Empire
Introduction
Empire Legendary InsigniaWelcome to the glorious Empire! You now have the distinct honour of naming yourself in the same breath as the most dominant and sophisticated faction in the known universe.
A culture built on honor and glory, the Empire is steeped in tradition. At its head is the all powerful Emperor who governs completely, and is revered amongst the populace. The Empire’s ambition is to bring peace, glory and order to a chaotic world, through a unified vision of which all its people share.
As a highly esteemed citizen under our Emperor Solas Craine – may he outlive the stars – you are part of an historic legacy. The culture and creed of the Empire reaches back beyond the destruction of the Sol system, before mankind even sought out the stars. And how could it be otherwise? Our legacy and future are secured by the Oracle, an ancient artifact of great power, which sings only to our Emperor and his Agents, granting them peerless foresight into events yet to come.
From the resplendent halls of Craine to the sacred battlegrounds of Idrius – where the light of a thousand conquests shines on everlasting – every facet of Imperial space displays the assiduous efforts of our Factory World citizens to uphold and improve our rich cultural legacy. Unlike the other factions, we take great pride in our heritage.
After all, does not the past pave the way towards the future?
The Empire
Although the Federation might be the oldest of the factions, it is certainly no longer the largest. That role has been taken up by the Empire, which over the last few centuries has grown exponentially in wealth and size. The Empire’s military efforts have been rewarded with victory after victory, all under the guidance of the great Emperor, Solas Craine. It is then also of no surprise that the citizens of the Empire revere their Emperor. After all, it is he who made the Empire into the glorious state it is today. Honor, glory and tradition are the driving forces behind the Empire and its expansion. The Emperor holds absolute power, but under his rule, the citizens can live in peace, in an otherwise chaotic world.
The Empire finds its home in the largest system of planets. At its center lies the capital, the largest of all these planets and the home of the Imperial family and other elite and royalty. Surrounding it are other types of planets, where some are utilized for industry or commerce, while others are kept as Edens, personal paradises for those who have earned the Emperor’s favor. For within the Empire, loyalty is rewarded. Bring honor to the greatest of factions and power, wealth, and status shall be granted to you.
As with the Federation, the Empire also sees itself criticized by the other factions. Accusations of tyranny and oppression are amongst the first, along with a strict hierarchical doctrine that its people must endure. To the Federation, the Empire is considered rigid and puritanical. To the Union, the Empire is viewed as a society of opulent tyrants and oppressed peoples.
Empire Artifact: The Oracle
Suspended above a shimmering pool that lies beneath a polished dome of hewn marble resides the Oracle, which communicates using its “song”. Only the Emperor, in his great wisdom, turns this song to prophecy. There are wide-ranging theories about how this is possible, but nothing concrete has been revealed about the Emperor’s coveted tool. It has been described as being “encased in large rows of circular metal strips, almost as if the Oracle were a cluster of ribbons slowly unraveling on itself.” Those few who have seen it speak of its near-hypnotic quality.
Though seen as a major contributing factor to the Emperor’s unshakable grip on power, he is not the only one who frequents the ringed enclosure that houses the Oracle, known as the Sybil. The Keepers of the Oracle, through faith and devotion, steward over the Artifact. They believe the Emperor’s ability to use it as proof of his legitimacy, so day and night, they humbly clean and pray within the envelope of its song, presumably deaf to any message.
To the populace of the Empire at large, the Oracle has a deep cultural significance, both in connection with the Imperator and on its own merits. As much can be seen in colloquialisms such as “By the Oracle” used by Imperial civilians. Though the lauded tool of their beloved Emperor, they know nothing of the Union’s or Federation’s apprehension in regard to it. The secrecy surrounding the Oracle’s functions has led many among the factions to speculate about what its drawbacks may be. Does the Empire sacrifice citizens of its Forge colonies to the Oracle? Or are there certain rituals, conducted in secret within the walls of the Sybil, which might give credence to even the darkest rumors of the Empire’s inner workings? Whatever it may be, it seems only the Emperor and a possible select few may know these secrets.
Empire Rank System
The Emperor has made his selection for your official rank titles. He wishes to bestow special honour on @Cal | Restitutor Orbis. This will be given in the form of a commendation to your passport.
1. Servitor - 25 points
2. Milites - 50 points
3. Optio Centuris - 100 points
4. Centurion - 250 points
5. Consul - 500 points
6. Primus Pilus - 1000 points
7. Striped Tribune - 2500 points
8. Praefect - 5000 points
9. Archon - 10000 points
10. Hand of the Emperor - 25000 points