The Empire System

The government of the Atlas Empire stands in stark contrast to the majority of ‘free nations’ but is relatively within tradition for Atlas and those who have lived in its territory. With many major factions being democratic in nature, this document will compare mainly to that philosophy.

Atlas traditionally has contained an influence of fascism, or the leadership of a militaristic, nationalistic, one-party state. From the leadership of Matthew Endfield to the final days of Shawn’s reign, Atlas could be identified this. Lloyd, the Emperor of Atlas, comes from a similar civilization, known additionally for its engagement with the market, and so under his leadership, heavy emphasis will be placed on the market, leading to an unusual blend of ideas.

Citizens are free to open and conduct business in the provinces that allow it, with special interest being placed on new inventions and innovations. Currently, taxes are not collected to promote the creation of these businesses. The government is reported to fund itself via its prior-existing industries that allowed the massive Atlas Corporation to survive. As such, any public services are seen as property of the government and will be defended as such, with them being extended to citizenry as privileges, not rights.

Atlas engages in many operations through various governmentally owned and operated shell corporations for various purposes. For example, the genetics department of the Atlas Corporation now stands as its own individual corporate entity operating out of the Imperial Science Division. This allows the market to grow and compete with other potentially better solutions to find the best production method.

Advena must seek special permission from the reigning Chancellor or Viceroy to establish a business in a province that does not extend this right to the Advena inherently.

The Empire will cover a large tract of the Fringe, and thus will need to be delegated appropriately. The thought is to utilize a ‘stepladder of absolute monarchies.’ This can allow for minimal reference to higher power except for certain or express issues. At the top of the Empire is the Emperor, referred still to as the High Atlas. Immediately below the Emperor and his cabinet are the Viceroys, or designated rulers assigned to one planet or one area of space, called a province. Below the Viceroys are the Chancellors, or the class that is replacing the ‘board’ of Atlas. They are essentially leaders of certain functions or events within a Viceroy’s territory. They must answer faithfully to their Viceroy and carry out their commands.

Below the governmental positions are the citizens, naturally. For the sake of having a regimented society, they have been separated into permeable classes, those being, in order of prestige (Excluding government): Atlas Officials, or people or entities supported by Atlas for a purpose or time, this includes all police forces, armies, assistants, etc. Atlas Citizen, which are your people either introduced formally or born within Atlas space. All people of conquered nations or territories will be given this status, save for those who fight against Atlas if the conflict is armed. Advena, or foreigners/foreign citizens. They do not have the legal abilities that true citizens do, as well as the same rights. For example, the Advena usually cannot be appointed to a Viceroy position and cannot serve as the chancellor of cities, such as the city of Calypso. Additionally, they are kept under tighter control, and their opinion shift counts for half when dissatisfied. It is at the chancellor/viceroy’s discretion to regulate Advena.

All workers for Atlas currently will be given the title of citizen for the Empire, and will have the benefit from the government to own property now and pay later as thanks for their service. The Departments of Engineer, Medical, Expansion, Scientist, Logistics, Civilian Labor, and Management have been abolished, being replaced by the power system detailed before in the post. The ADF has been upsized and is now called the Atlas Armed Forces, the AAF serves as the military force in the Empire, as well as military police, should they be used. While Viceroys have otherwise complete control over how their rule is enforced, either uninstated or insufficient forces will be bolstered by the Empire at-cost: the Empire will not have a fringe-territory go undefended, even at the behest of its Viceroy.

Each province acts as an enclave, serving the will of the Viceroy, who in turn serve the will of the Emperor. The Imperial government pays an income to each province so that the Viceroy may fund expenses, but the money to be used to expand the territory may have to come from one of two things: Sale or completion of contracts. Provinces may engage in trade with other provinces or powers or may alter their production to meet a goal the Empire is pushing for extra income as a bonus. The choice is left to the Viceroy.

Keep in mind that the Viceroy, while in an appointed position is subject to the overall opinion of his subjects. Say, if the Viceroy does not heed the word of the Emperor, other provinces, or citizens may lose favor in their ruler. The social pressures exerted on the Viceroys are recorded in this sheet. If favor reaches a critically low point, the Empire may station military presence to control, remove or guide the Viceroy. If the citizens decide to, they may revolt, which may require assistance from the Empire to contain.