Federation of Arden
The Federation of Arden is an independent, human-inhabited state located in the Spinward Marches. The Federation consists of Arden (Spinward Marches 1011) and its two colony worlds, Utoland (Spinward Marches 1209) and Zircon (Spinward Marches 1110). The Federation of Arden became independent of the Imperium in 986 under the terms of the Armistice ending the Third Frontier War.
Arden employs a policy of neutrality, enjoying its position between two larger powers. The Imperium and the Zhodani Consulate tolerate Arden's neutrality because it suits all the parties involved. As a small and relatively weak government, the Federation has chosen neutrality as its course toward self-preservation. This neutrality is of a passive nature; its systems have been declared conditionally open: any belligerent may enter any of the systems for replenishment and refueling. Arden's own defense fleet stands ready to defend the system and segregate ships of the belligerents into designated areas of the systems. Arden's neutrality has made the Federation a clandestine meeting place for agents of all sides for intelligence gathering and negotiation.
Arden is controlled by the Arden Society, a small group of dedicated individuals who become members through financial or labor contributions. The government is extremely repressive.
Era: Rebellion
After the Fifth Frontier War, the Federation continued its expansionist policies (not favored by the Imperium), absorbing Quare (Spinward Marches 0915), Zenopit (Spinward Marches 1010), Pequan (Spinward Marches 1210), and Tremous Dex (Spinward Marches 1311).
Era: Milieu 1120
In the years since the close of the Fifth Frontier War, the Federation has pursued expansionist policies, expanding to include four additional worlds prior to 1120: Quare (Spinward Marches 0915), Zenopit (Spinward Marches 1010), Digitis (Spinward Marches 1212), and Tremous Dex (Spinward Marches 1311).
In 1121 the Federation announced the addition of two more worlds to the Federation: Caloran (Spinward Marches 0911) and Rangent (Spinward Marches 1411).