Of course, the more the merrier, the Galaxy is large enough to fit us all. Though with how many people who have voiced interest, I might have to bring in a Co-GM
Thanks. I was thinking of going with a mostly human totalitarian regime (inspired by my last nation in Sigma's Sci-fi RP, think Oligarchic-Bureaucratic nightmare where privacy does not exists. Propaganda boasts about the glory of the master race. Most of the population is raised in communal orphanages because familial attachments only get in the way of State loyalty. Along with other Orwellian tropes)
Either that or a mixed state intent on armed neutrality just trying to survive the madness and hoping that the weapons market can cover up the money lost with all the other deals cancelled by the overall war
The Purple Hat Division is, as far as the official records were concerned, a mercenary band operating in the lawless worlds of the Galactic Core. The Purples, as they are colloquially known, are very well equipped for a mercenary band. Counting with reliable and plentiful supplies of weapons, ammunition, body armor, medical supplies, vehicles and everything else a military unit needs to operate in the chaotic but opportunity filled Core.
It should be noted that the Purple Hat Division is in no way affiliated with the Totalist State. They are certainly NOT A front created by the Directorate of Truth to claim deniable plausibility wherever needed. The fact that most of their contracts are from Totalist-aligned states and factions. Or that their headquarters, a hollowed-out asteroid, is located in the Askelon System, close to the People's Republic of Subaru, a nation who is pretty much run by its Totalist “advisers”. Or even that they are a major supplier of the Totalist drugs flooding this area of the Galaxy means nothing. It's just coincidence.
The fact that General Mikla “Big Hat” Sucheng, supreme commander of the band, and several of his close lieutenants, were in fact born and raised inside Totalist borders is also an incredible coincidence. Not that the origins of Big Hat Sucheng and his cronies are a well known fact.
Speaking of Sucheng and his lackeys, the aforementioned group was in fact holding a strategic briefing in one of the utilitarian briefing rooms of the asteroid base. The subject being the incoming operation on the Myazi System. Currently under control of a pirate cartel, the Black Stars, who became too big for its breeches and is now trying to compete with the Purple Hat and its associates in the drugs and weapons black market.
Destroying the Black Stars would not only eliminate some of the competition facing the Purple Hat but also send a strong message to any would be opponents. Besides, clearing up and securing Myazi would make the surrounding region of space much safer. These routes, by sheer coincidence would benefit several states and factions currently aligned with the Totalist State. Likewise, the mineral riches and fertile soil present in abundance within Myazi would be a boon to whomever ended up setting up shop there after the pirates were thrown out.
Totalists seem a bit too paranoid to send a diplomat, the second they see a vopson raid they'll call for their extermination and add them to their list of xenos to get frenzied over. Hell, the Vopson are literally everything a propaganda machine could ever desire for in having a 'other' to hate. They won't even have to make shit up once they see what the Vopson do in their free time.
The Commonwealth might have the arrogance to send a diplomat though.
Could this be? The Totalists once again cast as the lesser evil? XD
Hey thanks! By chat room, do you mean this thread? Sorry this is my first attempt at rp XD. I can get a character sheet to you at some point in the close future.
The Arkushite Royal Barge was a luxurious craft. A large pleasure ship built by the previous King of Kings, equipped to entertain the most decadent of nobles for days as it lazily floated through the river. When Tikulti-Arkusha took the throne and started his fight to restore the Empire, he decided to maintain the Barge. It had become a symbol of imperial power by now, and as much as he hated to admit it, he needed every scrap of legitimacy he could get his hands on. Specially in those intense early days when he had to march across the nation put down revolts and breaking the power of the nobility.
In the following five years the standing of the Crown had improved greatly. The private armies of the nobility were a thing of the past, the Empire could now field a standing army of well equipped and trained professionals. And though still a problem, the corruption within the bureaucracy had been considerably lessened. And during all this uphill slog, the Barge, with its concubines, eunuchs, musicians and other entertainers had become a welcome escape for the King of Kings and his close retainers.
This time however, the Barge wouldn't be providing entertainment, but instead serving its second more secretive purpose. Emptied of all but the closest and most loyal of servants and loaded with a precious cargo, the vessel departed in the darkest hour of the night, when Fen-Garzhi was still high in the sky, from the Palace complex's port. Sailing silently through the canals of Tell Arkush.
From his silk-lined divan in the stern tower of the Barge, the King of Kings could see the faint forms of Tell Arkush's spires finally disappearing beneath the horizon, leaving only the vast, deep blue waters of the Almarah River. On the other side, far beyond the prow, the colossal shape of Arkush rose out of the waters. The volcano slowly growing closer as the Barge sailed towards its island. Looking at the sky, Tikulti could see that in a few hours, Fen-Garzhi would to give way to Katush. It was time to start the preparations. He should send for his daughter.
And as the servant scurried away to carry out his orders, the King of Kings jumped to his feet. Pacing along the spacious length of the tower top, he prayed silently to Arkush. Begging and pleading, as one must do when speaking to the higher powers. For a safe travel to the bosom of the Universal Queen. For wisdom and strength to face the coming days. It wasn't Tikulti's first visit to the Goddess' Island, not by far. But he could feel something in his bones that left him with deeply unsettled. The priests could feel it too. Something monumental was bound to happen in the near future. That's why he was sailing to the Island this day, three months before the usual date every six months. Tikulti sought answers and reassurances. Both in his capacity as King of Kings and Grandmaster of the Order of the Flaming Eye.
The Order was one of the many mystery cults of the Empire. These cults were organizations for those whom simply visiting the temples and obeying the scriptures simply wasn't enough. For those who wanted more, or different, answers than those the priests could provide. Tikulti had joined the Cult decades ago, even before succeeding his father as governor of Supharmesh. And now it was his daughter's turn to join the ranks of the Order. True, 10 years was a rather young age to be initiated in the Mysteries of the Eye. But as the future ruler of Arkush, the King of Kings couldn't afford to delay her development. And ignoring everything else, the political influence her daughter would eventually wield as respected member of the Order of the Flaming Eye would surely help her strengthening her reign just as it did his.
A knock caught Tikulti's attention as he gazed at the distant volcano. The King of Kings turned his to see the same servant emerging from the stairs. The man bowed to him, touching his forehead to the ground, as is custom, before rising up and declaring:
“Thy will is my purpose, oh King of Kings! Let me present you the Princess Innana and her guardian!” The servant bowed again and returned to his corner.
And on cue other two figures reached the top of the wooden tower. The horned, red and armored form of Carmush, the Anahir bodyguard and the princess herself, dressed in the light red and black silk uniform of the Order, loose fitting shirt, a thick red sash around the waist and pantaloons embroidered with holy symbols and glyphs. With the Flaming Eye of Arkush taking prominence, emblazoned on her chest. Tikulti gave his daughter a slight smile as her bodyguard bowed to the King of Kings.
“Are you ready?” The King of Kings asked, kneeling before his daughter with a smile. “We have to start the preparations soon.”
Innana nodded excitedly, a large smile gracing her childish features. “Yes, dad!” She chirped. “I have learned all the tools and all the process and can I joi-”
Tikulti shushed his daughter with a hand on her shoulder:
“Calm down, my princess. I get it that you're excited but mind your manners.” He reprehended her gently. “You are but an initiate. And your duty today will be just that. Now put on your mask and remember to do your duty to the Order.”
Properly chastised, Innana blushed in embarrassment and nodded. The King of Kings stood up and nodded slightly to Carmush, who remained stoic as always, to lead the way down to the lower levels.
The Princess retrieved a masterfully crafted brazen mask, sculpted to resemble a grinning Banik, tied to the sash around her waist. The King of Kings walked over to another corner of the room, retrieving his own mask from a cabinet. It was a beautiful thing. Crafted to resemble the divine visage of the Holy Goddess. Made of gold and decorated with jewels and rubies. Though it had no lower jaw, letting his braided, bejeweled and oiled beard spill forth.
The trio then descended the stairs of the tower, heading straight towards the bowels of the Barge. Where the precious cargo was being held. 50 prisoners, a mix of infidels and heretics from all the nations around the Empire itself. Men and women who, despite their sins and foulness in life, would be given the chance to honor the volcano in death. But before setting foot on the Island they had to be prepared properly.
The prisoners were all chained close to each other in the back of the room, naked, dirty and scared. Several guards and servants stood by the corners and the door, they bowed as the King of Kings stepped into the room. A few prisoners had enough willpower left to glare at the newcomer, but by this point most of them had been broken by long torture sessions. Some of which the King of Kings had presided in person in his capacity as Grandmaster of the Eye.
Silently, Tikulti moved to a large table near the center of the room. He gestured for the guards to bring the first prisoner to him as a servant handed Innana a plate filled with several kinds of blades and other torture instruments. His daughter's body language, Tikulti noticed, had slipped for a moment before she regained her composure. He didn't blame her, she was still young, in time she would get used to it. Just as he did when he entered the Order.
The guards finished strapping the prisoner to the table, a middle aged Antiochian Crusader with fiery red hair. Tikulti stepped closer to the torture table, taking a moment to analyze his charge. The man was breathing hard, eyes wide trying to focus on something inside the dark room. His whole body was covered by a sheen of sweat, dirt, blood and scars and marks. A mix of old, faded reminders of old battles and the work of the Arkushites tortures. The more noticeable was a diagonal cut running from his shoulder to his hip, it was faded but the sheer size managed to catch one's attention. His nose and fingers had been broke recently and if it weren't for the torture scars marring his body, Tikulti had to admit, the Crusader would be a handsome man.
The Grandmaster extended a hand and the Initiate handed him a blade. He noticed with slight satisfaction that it was the right one. Holding the already strapped head with one hand, he leaned closer to the man. Bringing his other hand, and the blade, closer to his face. The Grandmaster had to be careful now, the eyes were a delicate part of the anatomy. A single slip would kill the man, and that wouldn't simply do. The prisoners had to reach the Island alive, but being infidels and heathens, they aren't worth of seeing the Goddess in Her earthly glory. And so their eyes had to be cut out. Alongside with their tongues so that they wouldn't blaspheme on holy ground.
The work lasted for a couple hours. Tikulti cut out the eyes and tongue while his daughter held the plate with the tools of his work close by. As soon as he was done, servants would take the prisoner away to tend to his wounds and make sure he wouldn't die before his time while the guards were already dragging the next one to his table. Now the King of Kings, still dressed in the clothes of the Grandmaster's office, and the rest of his party of guards, prisoners, servants and lesser members of the Order, were sailing in smaller boats towards the Holy Island. The Barge was too large to dock directly on the small pier maintained by the Banik, who would also provide the necessary guides and some of the supplies necessary to reach their destination.
On the leading boat, Tikulti sat besides his daughter. She had behaved as well as one could expect given the circumstances, handing him the correct tools and observing the proper protocols and behavior for every step of the process.
“You did well back there.” Tikulti told his daughter, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she leaned on him. “Don't feel ashamed for what you felt. The first time is always hard, it was for me and I'm sure your mother didn't fare any better. What matters now is that you maintained your composure. In time you will get used and even grow to enjoy to it.”
She, looked up at him, whatever emotions she had were covered by the grinning Banik mask, before looking away to the ever approaching Island.
The trip went smoothly, and so did the docking. By the time the entire party was ready to depart, Kaftush had already replaced Fen-Garzhi in the sky. If they maintained a good pace they would reach the Goddess by midday.
Their Banik guides made sure to pick the best route towards the Volcano, and so their trip went smoothly. For despite being day, the Servants of the Goddess insisted on bringing many torches and herbs. These herbs, when burned, released a smell that drove away the giant insects that inhabited the Island. Tikulti's own servants had come equipped with the appropriate blades for clearing the jungle. The trip took them through deep, thick jungle, fetid swamps and the remnants of colossal architecture.
The ruins still impressed Tikulti, no matter how many times he passed through them. There were no words to truly describe their scale or variety. From mere half buried marble columns to colossal walls of glossy, shiny black stone that looked as if it was made of a single titanic bloc. And the engravings! Such a variety of runes, glyphs, symbols and scenes! Most of them completely incomprehensible but of such unknown beauty and elegance.
It was in one of those ruins that the party stopped for a short rest. The prisoners needed to be watered and fed if they were to survive the trip. And truth be told, they all needed a short rest after walking hours to end. The ruin itself was a colossal half-cracked dome of the same shiny, glossy, smooth black stone. It was probably big enough to fit at least a quarter of the Palace Complex back in Tell Arkush. Tikulti could only dream about the actual size of the rest of the building.
After seeing to the prisoners, the King of Kings found himself walking over to his daughter and her bodyguard. The Princess sat somewhat further off, back turned to the group, resting atop a pile of stones and admiring a mural.
Carmush saw the King of Kings approach and quietly stepped away to give them some privacy. The King sat besides his daughter, who was too engrossed with the exotic and incomprehensible mural on the dome's wall.
“Do you know what this means, dad?” She asked, finally turning her head to face him. Without the mask Tikulti could see that she was still a little pale and shaky. “I can't make anything of the scriptures and the images…are those strange tentacled things supposed to be descending from the stars?” She finished, pointing toward a particular session of the mural. The scene depicted, in red engravings over the black stone, a field of what Tikulti supposed could be, among other things, stars. And from them descended a mass of tall, thin things with bulbous heads and tentacles? The images were too faded to be sure. And the inscriptions were also indecipherable, and looking too closely for too long at them actually was starting to give him a headache, though at the same time it was getting hard to look away.
“I truly don't know.” Tikulti replied, tearing his eyes away from the mural. “To be honest we don't know much about anything in this place. The Banik aren't very forthcoming about answers and the Goddess has yet to give us the answer to this particular question.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Though you shouldn't worry too much about it. It's not your place to do so, at least not yet.”
“Did-did I disappoint you, dad?” Innana blurted out, eyes wide as she looked up at her father. “I couldn't help but look away as you...you worked on the prisoners. “I know I should have looked but I couldn't.”
“You did well, dear.” Tikulti replied as he leaned down to embrace his daughter. “You're still a child. Don't worry overmuch about it. You will soon get used to these necessary cruelties. Not only for your role within the Order but also for your role as Princess and future Queen of Queens.”
“There's a place and a time for everything.” Tikulti replied sagely. “And just one must rule with fairness and righteousness, a wise ruler will also know when to employ ruthless and swift retribution upon his or her enemies. The hard part is knowing which situation requires what kind of approach.” Before she could wonder further he noticed something laid by her feet. “And what do we have here?” Tikulti asked as he leaned down to take the object.
“I found it nearby, dad.” Innana replied as the King of Kings studied the thing. It looked like an idol of dark red, almost black, stone. A humanoid figure sat upon a square base filled with strange inscriptions. Two small stone torches rose from the base, their flame almost seemed to be dancing before his eyes. The figure itself looked like a naked, tattooed woman, or at least something looking very much like one, sitting atop a throne. It was incredibly detailed, almost lifelike. But something on it left the King of Kings very unsettled.
“We aren't supposed to take anything that isn't offered to us.” Tikulti said sternly as he handed the idol back to his daughter. “Put it back where you found it and put your mask back on. We are moving out.” He almost jumped out of his seat before remembering to keep his composure.
The rest of the trip took the rest of the morning, but went smoothly. By the time they reached the Volcano it was midday and Kaftush shone brightly in the sky. Tikulti was sweating by now, from the combined heat of the sun and the proximity to the Goddess Herself. Though any discomfort caused by perspiration was nothing compared to the bliss of being so close to the warmth of the Universal Queen. The Banik guided them through a path along the Volcano that led them atop a crag in the Volcano's length. And in down below it a river of lava was flowing. It was time to finish this once and for all them.
The Grandmaster took position near the edge of the rock. He spread his arms and looked towards the imposing and distant top of the Volcano as he started chanting and singing the Holy Words of the Eye. The rest of the party, save the Banik joined in as the prisoners were led to the edge of the crag. The Grandmaster kicked the first one down and his chains dragged the other 49 down with him. The rest being too weak to resist the falling weight of their comrades pulling them towards their doom and the guard shoving and kicking at their backs. The sheer heat of the lava killed the prisoners before they even hit the stream but still they screamed as they fell down. An agonizing, strangled sound coming out of ruined throats and mouths.
The Grandmaster and his cohorts continued to chant until the last sacrifice had been consumed by the lava. And only then they allowed the Banik to guide them down from the crag and to start the long trip back towards the dock through the thick jungles and ruins ancient beyond imagining.
Type of Government: Totalitarian Single-Party State.
Summary:
The Totalist doctrine preaches the total submission of the individual towards the aggrandizement of the State and Party. Only through total compliance to the "Grand Plan" of the Party the State will be able to triumph against its myriad enemies. With the end of the Fourth Great Hydarnian War and the destruction of the People's Republic of Cymelia and the Grand Federation of New Albion, the Party is now desperately looking for a new enemy to demonize. In the same vein, the Party has also started to slightly modify its ideological basis to absorb some ideological concepts from both Albion and Cymelia. That way, making it easier to absorb and assimilate the populations of the other two authoritarian regimes.
The radical wing of the Party has come up with the concept of Obliteration of the Self. Arguing that it's the individual that causes conflicts and problems with his greed and ambition, the theorists propose a sweeping campaign to eliminate this obstacle. Through education, cultural control or brute force. To further advance the idea, the Anti-Individualist faction has also managed to force a series of localized reforms, creating several "testing grounds" for their social control projects in scattered planets across the State. The number of planets under their control has increased significantly, along with their power and influence ever since the end of the Agonis Liberation War.
Another major political group within the Party is the so-called "Transhumanist Front". A long time presence within the ideological framework of the Party, the Transhumanists received a massive boost in influence with the introduction of advanced cybernetic technology from the war against the Collective. Like the Anti-Individualists, the Transhumanists' end goal is to effect a major shift in Totalist society. In their case this shift would be the widespread dissemination of technological augments, like cybernetic limbs, to all the population.
The Totalist government is divided into directorates. Each one is in charge of an aspect of the administration and is usually divided into smaller sub-directorates for more specialized areas. Each director is part of the Board of directors, who is officially tasked with helping the Supreme Director in running the State. Since the real Supreme Director died centuries ago, the directors themselves run the show. With the most influential of them being the one to call the shots.
Leader(s):
Persons of Importance:
Species(s) and Demographics:
The bulk of the Totalist population is human, 85% to be exact. And while the official Party line has nothing outright against Xenos, they are still among the most used boogeymen by the State propaganda machine. Because of this, the general attitude towards Xenos is one of distrust and subdued animosity. Said animosity can be wiped into a frenzied hate at a moment's notice by propaganda.
Besides humanity, a host of minor Xeno species live within Totalist territory. Most of these species confined to a single system or even continent. Ruled by puppet leaders advised by Totalist officers and kept purposefully primitive relative to the State. In times of war these Xenos fight side by side with the Totalist army, as cannon fodder or rearguard personel.
Ever since the annexation of most of Agonis, the State has also counted in its official sources the presence of the "Agonians" and their subspecies. Essentially all species formerly inhabiting the Collective from the Ascended to the Varush are counted inside this classification. Decades of purges and intentional controlled local extermination have thinned their numbers, but those that remained are now entirely assimilated within the State's framework thanks to extensive indoctrination and forced drug addictions.
Religion Description and Demographics:
Official Party doctrine dictates that religion is a parasite that must be purged for the success of the Grand Plan. In practice however the situation is different. Major religions, specially those originating in foreign states, are relentlessly purged by the Directorate of Security. But several faiths and philosophies deemed "safe" by the Party are allowed to exist. And so are mostly ignored by the Cultural Commissars. But like with everything else within the State, the smallest slip or wrong word can doom an entire community to ignominious death in the basement of a slaughterhouse.
Paramount among the approved faiths is the so called "Pain Vehicle". An offshoot of Buddhism born in the bloody and chaotic days of the Imperial collapse, the Pain philosophy (as it is more commonly known) was created by the then newly-installed Buddhist theocracy of Gyala. Unable to alleviate the suffering around them, the monks instead accepted the ultimate truth that the Universe wants people to suffer. And if that's the case then suffering must be what brings enlightenment, specially if one accepts such suffering without resistance. Likewise, those who inflict suffering are seen in a very positive light since they help others achieve enlightenment faster at the cost of delaying their own escape from the cycle of death and rebirth.
In the Gyalan Protectorate, which remains a theocracy to this day, albeit a puppet of the Totalists, monks and nuns practice extreme forms of sadomasochism. Torturing themselves, their novices, their fellow clergy and the helpless local population, who has been raised to believe that this torture is actually a glorious reward.
The Pain Vehicle also does not believes that living beings have individual souls. Preaching instead that all life is merely a rogue vessel for the parts of a single soul of the same cosmic spirit. This has earned them some points with the radical Totalists as both groups despise the concept of individuality and self.
In the Totalist State proper, the Pain philosophy lacks its elaborate temple-fortress and highly organized clergy, the Party must maintain appearances after all. But this hasn't stopped the ideology from finding some fertile ground among the population. Specially those in the armed forces and security apparatus.
Of course, one can't talk about religion in the Totalist State without mentioning the Party itself and its official doctrine. Which by this point has become akin to a religion itself. Specially in its blind veneration to the Supreme Director, the supposed founder of the Totalist State and the one to create the "Grand Plan", a series of complex, confusing and often times contradictory ideals. Ignored by the Party leadership unless its convenient for them or completely misunderstood or even unknown to the wider population. In general the Grand Plan is merely used as a propaganda slogan these days.
The Anti-Individualist faction takes the Party Doctine one step further. With an even greater focus on the strength and righteousness of the group while further condemning and demonizing the individual. In the planets controlled by the Anti-Individualists, concepts such as family are completely unknown. Conception happens in vitro, in large facilities with material harvested from the population of breeding age and combined ostensibly to get the best results out of the combined genetics. Children are raised in communal centers and separated as they grow. To receive specialized education according to their designated "caste". Chosen based on the results show during their early stages of education.
The Transhumanists themselves have what can be called "the Cult of the Machine", a philosophy that preaches augmentations as the best path for the evolution of the population into something greater and more useful. The strength of this idea has led to a crusade of sorts by the Transhumanists, as the faction uses all of its political and economical capital to "reward" large amounts of the population with augmentations
Culture:
Totalist culture is in general a very utilitarian one. Centuries of Party control and the relentless work of the Cultural Commissars have created a society molded by the Totalist ideals of complete submission to the Party, where one's worth is judged solely by how much he or she is able to contribute to the State. Or at least in theory, in general a member of the upper echelons of the party has access to much more resources and amenities than a mere worker, regardless of their actual "utility".
The State is present in all aspects of life within Totalist space, either through constant propaganda or surveillance. Privacy is considered an obstacle to most and the Directorate of Safety maintains a colossal network of informants, agents and machinery to spy upon its own citizenry. To ensure their compliance. Such is their control that the black market itself is merely another facet of the Directorate of Safety, ensuring that the truly subversive material stays out of reach of the masses and that any potentially dangerous elements are (even more) closely watched by the security apparatus. On the same vein, the Directorate also maintains several small resistance groups led by double agents, to give the Party a boogeyman when needed and catch any would be rebels.
Overall, Totalist society is rather conservative. Clothing consists of drab and dull mass produced pieces. Even military and Party uniforms remain somber and subdued no matter how high in the hierarchy, though they tend to be of much higher quality than the usual citizen jumpsuit. Likewise, hair is usually kept short by both men and women. Likewise, possession and use of "decadent goods" such as makeup and perfume are considered crimes punishable with decades of forced labor in the camps.
Architecture is also very utilitarian, built to be sturdy and to last without care for aesthetics or appearance. The only exception are government buildings and monuments. Those are also supposed to impress and cow the masses into submission.
Cities are dotted with statues and monuments glorifying the Party and representing the ideals of Totalism. Smiling workers, eager peasants and stern-faced soldiers represented in steel and granite are the norm. Besides the Supreme Director himself, very few actual individuals are immortalized by the Party. Mostly due to the Totalist's disdain for "individual selfishness" in favor of the "strength of the collective".
Food is mostly of the processed and canned variety. Other kinds of meal are available but they cost so many ration cards that only the Upper Party can afford them consistently. In most rural areas however, most citizens do possess at least a small private garden to supplement their diet.
Healthcare is focused on keeping the citizens productive and breeding. And its not uncommon for workers and soldiers to receive some genetic or cybernetic modification to make them more useful. Regardless of their consent.
"Aberrant" behaviour isn't tolerated by the State, with aberrant being anything that doesn't conforms to the official Party line or isn't passively tolerated. Homosexuals, members of persecuted religions, criminals, political dissidents or merely the losing side of political struggles may, if lucky, end up in mental asylums and reeducation camps. Though chances are one probably ends up in a work or extermination camp.
Entertainment-wise, the Party has created the Cultural Sub-Directorate to monitor and control what the people may do for fun. The Sub-Directorate does its duty by fielding literal legions of Cultural Commissars tasked with creating, censoring and monitoring pieces of entertainment and art. As a matter of fact, most artists within the State are in the payroll of the Sub-Directorate.
To make their job easier, the Sub-Directorate has built millions of "Collective Interaction Centres" across the State. These complexes offer a wide variety of activities for citizens of all ages and classes. All under the watchful eyes and cameras of the Cultural Commissars.
Besides the activities approved and promoted by the Cultural Commissars, there are also a host of things that the Sub-Directorate does not concerns itself with. And these are specially popular among the lower classes, if only for the chance to get away from the overbearing presence of a Cultural Commissar.
There are several planets and systems within Totalist space that are under control of the Anti-Individualist faction of the Party. Officially designated as "social experimentation planets", these worlds are playgrounds for the radicals. Places where their ideals are implemented and perfected. Places where the Obliteration of Self, destruction of family structure and divisions among "caste stereotypes" are in full swing. For them, this is their chance to show the undeniable superiority of their ideas.
The Eastern Fringe of the Galaxy was always a contentious region. Initially settled by adventuring spirits and ambitious pioneers, by the time the Imperium first started to expand into the region, the area was occupied by a patchwork of petty states, warlords and alien races. Some of which were actually descendants of refugees fleeing the growth of the Imperium.
Without a single cohesive entity or coalition capable of facing them, the Imperium gradually conquered the Fringe in a series of military campaigns over the period of a couple centuries, the area being too far and low priority at the time to merit the allocation of larger forces. But while the conquest went well, occupation was an entirely different matter. The distance from the Imperial Core and relative backwardness of the region ensured that there was almost always something higher in the Imperium's priority for them to divert the necessary resources to fully integrate the region. Exceptions to the rule were few and far between, usually during periods of prolonged peace and prosperity. But even then the Fringe was never fully assimilated.
When the Imperium fractured, the Fringe was one of the first regions to descend into anarchy as Imperial forces either abandoned the area to join the succession war or turned into warlords, fighting against each other and the locals for domination.
It was during this period that the Totalist Party first caught the attention of the wider Galaxy. One of the many factions that managed to eke out an existence just outside the Imperium's borders, the Totalists saw the collapse of the Imperium as their chance to expand. Losing no time they dived right into the mess.
60 years later, the Fringe saw itself locked into a death struggle between three major factions: The Totalist State, the People's Republic of Cymelia and the Republic of Albion. Three repressive dictatorships with their own brand of Totalitarism. This deathly struggle of ever shifting alliances made sure that neither of the three powers was able to give any attention to the wider Galaxy.
Eventually, after almost a century of conflict, the Totalists managed to gain the upper hand after allying with a weakened Albion against Cymelia. The People's Republic fell and soon after the Totalists turned against Albion too. But this peace would not last, for just as the Totalists were mopping up the last Albion remnants, their northern territories started to be harassed by the Agonis Collective. Initially little attention was given to the issue as the Board of Directors severely underestimated the extent of the Collective's power.
The low intensity warfare against the Collective lasted for about a decade before the machines finally launched a dedicated attack against the State. Catching the Totalists somewhat by surprise, still busy erasing the last traces of their hated enemies, but at the same time giving them an actual enemy to fuel their ideology of total war.
Eventually, the sheer number of enemies arrayed against the Collective sealed its doom. This victory left the State in control over most of Agonis and caused a major shift in the Party's philosophy. No more would they purposefully remain aloof and oblivious to the wider galaxy. Their newfound status as a major power and the general chaos of the time gave them the chance to spread the Totalist creed. And that was exactly what they did.
Military:
The Totalist armed forces, under overall control of the Directorate of Peace has two major subdivisions: The Totalist Army and the Totalist Navy.
-The Totalist Armed Forces:
During the last century, the Totalist Army experienced an extensive series of reforms, both in its technology and fighting philosophy. Though the general doctrine of Deep Operations remains more or less the same, the tools and paths used to put it in practice have changed during the intermezzo.
For one, cybernetic augmentations are now much more common, even among the rank and file. New and improved models and series of armored vehicles, gunships, weapons and all kinds of gear have been developed, fielded and replaced in the last 100 years. Dozens of different kinds of drones for the most varied kinds of roles have also entered the Totalist OOB, usually deployed as support equipment instead of in their own units. These drones range from small spy drones to large, mobile weapon platforms. Each of these drones comes with an specialized VI for their expected purpose, and while noticeably advanced, it stops short of being actual AI.
Some models of Walkers are also fielded by the Army. Though they still take a clearly secondary role to the more conventional vehicles, such as tanks, SPGs and APCs.
The Army is also in charge of planetside aerial operations, with the Totalist Air Force being classified as a subdivision of the army. Doctrine-wise, the Totalist air force is designed as a air superiority and ground support force while strategic bombardment is left for the Navy.
Another subdivision of the Army is the Home Guard. Tasked with protecting Totalist controlled worlds, the Home Guard is made of a core of officers and professional soldiers complemented by mass draft of civilians during the invasion. It should be noted that as a rule, the Guard reservists are made to attend to basic training at least once a month, or once a week in times of war.
Manpower-wise, the Totalist Army is fed by a system of rotational conscription. With hordes of men and women drafted yearly for a three year term of service, with the option of permanent service after the term is up. Those who choose to stay may even be sent to military academies and the path to officialdom alongside volunteers and children of Party members.
A level above the regular conscript formations are the Red Banner units. The Red Banners are usually selected from the best graduates of the military schools. Equipped with excellent gear and augmentations and held to much higher standards than the regular soldier, the Red Banner is the pride of the Totalist Army.
With the Red Guard taking their position as the spearhead of the Army, the Black Banner troops have instead taken the role of Special Forces for the Totalist State. Still fielding the best, sometimes even experimental, equipment and personnel the Army can spare. Unlike the Red Banner however, the Black Banner only takes in recruits with previous military experience. In the same vein, Black Banner troops receive a specially high amount of augmentations, both genetic and cybernetic. Couple with a higher intake of performance enhancing drugs and stimulants.
An area of special importance and pride for the Totalists are their WMDs. Chemical, nuclear, biological, you name it, they have. From ship mounted lasers capable of destroying cities to specially crafted viruses and diseases meant to cripple the civilian population of rear areas.
The Totalist Navy
The Totalist Navy suffered the most extensive changes of the whole framework of the Armed Forces during this period. Once a defensive and insular force in nature, the State's shift in Galactic importance and extension of its interests through all the southern half of the Galaxy has led to major reforms and restructuring to this branch.
Nation Name: Empire of Arkush National Flag: What do you call the denizens: Arkushites Government type: Monarchy Leader/Leaders: Tukulti-Arkusha. The King of Kings, Loyal Servant of Arkusha, Beloved of Bright Kaftush, Lord of the land of Arkush and its people. And so forth Ruling factions/dynasty if applicable: Tukulti-Arkusha's ascension to the throne has marked the beginning of the Salmarshid dynasty, named so after the legendary hero-god minor god Salmarsher. Whom the King of Kings claims as ancestor.
Other Important political figures:
The Loyalists/Followers of the Usurper
Shamiran-Kaftusheh. Queen of Queens, Mistress of the Palaces, Favored Servant of Bright Kaftush, and so forth.
Asiah-Nardir. High General of the armies of Arkush. Esteemed Governor of the province of Herazhir
Melderazhir. Chief Eunuch, Grand Secretary of the Realm.
Sindhatarma. Grand Treasurer of the Realm.
Inadezhir. Arch Matriarch of Arkush
Nidad-Sin. Esteemed Governor of the province of Inarkush
Currency: The official currency is the Har. Rings made of gold, silver, tin, copper or bronze. Though barley and wheat are also accepted forms of currency through all the Empire, mostly used for small transactions in the local level.
State Religion(If applicable): Arkushite Ilunucism is a denomination on its own. Though sharing many aspects with Theou Ilinucism, the Arkushite also worship a pantheon of dozens of lesser deities. These range from local forest spirits and ancestors to legendary kings of old, their importance ranges from being worshiped as patron gods of individual cities to mere protectors of individual households.
The Arkushite pantheon is headed by the Mother Goddess, called Arkush in these parts, who rules the Universe with the help of her two consorts: Kaftush the Sun God and Fen-Garzhi the Moon God. Each one of them also commands a host of lesser gods, heroes, creatures and spirits. The lesser entities don't possess temples or priesthood of their own, instead being worshiped either in the temples of their respective divine overlords, or personal altars. The exceptions to this rule consist mostly of patron gods of individual cities and regions, who more often than not have their own places of worships and priests located in the temple districts of their homelands.
Besides the usual prayer and sacrifices, the Arkushite people also places a large emphasis on the many religious festivals that are held through the year. These events range from nation-wide weeks of revelry, sacrifices and worship dedicated to the three High Gods to a small family dinner in honor of one's shared ancestors.
The Arkushite Empire is also the home of several "Mystery Cults". Secretive groups dedicated to a particular god or aspect of it. As varied as they are multiple, these cults can exist in almost every level of society. From congregations of nobleman to groups of masons or soldiers. Each of these Cults has its own set of particular rules and rituals known only to those initiated within its hierarchy.
Demographics and Geography:
World map location:
Interior map:
Major cities: Burzh-Mehir (2). Tell Kaftush (3). Tell Fen-Garzhi (4). Bard-Arshan (5). Sindhar(6). Mandezhir (7). Izhazhir (8). Kandad (9). Mehratzis (10). Carchezhir (11). Nindar-Nazhir (12). Lachamesh (13). Kikidzhir (13) Major military installments: The Citadels of Tell Arkush, Kikidzhir, Tell Kaftush are particularly notable. There are also Important locations and buildings: Capital: Tell Arkush (1)
Population: 13 000 000 Race and Ethnic demographic:
The current Arkushite population is a culturally homogeneous group. A mix of native Arkushites and several other peoples deported from the far corners of the empire during its golden days, the centuries living together erased whatever differences existed.
The racial composition of the Empire is not as homogeneous however. While the most of the population is composed of humans, there are also thriving communities of fairies, Myrr and the Anahir, red skinned and horned humanoids. There are also a tiny Banik population in the eastern edges of the empire due to the close proximity to the Volcano
Economy(how well is it?): Slightly above average but improving. Wide ranging government reforms are underway to revitalize the economy and sweep away the rot and corruption that has settled over the nation.
Of note is the considerable increase of the number of free small landholders in recent years. These small landholders occupy lands formerly belonging to purged nobility. Who had their lands seized by the state, among other things. Most of these lands were then redistributed among the peasantry, who now work organized in local cooperatives, paying heavy taxes in grain to the Crown for the right to work the King of King's land.
Forestry is also a vibrant industry within the Empire. Commercial guilds dominate the sector, some of these only deal with the cutting of the tropical trees itself, while several larger ones run everything from the harvest to the caravans that bring the finished product for exportation.
Trade within the Empire is also regulated by the Crown. An official standard of weights and measures is enforced by Crown officials, who are also in charge of inspecting accounts, making sure that taxes are paid and that the promised quality is delivered.
Another valued sector is the manufacture one. Starting with creating a monopoly over military industries, the Crown's program has expanded to extend their power over the mining sector. Confiscating large numbers of mines to ensure that the army has enough metal to sustain itself and that the prized Arkushite smiths continue to churn out as many blades as are needed.
Wealth balance(is it concentrated solely on the aristocracy, such as in feudalism, balanced, high level of poor, optional): Wealth distribution within the Empire is imbalanced. For centuries the aristocracy and merchants hoarded wealth, be it in lands properties or coin while the common people had to content themselves with scraps.
Since the coup five years ago however, the situation has started to change. The Crown has confiscated large fortunes from its opponents in the aristocratic class while initiating a wide series of reforms intended to revise tax and trade codes to revitalize the economy. And although taxes remain high, the peasants don't have to put up with so many corrupt officials anymore.
Major exports: Tropical wood. Tropical fruits. Precious minerals. Jewels. Cotton. Ivory. Spices Major Imports: Help needed Staple agricultural crops: Grains, millet, rice, and tropical fruits Trade partners: (Aristos' nation).
Culture
Religion: Ilunucism Denomination: Arkushite Religious heads: Arch Matriarch Inadezhir
Popular opinion on the volcano: The Volcano is the living avatar if the Universal Queen. Popular opinion on wars: War against infidels and heretics is just another way of praising the gods. War for the sake of the Empire brings glory and wealth to the righteous. Popular opinion on magic: It's a divine gift Popular opinion on religion: (pious?) We live and die by the sufferance of the gods. They are deserving of our complete submission. Popular opinion on the Aristocracy: As holders of more divinity than common men, they are deserving of their status. Popular opinion on the Government: The King of Kings rules in the name of the Universal Queen. Popular opinion on foreigners: We are all children of the High Goddess and her Celestial Consorts. But even then, those who refuse Her teachings deserve to be cast down from Her creation. Popular opinion on other cultures: No people is greater than us. Though several are our equals.
Cultural name for the Volcano: (what do your people call it) The Volcano and the High Goddess Arkush are one and the same.
A look into the unique culture: Arkushite culture is heavily influenced by Ilunucism. Religion permeates almost every aspect of life inside the Empire. Which has resulted in a hardworking and highly hierarchic population. Everyone has its place in the "social pyramid" and its their duty to the High Goddess to exercise this duty the best they can, at least in theory. Unfortunately, the centuries of decadence and decline have somewhat eroded this ideal. Specially among the upper classes.
Speaking of the upper classes, ostentation is common among the Arkushite aristocracy. After all, one must show his or her worth for all to see so that they may differentiate themselves from the lower classes. Makeup, jewels and rich, colorful clothing are the norm among the wealthy of the Empire. And though the climate more often than not makes wearing heavy and abundant clothing an unwise decision, the aristocracy and the priesthood still make the effort for special occasions like festivals and certain religious ceremonies. This desire to "show off" goes beyond clothing and is reflected in almost every aspect of an nobleman's life. From his chamberpot to his mansion, everything must be a reminder of his or her wealth and power.
The lower classes tend to simpler material, cotton being the most popular by far, for their clothes. And depending on the particular occupation, time of the year and location, very little to nothing besides sandals and headdress in the way of actual clothing. Nevertheless, what they wear is still colorful. Though the work tends to be of much lower quality than that available to the nobility. Red and yellow are particularly favored colors as they are seen as symbols of the High Goddess.
In general the Arkushites are a festive people. The multitude and scale of their religious festivals can attest to that. Occasions such as weddings, births, birthdays or even closing a deal can be justifications for celebration in the Empire.
The Arkushites are also a proud people. Their empire once ruled vast lands and was able to stand up to Ethea in its heyday. And they won't hesitate to remind outsiders of the fact. Their history is preserved in a multitude of poems, tales, epics, stories, novels and oral tradition.
Cultural history: Arkushite culture is the result of dozens of centuries worth of mixing, integration and assimilation among the peoples that once inhabited what today is Arkush. The first written records date from almost 2000 years ago. It was around that time that the first city states of note rose alongside the rivers inside the jungle. Over the next centuries a myriad of kings and cities would rise to prominence only to fall just as fast. Entire cultures would be destroyed and replaced by migrant societies.
The first iteration of the Arkushite Empire would rise some 1600 years ago. When Tiglat-Akum of Madezhir unified over half of the region and declared himself King of Kings. His empire would last a couple generations before a coalition of city-states supported by Ethea killed his grandson in battle and threw his nation into chaos.
Some 250 years later Arkush would be unified by Esarhadom of Sindhar. This time however, the Ethean attempts to destabilize the Arkushite empire failed and their invasion was beaten back in a massive battle immortalized in the "Epic of Esarhadon". Some 1400 years ago the empire started expanding beyond west and southwards after securing treaties with Ethea.
When Ascainian Wars started, the Arkushites used the opportunity to strike against Ethea. Taking from them several border vassals before events on the opposite border of the empire forced their attention away. However, as the slaves gained ground, the mindset of the Arkushites changed. After all, a successful slave revolt created a terrible precedent for any Empire, specially one such as Arkush. Unfortunately, by this point the Empire was too stretched to be able to offer any kind of truly meaningful assistance, and the Etheans too weakened for it to matter.
The situation finally exploded some 650 years ago when a massive slave revolt rocked Arkush. And while the slaves were eventually butchered, the Empire was unable to put down all of the subsequent rebellions that followed. Ever since then the Empire's history was one of decline. Oftentimes sprinkled with almost recuperation only to come down crashing even harder.
Eventually one provincial governor became fed up with the situation and dreaming of burning away all the rot and weakness and restoring the Empire to its former glory, started a conspiracy to seize the throne. It came to a head five years ago, when troops loyal to Tukulti-Arkusha seized the royal palace and massacred the royal family. Ever since then the "Usurper King" has started to work tirelessly to make Arkush great again.
Notable figures: Military and History:
Type of Military: The Arkushite Empire fields a standing army of professional soldiers paid and equipped by the Crown. The Army is fields three main branches: Infantry, Cavalry and Elephants. Soldiers are organized in squads of 10 that band together to form battalions of 100 that then are organized into regiments of 1000. These units can either be composed of a single type of troop or field a combined arms effective. Each of these regiment has its own symbols and colors for differentiation.
Great care is also placed in the logistical aspect of war. An entire department of the military ministry is dedicated to logistics. They are tasked with maintaining military depots all over the Empire and organizing the supply train wherever the army marches. They operate under specially close scrutiny by the Crown, as to ensure that the soldiers enter the field with the appropriate gear and food.
Another smaller department is dedicated to maintaining the engineer's corp of the Army. They work closely with the logistics department, as they are the ones in charge of clearing paths, building bridges and repairing the necessary infrastructure wherever they are in campaign. Besides the traditional role in overcoming fortifications.
In battle, different units coordinate with music and messengers.
Total Military fighting units: 110 000
Unit demographics: (heavy infantry, marksman, etc and their equipment/training)
-Infantry: Arkushite Infantry is the most numerous of the army branches. Ever since the transition to a professional standing force, the equipment and training of the infantry has become more standardized. Infantry is further divided between light and heavy infantry.
Light infantry includes includes archers (armed with longbows, oftentimes poisoned arrows and machetes for protection, with their armor being very light.). Skirmishers (armed with small shields, little armor, shortswords, slings, daggers or axes) and the melee infantry (armed with large wooden tower shields with metal reinforcement, a spear and usually a short sword. For protection, they usually wear light scale and animal hide armor to protect their torsos alongside leather or metal bracers and a conical helmet.)
Arkushite heavy infantry is armored in either mail, scale, lamellar or scale plate armor covering most of their bodies. The whole ensemble can be somewhat impractical in the stiffing heat of Arkushite summer, but the payoff is more than worth. These shock troops are armed and trained with a mix of weapons, that range from the usual combination of sword and shield, large two-handed maces, battle axes, two-handed slashing swords and javelins.
-Cavalry: Taking a support role within the Arkushite military machine, the cavalry is divided similarly to the infantry.
Light cavalry, by far the most numerous component, serves mostly as skirmishers and harassers. Armed with bucklers, short spears, javelins, swords, axes and short bows, their lack of armor means that they rarely risk head on engagements. Instead being used to hunt down routing enemies or attack a weakened and distracted enemy in the flanks or rear.
Heavy cavalry is a relatively new addition to the Arkushite roster. The Arkushite themselves have little practice with the concept themselves as elephants could serve as much better shock troops, though in their glory days they fielded these troops from vassal peoples. Current heavy cavalry troops are heavily armored in scale, mail and plate, riding imported horses bred to bear the added weight of the rider and their own armor. They ride to battle armed with small shields, long lances, longswords, maces, heavy axes and javelins.
-Elephants: Elephants are most famous Arkushite weapon. Striding into battle covered by long sheets of scale armor and carrying wicked blades, sometimes poisoned, tied to their tusks. Each elephant also carries a wooden tower with a capacity of four or five men. These men carry either bow and arrow or javelin, with one of them also welding a long lance for use against any enemy that breaks through the infantry screen around the elephant.
Other: Besides the three main branches, the Arkushite army also fields an engineer corps and fairy platoons trained as scouts and infiltrators.
Notable figures:
Past wars and notable events:
Past conflicts with other nations:
Current conflicts and wars:
Other
Artifacts and famous enchantments under control of the nation: Help?
Anything else we should all know:
Eyes and Ears of the King of Kings: Answering directly to the King of King and his council, these agents roam the land hunting down corruption and treason.
NRP, Star Wars, Dragon Age and Warhammer (Fantasy and 40k) enthusiast. Feel free to PM me about any related RPs
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">NRP, Star Wars, Dragon Age and Warhammer (Fantasy and 40k) enthusiast. Feel free to PM me about any related RPs</div>
