The High Imperium
The largest collective of worlds in the galaxy, The High Imperium. The Imperium controls or influences nearly 1000 worlds and is the most advanced civilization in the galaxy. Known for its size and technology but is feared for its perceived insanity. Relentless in it’s accumulation of resources, other systems fear they will only stop when they control the entire galaxy. The Imperium looks upon itself as an empire preparing for war, a great war that will threaten the entire galaxy.
The dominant and founding race of the Imperium are the Hynerian. The Hynerian are a race of winged humanoids but their wings are non-functioning. Evolution created the Hynerian physical form from a flightless bird species. When the Space Lords super evolved them, they gained true wings along with a new human DNA heritage. This new race had the hunting instincts of its ancestors and the ingenuity of the human mind. When the Space Lords left Typhon, they took their technology and knowledge with them. For the Hynerian people the beautiful wings that was a central part of their self and culture shriveled into unusable appendages. This is known as The Curse and is a driving force in their philosophy. "All limitations are overcome." In spite of this curse they have retaken this heritage by creating artificial “wings” utilizing repulsor anti-gravity technology, giving them the ability to fly again.
The Imperium was first created by the Space Lord Solaris, the master of gravity and stars. He chose the Hyperion solar system as his empire’s home because of its trinary star system. He also created the Hynerian people to be his vassals, with thin features and beautiful wings. The society he created revolved around the ability to fly.
When the Great Enemy came, Solaris fled the galaxy. Being an egotistical Space Lord he did not think his creations deserved his gifts if he was not there to be “glorified” for them. He cursed the Hynerian race with smaller wings that could not grant the ability to fly and then fled his empire.
History
The curse was a final blow to the Hynerian people. Solaris had fled before the might of a terrible enemy leaving the Hynerian people to defend themselves. The war with the Dark Ones was completely one sided as they destroyed world after world in the Empire of Solaris. The Hynerian people survived this war because just as the Dark Ones were advancing upon Hyperion, they stopped and immediately left the Typhon galaxy. The Hynerian people were left stunned.
After the war with the Great Enemy the Hynerian people attempted to rebuild there culture but the curse that Solaris had left them and there children created a great rift between those who wanted to remain loyal and those angered by Solaris’ cowardice. A civil war erupted between these two groups, and a bloody war that purged the society of nearly all loyalists to Solaris. At the end of the war the leader of the New Empire was made into an Emperor and Hynerian Society reorganized itself into the High Imperium.
The Emperor was faced with two challenges, the possible return of old enemies and creating any kind of future for his empire. The Imperium put all of its resources into protecting itself from all enemies, giving the empire purpose and drive. The empire quickly expanded gaining resources and planets. The first Expansion Wars were bloody and still taint the legacy of the Imperium. Modern Emperor's cooled the expansionist elements and new planets and races were incorporated into the Imperium rather then conquered. All new races are full citizens and have added their ingenuity and knowledge to the empire as a whole.
The current state of the High Imperium contains multiple races with few having any kind of a majority. All Imperials see themselves as Imperials, among the most independent races loyalty to the High Imperium is paramount. The Emperor has been a non-Hynerian on two occasions. Culturally the elements of militarism, the ability to fly, and nano-cybernetic integration are standard across species lines.
--
Culture
Imperium culture is highly military oriented. The sense of honor that drives the military spills over into all aspects of culture. Nearly 80% of all citizens serve in the military for one term of service. Having the skills to protect the Imperium and one's family is an honor demand. The remainder of Imperials go into Public or Civil Service and a very small portion rebel against the moors of society. Cultural elements of individual species still exist and add to the diversity of the empire but several elements cross species. The Rite of Ascending and sense of Protectionism are common through out the Imperium.
The Rite of Ascending is the first cultural milestone of any Imperial, during this rite a young Imperial receives his first “wings”. These training wings are a sign of independence from there parents and the first step to adulthood. The Second Rite of Ascending is the rite of adulthood, during this rite a Hynerian receives his first set of “real’ wings, which are surgically grafted and is a symbol of full citizenship.
Education
Education is an important part of Imperium Society, as an advanced space faring society education is the corner stone of their influence and power. Highly educated members of their society develop all Imperial technology and combat “education” ensures that the military is highly effective. Lower education happens in the home, usually in a collective of siblings and cousins. At this level all education is downloaded into the child through the nano web that all members of Hynerian society have from birth. Higher education is the first chance for young adults in Hynerian society to leave their home and make choices on their own; this usually coincides with the Second Rite of Ascending. All Neo-Students are educated at an Educlave, which is a dedicated space station or small planet for education. Neo, Grad and Doctorate students all live and learn together in the Educlave. A standard Educlave is a self-contained environment, with it’s own malls and theme parks.
Technology
Imperium technology is some of the most advanced in the galaxy. They have mastered Gravity and Nano technology, both extremely powerful on their own. Both of these sciences are considered a Progress Level 7 among the galaxy. After the fall of the Space lords the Hynerian’s were able to hold on to a substantial industrial base thus advancing faster than other societies.
Nano Web technology is extremely important with in society. All Hynerian technology utilizes In-Web access technology; even the rudimentary functions of a door are controlled by a person’s Nano-Web or other cyber-jacking technology. A low-tech race will find life very difficult in the high tech society of Imperium culture.
Psi Power
Beings with active Psi abilities are feared or scrutinized through out the galaxy. Their ability to read thoughts, steal items, and a host of other abilities threaten the delicate balance that all societies rest on. The threat to personal privacy and physical danger is taken very serious in all cultures. With in the High Imperium Psi active individuals are highly prized but are placed under severe restrictions. All Psi actives are Nano-Tagged so they can be identified and/or tracked. If a Psi cannot control their abilities or is found to use them unlawfully a Nano-block is installed to suppress Psi abilities.
The Nano-Tag allows anyone who “introduces” themselves to a Psi active to know they are Psi. Introducing yourself in Hynerian society is both greeting and exchange of nano-data. A business card of sorts is exchanged to verify identity. When this exchange happens the status of the Psi also transmits. Rather then having to where a visible sign of their abilities a Psi active is only forced to reveal themselves upon introduction.
Individuals found abusing their power are punished under a special Psi Penal Code. All laws that are broken with Psi abilities receive increased sentencing or more severe punishment.
Government
The Hynerian people are ruled by an Emperor, who currently is the great Gun Yu, Emperor Gun is named after the ancient tri headed celestial dragon believed to have formed the Hyperion star system.
The Emperor functions as a figure head but can still wield all of his political power and might. The Senate of Hyperion is the ruling body in the Emperors place, as the empire expanded the tedious function of ruling hundreds of worlds became more than any single individual could handle. The Senate was created to handle the day-to-day functions of government through out the Imperium.
All recent Emperors’ have allowed the Senate to have more control, even allowing the Senate to choose the next Emperor when the current one abdicates or dies. This great honor was a gift from Rune Yu the 4th, and was unprecedented through out the Imperium's history. This highly controversial act has never been truly put to the test, but most scholars agree that no “elected” emperor will be fully accepted by the people of the Imperium. Current events have caused a shift in this thinking and the full political impact will not be known for decade’s maybe even millennia.
The Emperor
The man who embodies the Imperium is the Emperor, he is required to be both wizened scholar and skilled warrior. Emperor’s through out Imperial history have had great influence and respect, all have served to prepare the Imperium for a return of darkness. They Emperor is the one person who intimately understands the threat because he knows all secrets, this ability comes from the seven ‘wings’ that act has his crown.
The Wings of the Imperium are Space Lord technology, at the birth of the Imperium the First Emperor commissioned the wings from the most brilliant of Hynerian Scientist. Given access to the remains of Solaris’ technology, the Wings of the Imperium were drawn from those resources. The wings command incredible power but they also hold the consciousness of 7 previous Emperors including the First Emperor who fought in the war of darkness.
While the Emperor has access to great knowledge, vast power, and unlimited income his life is to serve the Imperium. The first sign of this servitude comes from his title as First War Lord, all wars must be declared and fought by the Emperor. The Imperium has never gone to ‘War’ all battles in the Imperium’s past are considered Military Actions which can be initiated by the Senate these types of actions have limited number of resources that can be dedicated to them. When the Imperium declares War the Emperor must be the one to declare it and wield the Exalted Sword into battle personally. It is hoped that all Emperor’s will take war seriously if they know they must fight.
The Second sign of servitude is the Emperor’s role as Final Judge, this role requires that the Emperor be the Supreme Court of the Imperium. Any argument or judicial case that cannot be decided or that is petitioned before his court must be heard by the Emperor.
Finally the Emperor can possess no assets, he can use anything that is the Imperium's but he cannot keep them when he steps down. He must live at the whim of the Imperium, while all Emperor’s live in absolute luxury that could end with a vote of the Senate.
Military
The Imperial military is the most advanced in the Galaxy (at least according to them). The Imperial Navy is the most important part of the military. With a large armada of warships and various support craft, the Imperium could concur a star system by simply overwhelming it’s home defense forces and put only a dent in military capabilities across the fleets.
After the navy, the Imperial Legionnaires are the second most powerful military force with in the Imperium. Imperial Legionnaires are a superb fighting force augmented with the most powerful nano technology in existence. The Legionnaires also use various powered armor and hover tanks. The primary mission of the Legionnaires is to protect the ships of the Navy; their secondary mission is to perform various special missions. The only more advanced force is the Royal Dragoon’s, the elite force that protects the Emperor himself.
Imperial War Machines
The way the Military is organized and the technology of that War Machine are very separate things. The Imperium possesses a powerful military, and a highly advanced tech base to maintain and improve it. The most intimidating machine in the Imperial arsenal is the Planet Star class war ships. These ships are literally the size of moons, and possess world shattering arsenals. A Planet Star will have a compliment of smaller ships that number in the tens of thousands. When even one of these intimidating ships enters a system minor shifts in gravity or planetary activity can be detected, leaving a lasting impression on both the psyche and the solar system.
The Imperium possesses over half a million of these ships, a staggering amount in relation to an active military. While one Planet Star arriving to a battle is a fearsome sight, nearly a dozen can easily be called to serve in any conflict. The sight of several Planet Stars entering a system can often end a conflict instantly. A military this powerful serves one purpose, to fight a very powerful enemy. For the Imperium the threat of a return of the Dark Ones drove them to be constantly prepared.
The Imperium's war machine is more than any empire could ever need. Almost every battle the Imperium fights, their military is overkill. A sense of urgency and preparedness permeates the military, this state of preparedness is constant and has been for 5000 years. The Imperium fears something and they are vigilant against it's return.
Espionage
The Imperial espionage division of the High Imperium is called the 3rd Sun. The 3rd Sun is a feared and very effective intelligence gathering organization. They use various forms of Intelligence gathering techniques; the most effective is their ability to Brain-Jack an individual and either see what they see without the individual knowing or completely take control of an individual’s body. Any person directly connected to a computer has the possibility of being taken over by a 3rd Sun, E-Brain specialist.
--
Life in the Imperium
The Imperium is huge, scattered across its territories are hundreds of worlds with populations breaking Quadrillion citizens. This large of an empire requires a high level of technology to maintain contact and control. Millions of ships and vast amounts of information cross the Imperium keeping day to day life possible. Information is the most valuable commodity, it is collected processed and passed on to citizens to keep them informed and prepared for threats. As an information society the Nano-ware is a requirement to access and use this available information.
The Nano-net is the vast web of information and data-sites that exist across the Imperium, a user cannot instantly gain access to information stored across the Imperium because of relativistic reasons but local nets contain massive amounts of information, including mapping, news, entertainment, and archival information. The Nano-net is accessible by anyone with Nano-ware or someone who possess any form of Wi Fi or hardline data jacks.
To make this sophistication possible every member of society needs to possess Nano-ware, in the beginning this was a huge undertaking but now living with in the modern Imperium is impossible with out them. Families usually insure that their children possess Nano-ware just as other societies buy their children clothes and food. The advantage of Nano-ware extends across all aspects of life, doors can be set to automatically open, locks can be keyed to specific nano’s, and a persons consciousness can be in multiple places simultaneously. Providing access to information and using technology is the minimal use of Nano technology, the military takes Nano-ware to the next level.
Military Nano-ware is highly advanced and provides both physical and mental enhancement. The Military uses the Nano-ware common through out the Imperium as the base for upgrades and enhancements to create the most powerful military through out the galaxy. The military also replaces the Repulsor Wings of an Imperial citizen, civilian wings are designed for style while military wings are function and repair-ability.
The second most important aspect of Imperial Life are the Repulsor Wings possessed by all citizens. The Imperium was begun by the Hynerian race, the Hynerian people were used to living life as a flying race. These technological wings allow many other races to enter Imperial society and be an equal. All aspects of design and architecture are designed with the ability to fly in mind. Buildings place doorways at convenient places for flight or possess large atrium's to allow people greater freedom of movement. To visit the Imperium travelers usually need to acquire a flight harness so they may move about or enter buildings.
--
Hyperion
The capitol of the Imperium is Hyperion, a system with three suns that closely orbit one another. Hyperion is a massive system, over 30 planets and 4 gas giants orbit the powerful gravity of the trinary suns. Hyperion the original home world of the Hynerian people is the personal planet of the Emperor, because of this the entire system is refereed to as the home world of the Imperium.
Hyperion is a busy system with 13 terraformed worlds, dozens of factories and 3 gas giant refineries. The military has a very active presence with the Elite Academy in orbit around the Emperor’s ‘palace’. Lastly the Imperial Senate that governs the hundreds of thousands of worlds that make up the Imperium.
Life in Hyperion is fast paced and considered cutting edge, usually on the fore front of trends or scientific discovery Hyperion seems like the center of the universe, from with in. Hyperion is ‘the big city’ on steroids and then genetically mutated, multiple trillions of people live in system and trillions more visit or travel to. All services or vices can be found, catering to the elite and the despised of the Imperium. All this has arisen because as the power base for one of the most powerful governments in the galaxy attracts a lot of good and bad people.
Difron
The new official Imperial home world, Difron is teaming with mega-cities and space ports. The planet is so overdeveloped that preserves had to be created to preserve the natural environment that was created when Difron was first terraformed. The official apartments of all the Senator’s can be found on Difron including the various diplomatic compounds that have contact with the Imperium.
Difron is a mecca of art and culture, the Star Theater for instance is known across the galaxy for is 30 foot tall pedestal seats that surround a floating or non-exsitant stage. The Hynerian people live in the tallest parts of the city, were any luxury can be found. For those who cannot afford a repulsor harness the ground levels of the city can be dangerous or exciting depending upon your perspective.
The Polaris Refinery
The Polaris corporation runs all the refineries that collects chemicals and other compounds from one of the 3 gas giants of Hyperion. The Polaris Corporation has run refineries for hundreds of years, over the years refineries have been replaced or simply abandoned, these ghost refineries are havens for individuals who wish to not be found or who cannot afford to live any where else in Hyperion. Old Polaris Station is one such abandoned refineries, while the name Polaris 1 has been assigned to a new refinery the old Polaris 1 can be found drifting among the clouds.
Lightning Strike
Thousands of resort stations or privately owned stations are scattered through out Hyperion space. One well known space station is the Lightning Strike a gambling resort that is frequented by celebrities and government officials. The high profile nature of the station is mirrored by it’s notoriety as an espionage blackhole.
The Gate
The Tri-Republic is establishing several ‘Gates’ across the galaxy, one such place is Hyperion. This Gate increases the importance of Hyperion to the Imperium and the Galaxy.
--
Bug Space
Deep in Imperium controlled space is a sector designated as XX-199V but regularly referred to as Bug Space. Sector XX-199V contains a dozen star systems with varying control by the Imperium. This sector was initially designated as an expansion zone but the native species were incapable of assimilation into the Imperium and have fought to the death to maintain control of a planet. The ‘Bugs’ have moved from planet to planet but have not been able to penetrate outside the Sector. Several systems are completely controlled by them but most are war zones as the Imperium and the Bugs duke it out.
The ‘Bugs’ are an exomophic species with a great variety of sub-species and the advantage of mass-reproduction. Acting in a normal hive fashion bugs report to a queen or other hierarchical figure and perform there function until they die. Only the elite have intelligence and a society of sorts all others are drones or low intelligence warriors.
A portion of the Imperium that is not under complete control would seem to be a blight on the empire as a hole. The inverse is actually attributed because one or two star systems were completely erased from existence when they posed to much of a threat to the Imperium as a whole. Currently the Imperium would like to bring the other systems into the whole and utilize the resources.
--
Hynerian Race
Description
The Hynerian have a great deal of avian DNA combined with the Type I genes added by the Space Lords. They are have thin features and rarely short (less than 5' 4"). Thin feathers adorn their head and forearms, these feathers come in multitudes of colors and combination. A Hynerian's hair style is both a factor of beauty and status, a complicated hair arrangement is hampering in battle only the most powerful would never need to be prepared to fight.
Long ago in the Hynerian ancestry, they were more avian with great wings that allowed them to soar through the sky. When the Spacelords arrived at Hyperion, Solaris altered the Hynerian giving them Type I race genes. After Solaris left and cursed the entire race, the limbs that once were wings are now useless shriveled limbs
Family Structure and Marriage rights
Hynerians have a highly structured society where family relations are formed in a clan like fashion. Children are raised in an environment with both siblings and cousins or extended cousins, these large groups reinforce the collective mind sense that is vitally important to Hynerian social structure. Love and relationships are very important to Hynerian culture but like many other aspects these things are highly structured. These structures are important to protect the culture from outside threats. While not exactly xenophobic, out of species marriage is looked down upon. (Have as much “fun” as you want, just do not bring a non-Hynerian home to mom.)
Love is a complicated affair to a Hynerian. Love has two relationships the first is the open love influenced by the community nature of society. An open love is very friendship oriented, but between opposite sexes can contain a physical aspect. (Friends with Benefits) The passionate relationships of true love is called the Sacred Love or Sacred Affair.
Shotho
A white-skinned race. They can project web like filaments from their hands to trap and ensnare others, or to make webs. Their society is dependent on one technology: space travel. They are merciless towards the weak - even among their own species. They once ruled a great empire, but were utterly defeated in a war with the Imperium. They come from a high-gravity, cold, mineral-poor world that is known for its dangerous wildlife.
Carutal
The graceful, gas-based, green-skinned race. They are mouthless. Their limbs are not so much specific, but are used for multiple functions. They are blood-drinkers. They can teleport. The most revered members of their society are adventurers. They have little sense of being a separate species - and integrate well with other races. Their government is a feudal system. They come from a high-gravity, cold world that has many rings surrounding it.