they become a council of circling rivals. The Greats make decisions by cutthroat dealings, back-scratching as well as backstabbing the various policies of the empire. At the end of the summit, given all are still alive and able to walk, the seven Greats emerge to the public eye, all smiles and waves of hands and tails. This secret is another reason at the core of why the Democracy of Greats publicly shuns and bans psionics as mental corruptions brought on by Humaniti from Spinward.

A Great may be toppled by assassination, abdication, old age, retirement, boredom or any number of reasons. Upon a Great vacating their position, a new election is held by the member worlds and outlying satellites. A new hero is sought to deliver that section of the Democracy to new heights. The newcomer-elect is then registered at the capital and in person. Thereafter, the new Great meets with the other six Greats on the appointed summit date.

Member worlds of the Democracy of Greats police themselves with local legislation and judiciary court systems. Extraterritoriality is upheld at each world's main Starport (whether it is a downport or a highport or, rarely, at both).

The Democracy of Greats Navy is parceled to each of the Jump-1 mains and serviced by the nearest Naval Bases. Then each fleet falls under the direct authority of its elected Great. Some Greats, seeking to maximize their Charisma, will often be present aboard fleet flagships during operations, battles and simple skirmishes. Most however seek to use their Charisma planetside with the populations.

Military & Intelligence (Force Projection)[edit]

At circa 1105, the Democracy of Greats can field 15 Naval fleets with two support fleets of military logistics, tenders and scouts. Each fleet is assigned two or more Naval Bases. The fleets are also distributed to the command of each ruling Great who is then tasked as the executive commander of their Jump-1 main and nearby individual worlds. This leads to a gradual falling-off of security in the Democracy towards the Rim-Trailing 'leftovers' who must strive to develop system defenses where possible or to hire privateers for patrol duty.

Privateers given Letters of Marque under the Hunters' Bawn of Knoellighz Sector must rely on their own Corsair Bases in and just outside the Democracy of Greats. While their activities are technically legal, many privateers can sink to the same tactics as Corsairs and simple pirates. Privateers of the Democracy tend to hunt within six parsecs of their home Corsair Base and only rarely do they clash with each other when flying the same flag. Hunters' Bawn regulations are upheld in most cases, except when Democracy privateers encounter Zhodani vessels or Infinity League ships. The polity's hatred for psionics has eroded the treatment of prisoners found to be psions. With bribes (or cuts of the captured spoils) to the Navy, most inquiries into psionic victims of privateers are quietly deleted from reports or left out entirely.

Corsairs of the Democracy of Greats hold no regulations and typically target shipping lanes such as the famous Bridge of Destiny. Other predated grounds include spaces between Jump-1 mains of the polity and gaps between the Democracy and other polities. Greats' naval vessels can be bribed with proper tribute, often meaning the surrender of entire cargo holds of stolen goods. The Democracy Navy rarely outright destroys a Corsair unless given specific destroy orders from a Great or a group of Greats.

Unlike other polities of Knoellighz Sector, the slow siege approach of the Democracy of Greats is the greatest factor in its inexorable rate of conquest, and the capitulation of worlds that do not immediately yield to annexation. Heavy armor and artillery are transported alongside troop landers in surface invasions of planets. This slows the marines and armies somewhat. The strategy is psychological initially -- the target world is given plenty of time to consider its fate before the war machine arrives to demolish resistance. It is for this reason that the Democracy of Greats is slowest in its expansion rate despite the fact that it holds more worlds than other Vargr polities in the sector. Funding for such sieges and maintenance of all war engines is the second limiting factor in Democracy expansion. The slow decision-making of the Democracy of Greats in targeting potential new annexation is the third hinderance to the polity's conquest across Knoellighz. Lastly, the Zhodani Consulate has a superior infrastructure to back up its frontier fleets, slowing expansion in that direction. This is a "Crystal Wall", visible and durable, seen by the Vargr of the sector as both a fact and as a challenge to pit leaders' Charisma against.

Technology & Trade (Economy)[edit]

While the majority of the Democracy of Greats' expansion is centered on conquest momentum, it does try initially to conduct trade with the surrounding independent worlds that are non-aligned. Worlds that for whatever reason open up to the rolling polity in trade can expect the next wave to feature privateers, followed by the Navy. While the Democracy does have a diplomatic corps, little time is given for peaceful negotiations before the Greats heroically 'save' a world from the "harsh realities of the frontier". This of course generates more public drive and cohesive actions to bring a non-aligned world into their claimed borders. Trade quickly turns into annexation; resistance is met with 'liberating' conquest.

Trade with the Democracy of Greats is welcomed by the singular worlds and much passing of resources feeds the juggernaut of Coreward expansion by both the polity and its home corporations. The only trade the Democracy fails to conduct fully is with other major polities of Knoellighz Sector, save for on the claimed end of the Bridge of Destiny, a long Jump-1 main of worlds stretching across four subsectors that connects the Greats with the growing Ascendancy Pact. Such competition is also fraught with piracy and privateering. A Quiet War is conducted between Navies not wishing to interrupt trade yet still provide recordings of engagements -- recordings of battles that do little more than mark territory.

Due to the expansionist wave of welcoming annexation and brutal conquest (fuelling both ends of the Charisma spectrum of mercy-ferocity enjoyed by the public news networks' viewers), the Democracy of Greats quietly shirks on the duties of safety, solidification of infrastructure, and defense on the Trailing borders. Like a great slug, the polity trades and terrorizes its way Coreward. This is reflected in the heraldry standard of a hungry, toothed saw that chews its way through the Vargr Extents, heedless of the consequences upon the scraps of individual worlds it leaves unattended. It is this slash-and-burn economy that comes around to bite the tail of the Democracy of Greats during the Rebellion.

By Hard Times, the polity is strong on its leading, Coreward edge, but porous, brittle and rotting on its Trail-Rimward borders. Finally, the creep of Virus takes advantage of the very need of discarded worlds' needs to keep communication and trade lines open. Thus, Collapse reaches fastest into Knoellighz Sector through the Democracy of Greats. Though the Greats try to expand and outrun the leading edge of the oncoming Vampire Fleets, they are eventually engulfed by the Wilds.

A single Great of the Democracy brazenly lays claim to the Bridge of Destiny in hopes that the polity will someday push off the smaller Ascendancy Pact and the race-traitors they hear are named the Infinity League. This Great focuses its navy and privateers solely on this end of the Bridge, making it the most dangerous section for traders and independent worlds.

Worlds & Sectors (Astrography)[edit]

This polity can be primarily found in the following areas:
Charted Space:

Capital: 1105[edit]

The capital of this polity is located in the following location:

World Listing: 1105[edit]

The following systems and worlds are a part of this polity:

151 of 151 World articles in Democracy of Greats
Aaefough  •  Adhaeginlladh  •  Adhaeoe  •  Adhkok  •  Aea (Kn 2822)  •  Aerfaz  •  Aerllou  •  Agoenorrgaets  •  Air  •  Angaerrgzorrfuer  •  Anguksknaengon  •  Araksa  •  Arzfuegz  •  Atokhlloeg  •  Azgol  •  Azzakh  •  Daedhun  •  Dhoaerrorang  •  Dhoeokueo  •  Dhokhadhaeze  •  Dhuefungksag  •  Dogaekhroe  •  Dongoukaeg  •  Duesaenlaell  •  Dugzkoegzoen  •  Dzedhrrenkfaeks  •  Dzilrredh  •  Dzonoer  •  Dzusza  •  Eeraeghzraerroenoer  •  Egvaegh  •  Ekaertsaenralknokh  •  Enagoksghaegvae  •  Ezaruersrokhllaerr  •  Faenvorrra  •  Fuu  •  Gaekhsonongghang  •  Gaeksathaen  •  Gaengangourkhoul  •  Gauz  •  Ghaekuethea  •  Ghaeuuza  •  Ghagudzgongoen  •  Ghaueng  •  Ghoghkoeveghourrgko  •  Ghokoeksedh  •  Ghukno  •  Ghuksun  •  Ghurrakhalorr  •  Gingougughzingarrg  •  Giou  •  Goak  •  Goevozuou  •  Guigzdhaell  •  Gusegksaeks  •  Gzaeogvaksksueks  •  Gziriggurkhosrus  •  Kaethaeng  •  Katsaezgnuo  •  Kegzdar  •  Kfaenorrgh  •  Kfarrgtha  •  Kfoevokho  •  Khaethaeghae  •  Khaethzo  •  Khaghousgoelinorr  •  Khoekho  •  Khoertsuengosall  •  Knogaeruengthik  •  Knongogz  •  Kouvuerueng  •  Ksee  •  Ksoeaongurr  •  Kuksogllaksllulzoun  •  Kuzou  •  Llaenaekaesghaeghz  •  Lloethagknougsoghz  •  Lluegzzaekh  •  Lluenkhaegon  •  Naeadh  •  Naezaengoz  •  Natsaesoegdzounun  •  Negarrghoeoegong  •  Ngazoerraknagoeng  •  Ngokhirraang  •  Nogvullfaghzaellvang  •  Nouoegu  •  Oaerrgdhougoug  •  Oall  •  Oaoegagh  •  Odaefidae  •  Oeae  •  Oedzksuentsoegh  •  Oeghdon  •  Ogoez  •  Okazeth  •  Okta  •  Ollza  •  Oor  •  Orakoosoz  •  Orrgoerr  •  Oudhurlongkou  •  Oughonur  •  Oukughoell  •  Ouoegzu  •  Ouollou  •  Outsaerrghfars  •  Ouullogoeode  •  Ozaksaegzorrdal  •  Raethaezuzuz  •  Raggzarrgh  •  Rarrllundazrruz  •  Rikhsgarrg  •  Rotazuksdzang  •  Rougorrg  •  Rourruengghog  •  Rrokskhuer  •  Rrourag  •  Rruerr  •  Rruru  •  Ruegno  •  Ruegueks  •  Rurzsik  •  Saegzknuel  •  Saekkung  •  Seogorgak  •  Soelughzoellorgzets  •  Sungourr  •  Taegkurzong  •  Thaorrgoedzorrghuer  •  Theerruks  •  Thievakhars  •  Toghdzoerzuedh  •  Tsoggandzous  •  Tuekoungoull  •  Uerraghuou  •  Unaluks  •  Urakh  •  Urgung  •  Urrakhorrgguth  •  Uthgaen  •  Vafozouthallkfuks  •  Vezoezagh  •  Voruegva  •  Vuenrrong  •  Zidhogughz  •  Zoegatsllaerr  •  Zogzduesog  •  Zolvuer Thull  •  Zukhsdou  •  Zuloth  •  
startbacknext(151 listed)


References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

62px-Information icon.svg.png This article is missing content for one or more detailed sections. Additional details are required to complete the article. You can help the Traveller Wiki by expanding it.
This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
Retrieved from "http://wiki.travellerrpg.com/index.php?title=Democracy_of_Greats&oldid=952306"