Fiction:Draconid Imperium/Society

With a poulation of over seven quadrillion that consists of dozens, potentialyl hundreds of alien species, the Imperium itself is a large and diverse empire. While Draconid cultural influence is indeed strong (Enough for other empires to belief that all imperial citizens are posh, allfuent or elitist), there are numerous other cultures that have emerged in the Imperium through many ways including enslavement, migration and annxation.

Thus, the Imperium as a whole is an immensely varied society and is potentially one of the most diverse empires in Andromeda and almost-certainly one of the most diverse in the inner-rim. The goverment makes it a point to introduce aspects of different cultures and mindsets into the imperium, essentially mixing them together so there is no one specific "Imperial Culture" (however some argue that Dracoid culture, being a template, comes close), but rather an amalgamation of the most prolific and influential values.

Aristocracy
See also: Houses

Because the are essentially the masters of the, the draconid nobility is seen as something of an all-powerful ruling class within the borders of the Imperium. Each imperial sector is ruled by a single noble elected from one of thousands of houses and - in the abscence of the Grand Seante - are essentially kings of their domain. Lesser nobles and houses rule smaller areas of space and are known to have some control over various protectorates of the Imperium.

Imperial policy states that - regarding an alien planet - a draconid noble as a system governor is little more than a figurehead and a representetive for the Imperium. Through him more powerful nobles may interact but the internal governance of a single planet is generally left to the natives.

While some protectorates still retain their own monarchies and ruling classes, they must accept that thay are secondary in importance to the draconid nobility. Nobles are often politically and economically powerful individuals with bloodlines that can stretch to every corner of the Imperium and perhaps beyond. The Paragon Family is always chosen from one noble family (known as a Grand House) by the Grand Senate and should the bloodline die out and only the most 'worthy' house is chosen. The desire to be considered worthy enough has driven countless Draconis to prove their house is good enough to be the next ruling family and this has driven all sorts of social, technological and economic projects. However it appears intentional that there is no clear sign by the Senate as to what constitutes a 'worthy' house, this is most likely done to encourage nobles to delve into all directions of progress and achievement in the name of the Imperium with lists of deeds stretching back millennia.

Patricaes
Patricaes are the second most-powerful noble caste in the Imperium, charged with the governance of entire sectors, grand houses with this title are often groups who command massive influence and prestige, often having multiple lesser grand houses either within them or part of them. Because a sector can contain thousands of star systems within a distinct astronomical area, praetors - the title given to patricaes with a sector governance position - can be perceived as akin to emperors in their own right as their jurisdictions can contain numerous lesser non-draconis empires that joined the Imperium under Pax Draconica.

It is the dream of all grand houses to be as powerful as one of the several grand houses, but because there are little more than seventy sectors - with paticularly powerful patricae houses potentially having control of two or more sectors at a time - the position is highly sought after, another reason being that praetors are at such a position that they have prestige enough to mingle with the parag'avatus themselves.

Sebatathii
The Sebatathii or underlords are a collective of aliens from varying species who have been granted noble positions by the Imperial government either though merit, service or dedication. They serve as a metaphorical bridge between the various vassal states and the Draconis with many aliens aspiring ot become sebatathii due to the meritocratic nature in which the position is awarded and the amount of influence they could gain by rising 'above' their fellow aliens.

Along with asserting draconid approval among the population, they often act as provisional governors and magistrates, often swearing alliegence to one or more grand houses with the desire to become more influential. Underlords have their own circles just as draconid houses do but unlike the separation of common and grand houses, sebatathus families have been known to mingle somewhat acceptingly with noble house members so long as they were invited to the relevant social conventions. The position does not, however, make them completely equal with the grand houses and like traitors, rebels and criminals, underlords can be stripped of their position at the discretion of the nobility. To avoid abuse, such an act requires the approval of more than one grand house. Unlike the above, underlords can be stripped of title if they underperform in or abuse their position and risk ending up in the imperial courts of law.

Patricaes
Aurestor Beldrin Sevenium= Aurestor Beldrin Savenium is a noble from the Draconid Imperium, who holds a great deal of influence within the Quadrant Colonial Sector.

Aurestor is a snobby Draconid who is proud of his ancestors history, though Savenium's origins lay shrouded in myth, Aurestors wants to keep it that way. Though many of his house took an interest in the Galactic Empire of Cyrannus, he himself and his family line (Beldrin line) took more of an interest in the rapidly expanding colonial regions in the Quadrants. As he already had a deal of influence in the sector due to his trade imperium, his sights have fallen upon the position of Viceroy, which would give himself, his family line and house a large deal of influance within the Imperium. Aurestor, as head of the Beldrin line takes most of the important decisions for his family line, though follows the head of his house loyally and supports them in many things. Somehow, the Beldrin family line holds a grudge against House Voxis for unknown reasons. His family line is also in disapproval of the House of Senvinus, viewing the half-nobles as not worthy of their status.

Aurestor is a snobby Draconid, proud of his heritage and arrogant for his influence and wealth. As such he views most below his standards, though respects Paragon Uriel Ultanos, and for that matter the entire House of Ultanos quite a lot and is very loyal and supportive of them. Aurestor wears a carefully measured suite, coloured in gold and red and as head of his family line, wears their ancient decorative helmet.

Taremanon Valocanus=

Vesperon Maltris=

Sebatathii
Kervon Daktis= Maxios Telvenum= Renus Kantus= Va'Dan=

Creative Arts
Contrary to popular blief, the Imperium is a hotbed of all kinds of visual and creative arts. While many Draconis (and some other aliens depending on the circumstances) have trouble understanding some forms of art, it is almost unanamously agreed that the addition of alien cultures into the Imperium adds imensely to the vibrancy of mainstream Imperial society.

The immense number of various cultuures in the Imperium - so vast that not all in a species share the same culture - has caused explosion after explosion of popular culture. The relatively lax government policies have ersulted in the profileration of countless books, artworks and performances that reflect the Imperium's multicultural diversity. While there are those outside the Imperium who mistake it for being a society for the posh and the old-fashioned, the opposite is indeed true; cultural festivals are so massive that either they do not cover everything or are divided into sector-wide festivals.

While it is true that most Draconis prefer instrumental music over most other forms, other forms of music are very popular amongst various provincial cultures such as Kroogvon R&B. It is a fallacy that only being a classical musician playing traditional music is the way to success, as not only have more exotic musicians become Imperium-wide celebrities, but there is a healthy variety of musicians who have taken an alternate take on traditional instruments, all adding to the general cultural value of the Imperium.

While painting two-dimensional images onto a canvas is still a sight within the Imperium, many paintings have evolved to use holographic paper. The refiement and cost reduction of the technology has made it relatively easy to transfer a 2D image to appear 3D, advances in the technique mean that looking at the image is no different than seeing something in three real dimensions. The explosion in popularity had made holographic paper the medium of choice for 2D images for over 200,000 years, and constant refinement means that the pictures only get clearer and clearer. Computer software has also become advanced enough that it is capable of "filling in the gaps" meaning that the different frames can be more seamlessly blended together to make up the "holopainting".

While books such as novels, graphic novels and comics are still popular, the commercialisation of hologrpahic technology menas that for every digital novel, there are five hundred interactive holoprogrammes, allowing for players to immerse in their fantasies. Whether or not the reader plays an observer, bit-part or the main character varies depending on the writer and programmer, as the larger roles often denote the need to respond to a higher chance of unrpedictability. So it comes as no surprise that many holonovels have the reader play an observance or minor role, with the chance of playing from the main character's perspective is left to holosuite novels made by more successful programmers.

Entertainment
In many cases the various protectorates have their own forms of entertainment ranging from visual to sports and performing arts. the have, in many cases, introduced their own forms to the protectorates and will sometimes adopt what other aliens have. Public entertainment is open to participation by all member species and anyone may watch if they can afford the booking.

Arenas
Honourable combat has been a tradition that had existed before the foundation of Minos'Drakon. While early combat practices were simply scraps the ruling classes of the Vormothan Empire (which emerged within Alcanti's northern continent of Miminas) turned it into a genteman's pursuit, adding rules that made it less bloody and more organised. The joy of watching honoured combat made it a keen spectator sport and arenas, both official and unofficial, sprang up accross the Imperium. Because of the violent nature champions can frequently be expected to be hired as soldiers, mercenaries or bodygaurds by counless groups who will use the arena spectacles as a recruitment ground.

True honoured combat is highly ceremonial; combatants are to draw their weapons and bow in respect to their opponents before readying for their opponent's first attack. All the while making sure to remain respectful and dignified at all times. When one is defeated the other msut position themselves to stop the first from getting up. When the match is over the victor is declared who must then help their opponent back onto their feet. These practices are not commonly used against aliens or when one challenges honoured combat in the field. During these situations the combatants will restrict themselves to not using underhanded moves and will only draw their balde defensively.

The fight pits are much less organised and the general rule is "please the audience". Unlike in the arenas, death is likely and underhanded moves are often enjoyed rather than met with disgust. The only rule is that the audience decides if the loser can die. The pits are pursued by the more hardcore arena fighters who may feel the fight is only worth it if death is a possibility.

Holosuites
Holosuites generate lifelike simuations of environments and situations for the enjoyment of the user. Users can immerse themselves in whatever fantasy they wish for an alloted time. More dedicated holosuite users will ahve the option to rent out suites to use on a regular basis and are given a special key-card.

To prevent serious injury the user's life-signs are constantly monitored and if they become dangerously exhausted or are at risk of serious injury the simulation will alter itself to either prevent death or allow the user to recover. Because the suites use the same technology as holofields the objects scattered about feel lifelike. Every section of the room is coated with a layer of energy identical to a phasic shield, even walking will cause this field to move, giving the illusion of going somewhere. When more than one user is present field walls and projections can be generated to simulate distance.

Performance houses
The primary form of performing arts for the Draconis is the perforamnce of various operas and sagas. While not to everyone's tastes they are a haven for the upper-class and the cultured. Due to their low rate of ageing, Draconis perceive time differently and Operas composed by them are frequently several hours long with intervals every one-and-a-half or two hours depending on the performance. The content is extremey varied from dark stories of despair to characters' lifelong pursuits of love. Key events of imperial history - such as the 's revolt against the Khaxvis - are also performed.

It is common for imprtant members of Imperial society to come to operas not just to watch a performance but also interact, reinforcing a sense of community between high-profile members of society. To be seen at the perfromance house, is to be known.

Another event performed at these locations is the concert. Draconis thoroughly enjoy the sounds of classical music and performances are often regularly held. The symphonies performed are often very inreicate and are the result of months, sometiems years of thought and the legacies of the great masters come alive. Other forms of orchestral music from other cultures is performed and is considered by the Draconis to be exotic, varying greatly from tones, instruments and rythems they may be used to.

Racing
Races are an ancient passion that emerged from the Draconis but gained immense popularity from other protectorates such as the Speeder and the Sankana. It is believed these events were originally a way for the Draconis to keep their predatory reflexes and awareness in top condition but have now become a commonly enjoyed spectacle taken up by thrillseekers from all corners of the Imperium. There are a few varieties that emerged with technologies and even the oldest forms still have some measure of popularity.
 * Mount racing is the oldest form, while originally the racers would ride Udulovs (a typical riding animal native to Alcanti) this form has branched out to use all kinds of riding animal. To keep races fair each variety of riding animal has it's own racing schedule.
 * Cycle racing is one of the more intense forms of racing. It is comparable to motorcycle racing and involves both tilted bends, high speeds and dangerous G-forces. Drivers have to prepare their bodies to resist the g-forces and train their minds to remain focused on the track ahead. Like with skimmer racing anticipation and knowing the track is key to winning.
 * Skimmer racing emerged with the commercialisation of monopoles. It differs from cycle racing in the fact the vehicle is suspended above the ground. Without friction from the ground skimmers can reach even higher velocities than motorcycles. The demanding nature of skimmer racing makes it reserved for only the most focused and determined of racers. Unsurprisingly this is also the most dangerous variety of racing and champions often end up as single-minded obsessives.

Exonet
The exonet is an empire-wide networking system that uses the tachyon relay network to transmit information across the Imperium. Relay stations act as server hubs and the condensed information allows for terabytes to be transmitted at a time with very little waiting time. Because of the Imperium's vast networking capability and the numerous exonet-connected gadgets, many people own an "exonet interfacign unit" or EIU to interact with the exonet virtually via non invasive augmented-reality optics. Although there are numerous citizens who have undoubtably opted for cybernetic implants into their optic nerves for peripheral-less interaction.

The Exonet itself is never fully regulated and it is impossible to determine by a single machine how much information is on there because there is simply so much information. Not only is it used commercially, but the Alcanti Royal Academy has large networks of its own for research and scientific debate. In recent years the Exonet has combined with other Andromedan networks in an AGC megaproject called the Androemdan Virtual Network to create a galactic-scale holonet. The success of the virtual network has led to some members of the Imperium to fully immerse themselves in this virtual world - the scale of which could rival or even surpass the known galaxy.

Religion
Organised religion is widespread and varied across the Imperium with numerous spiritual ideas and concepts alongside each other. The views on religion and spiritualism within the Imperium - both by the population and the government - are quite lax, with only the providing small number of guidelines of waht is a good and bad thing to believe. There are several faiths that are more prevalant than others including:
 * Commutum Drakon'mipthum - (Dracid: Followers of Drakon's [philopsophical] path). Almost-universally containing and  followers, this belief is one of the largest single faiths in the Imperium. The prime doctrine involves the lessons of the "Book of Divine Teachings"; an ancient tome containing phrases and stories of how to live a productive and spiritually healthy life. Followers of this belief are explicitly taught to accept the ideals of others as long as they retain their own (within reason).
 * Massari - (Radessic: Knowledge of Unity). Primarily followed by and  citizens, the Maasari faith is one of the fastest-growing faiths. its primary doctrine teaches that "We comes from divine, I comes from demonic." - a belief that the society as whole is greater than an individual. Maasari sects within the Imeprium are watched diligantly by the Inquisition over concerns of zealots but as a whole the faith is accepted and has even drawn scientific curiosity.
 * Paragavatus Divinum - (Dracid: Divine Paragons). While it's origins are shrouded in mystery, this cult of personality popualted primarily by non-draconis members idolises the Imperium's paragons to be divine beings in mortal form. The Paragons' reactions have been mixed throughout the ages with some rejecting the idea and others embelishing in it, using it as as a chance to further unite the Imperial population. The present paragon, Uriel, however is indifferent to the cult's beliefs. Stating himself that it is an example of variety emerging from a diverse imperial culture. Most forms of worship vary but common themes involve private shrines, taking a paragon's words as mandate and embracing their ideals.
 * Cre'lapathla - (Di'Rikito: The Joined). Not so much of a religion as a loose following, and a byproduct of a group mind; followers of Cre'lapthla are a wide range of sapients who have accepted the joining ritual to become connected to one of the various Ki'Dirrik hives that reside in imperial space. What makes this a faith is that the joined are known to accept the Ki'Dirrik overqueen as an almighty patron despite efforts by the Grand Senate to place her significance second to the Paragon out of fear she may use the folowers to undermine the Grand Senate's authority, Followers are known to exhibit a wide range of psychic abilities andh has drawn intrest from both the diplomatic corps and the Royal Academy.

There are many other less-widespread beliefs and spiritualities amongst the population. Atheism and agnosticism are also widespread and believers of these concepts are generally accepted by the rest of the population. Tolerance of belief is promoted by both the imperial government and the Followers of Drakon's Path in order to avoid faith-based unrest and all manner of troubles. Whiel some may view this as restrictive the benefit is that there has been very little of this unrest within the Imperium.

Fashion
As can be expected from such a diverse empire, there is no one official style worn by Imperial citizens. While each culture has its ow ntakes on style, social interconnectivity has led to sector-wide fashion trends of various styles. But being the melting pot a it is, some styles are more prevalent than others.


 * High Imperial style is an umbrella concept that uses a variety of blues, gold or silver trim and a mix of Draconid and provincial design concepts. High Imperial's more distinct styles are often worn by the affluent or by status-seekers. High Imperial has evolved several branches of style, while all are applauded for their elegance and beauty, they have varying directions. Its popularity and diversity have made it a signature fashion style for all Imeprial citizens, giving the impression that even the poorest of citizen is elegantly-dressed.
 * Low Imperial; a common attire for the more mainstream population. While lacking the elegant patterns of more exotic styles, Low Imperial is designed to suit the needs of the labour force. Practical designs such as loose-fitting waist-length coats, thick trousers and sleek boots are common styles.
 * Praetoral; A style popularised by the nobility. it is in stark contrast to Low Imperial in that Praetoral (named after the Imperium's "Praetor" position of office) attire is highly elegant, lavishly decorated and very expensive-looking. Often a way of showing off to less affluent or impressing foreign dignitaries or friends, the Praetoral style's multi-strand gold pipings, busy patterns and rich colours has become an exampel of how wealthy (or perhaps how decadent) the Imperium's social elite are. Due to the intricacy of each outfit however, it is not often soemthing worn as everyday, a matter which led to the creation of "Praetoral lite" in ID.85730. Which somehow mwerged the practicality of Low Imperial with the elegance of Praetoral.

Solar Husbandry
Originally a movement intended to interlink the various factors of developing an occupied star system, solar husbandry has evolved into a catch-all term to refer to a rational development of a star system's infrastructure, populations and is also used to foster the growth of both native and immigrating sapient species.

As the need for industrial growth grew alongside the need for new resource sites, several prominent imperial citizens began to study the interlinking nature of various planets. The movement played a crucial role in the development of the Imperium's long-term sustainability principles and provides a guideline as to what extent a planetary body can be exploited before it becomes either unsustainable or a star system becomes less favourable for future species. This concept all but ensures that any lifeforms that emerge after the Imperium's departure will be free to develop without concerning themselves over developing within a depleted star system.

Solar Husbandry's principles play a more scientific role in the Imperium's "Andromedan Restoration" policy. Ideas such as the abundance of ice bodies, asteroids, orbital positions of gas giants and their moons and a star's luminosity all play a vital role in determining if not just a planet, but a solar system can at all harbour life. Depletion of asteroid belts and outer ice fields is generally discouraged under the Solar Husbandry system. The calculations used for habitability can also determine comet frequency, asteroid impact frequency on each planetary body and the gravitational fields to create a complex calculation not only for if life is possible, but a possible indicator of what could evolve.

More sociologically, the principle has fostered the public mindset that a star system works like an enormous mechanical clock, with each body representing a component that when put together creates a harmonising series of events. Authors such as Thessios Bellum have gone as far as to speculate in their writings (such as his ID.219320 novel "Star brain") that the Imperium is inadvertently constructing numerous star system-scale computers or other strange constructs by the Solar Husbandry movement, spurring the development of a completely new kind of existence.

A less favourable concept that evolved from Solar Husbandry is the activity known as Solar Death. In essence, a star system is intentionally cleared of all organic and mineral resources that can be detected, going as far as to drain nitrates from soil, extract silicon compounds and any other useful minerals as far down as a planet's mantle; sometimes even a body's core. Within gas giants, useable gases such as helium-3 are also extracted, thus leaving all but the parent star completely devoid of any material worth. While Solar Death can be a boon to secondary and primary industry for the influx of minerals it can bring - especially when multiple ssytems are targeted - it is also a procedure that trillions are unnerved about as it does completely the opposite of solar husbandry.

Primarily used as a scorched-earth tactic or as a moral lesson, the Imperium has in times of austerity preyed on systems within itself in order to fuel its industrial machine.

Sub-Citizens
In modern imperial society the sub-citizen trade is common and it is common to find dealers of them on many worlds. Within imperial society sub-citizen are treated similar to serfs; they have the right to downtime, good food, social interaction and even reproduction. Due to the questionable nature of the sub-citizen market, imperial sub-citizen trade does have laws and restrictions in place to keep the trade fair and to prevent oppertunistic slavers from running amok. Such rules include:
 * All sub-citizens must be registered and chipped before they can be legally distributed
 * All sub-citizens traders must have registered themselves with the imperial commerce authority
 * Raiding planets purely for fresh sub-citizens is considered a serious crime
 * Only the Imperial Talon Navy has the authority to designate a population eligeable for enslavement
 * It is illegal to import or export sub-citizens in and out of imperial space
 * All sub-citizens possess the right to ample and nutritious food, shelter, water and basic comforts underlined by sapient rights laws.
 * It is illegal to own a member of a protectorate species as property

Traders must undergo an exam and training period so they know how to properly care for their stock. Traders who are found in breach of trade laws can have their licenses revoked and owners in breach of care laws can expect to have their sub-citizens taken away by the imperial commerce authority. Emancipation groups exist who frequent breeding enclosures to liberate unsold sub-citizens. Because these enclosures are fully within the law, members of emancipation groups like Sapience First (who sometimes go as far as committing arson after releasing sub-citizen communities) are considered criminals by the state.

Other groups such as the Alliance for Social Enlighenment or the Cult of Drakon's Egalitarianist sect work to educate citizens that owning sapients as sub-citizens is wrong and support the recovery of sub-citizens who were found being mistreated by previous owners.

Trade
The post-scarcity nature of the imperium's economy means that currency has no true value. Energy, food, medicine and the like are completely free in the Imperium, provided for by large corporations that while at one time existed to bosst the economy now exist to provide numerous services to the public.

While currency has little value, proof of trade is still used to verify the ownership someone has over the object. The Mimidian Credit, once used as the standard form of currency now acts as a proof-of-exchange unit on the common markets as well as a method of exchange when trading internationally. The overal prevalence in digital design eman that while quality has value but the parameters for quality focus on attention to detail, condition of the product and effort undertaken to create it. The rarity of the materials used, commercial value of used materials and the amount of material accumulated to gather the used material no longer plays in as a factor as many sculptors have turned to 3D printing and holographic modelling as opposed to traditional sculpting.

While in scarcity-era societies ancient relics are extremely valuable, the scale of nano an dquantum replication mean that numberless copies of ancient articles exist, each one can either be a restroed copy or a replication of the article in its time-worn condition. A result is that ancient artifacts have worth based on symbolic value. An ancient sword for instance only bears more worth than its replications for being posessed by its original owner but the loss of ancient relics - so long as quantum replicated copies exist - is not treated as an imperial tragedy. The only real sense of loss coming from a sentimental sense rather than a historical sense.

Quotes
"The Imperium is as diverse as it is ancient. Every alien under our influence only adds to the vibrant diversity we allow. In a galaxy of tyrants, criminals and zealots, the Imperium is an oasis for the free, the open-minded and the curious. To me this is a treasure worth vastly more that any ancient artifact or precious stone."

"Sure the Imperium isn't perfect, but we're still better-off than many other cultures out there beyond Andromeda."

"Reminds me of the Old Empire... but grander."

- Lady Nelana