Fiction:Drodo Empire

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The Drodo Empire is a rather young empire located in the Milky Way Galaxy that expands at a rapid rate. Although new to the galactic scene, the Drodo Empire is a formidible foe, and a useful ally.

Early History
Many millenia ago, the Drodo found naturally-occuring gunpowder deposits on there homeplanet, Coron 4. It would be a few hundred years before they actually discovered a use for it, however. At around 1000 BC, the Drodo invented there first gunpowder cannons, only the most advanced nations could afford to make such weapons, though. The fact that the Drodo had gunpowder cannons so early is unique, and one of the reasons they are some of the best gunsmithers today. Anyways, it didn't take long for the Drodo to adapt, however, to this new, destructive weapons. Civilizations started to put armour plates onto there forts, creating the instantly recogisible "steel fortresses" that the Drodo are famous for. Most of Drodo history revolved around conflict and the infamous "great arms race" between Arcadia and the neighbouring nation, Doria. The 500-year long arms race incompassed many wars and revolved around creating bigger, better cannons and, eventually, machine guns. The Arms race eventually changed focus from cannons and machine guns to lasers and ICBMs. Meanwhile, all of the nations on the planet (Coron 4) have claimed one part of a planet or another to its name, but at a time when tensions run high between the competing nations, especially Arcadia and Doria, war was inevetatble...

Interplanetary War
The Great Arms Race would lead directly into this conflict and was one of the main reasons it happened, tensions got to a point where the entire solar system was constantly ablaze with weapons fire. The conflict started when Doria fired a salvo of IPBMs (InterPlanetary Ballistic Missile) at a Arcadian Colony, New Corven. it was exposed to 350 megatons of pure energy, and destroyed instantly. Arcadia was quick to respond, sending a fleet of new space battleships at a important Dorian military base on a moon of the gas giant, Aeria. Because almost all nations had alliances with either Arcadia or Doria, they were obligated to support the war efforts.

The Battle for Coron 4
The battle for Coron 4 was the last and most important battle in the Interplanetary War. By now, Arcadia was winning the war, but a Dorian Suprise attack nearly changed all that, the Dorian fleet was massive, and even had a superweapon, known in history only as "The Trump Card", said to be capable of cracking open Coron 4's crust with a massive railgun. A giant space battle ensues, with hundreds, possibly thousands of starships ruthlessly destroying each other. However, the Dorian fleet was only there to soak up damage for the Trump Card, about 15 minutes into the battle, the Trump Card was almost fully charged - and aimed at the Drodo homeworld, Coron 4. The Captain of the Endeavor, Cesterium, a ancestor of the now-legendary Fleet Captain Cesterity, told the crew to evacuate, and manually drove his crusier straight through the Dorian battle lines, and rammed the Endeavor into the Trump Card, both ships where destroyed instantly in a massive explosion, Cesterium, and the entire crew of the Trump Card, where killed instantly. Afterwards, the remaining Dorian forces, and the Dorian government surrendered almost immediatly afterwards. For the first time in history, one did not recognise him or her as "Arcadian" or "Dorian", but, as "Drodo", it was then decided by the Drodo nations of Coron 4 to set aside there differences, and conflicts from the days of old, and unite under one banner, the Drodo Empire.

Drodo Empire era
The Drodo Empire starts when the first Drodoian ship capable of interstellar travel, the Explorer, is launched. Many more follow, and within 25 years, the Drodo Empire had control of over 100 systems. This became known as the Golden Age of Exploration. It was cut short, however, when an one of the most powerful ememies the galaxy had ever known invaded, That enemy is the Grox...

The Drodo-Grox War
The Grox attacked quickly, and brutally, without remorse. If it where not for the intervention of the considerably more advanced Duckulon, there would be no Drodo Empire! After the war, the Drodo and Duckulon Empires formed the InterStellar Union, or, ISU, it would provide supplies, business, and protection to any who joined, as long as they did their part.

Recovery and ISU's Height
It took years for the Drodo Empire to pick up the pieces after the war. But, during this time, many small empires flocked to the ISU's banner, seeking support and protection against other, larger empires. This was a sort of "golden age" for the Union, but everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before someone came to the ISU's doorstep, armed to the teeth.

Attack on Toranis III
It did not take long for other empires to realise just what the InterStellar Union could do if they let it grow. The first attack in a series of others was performed by the Varkinian Confederacy, they first destroyed the few Time Flies Defence Force ships stationed there. And looted the capital city, Yt'varri, with little to no resistance. Finally, they commenced orbital bombardment of the planet, it's surface was turned to glass. By the time Drodoian ships arrived, there was nothing to save. Cesterity, the captain of the Impaler II, the Drodoian flagship, said three simple words; "This means war."

The Two Unions' War
After the InterStellar Union declared war on the Ancient Union, or AU, ISU stratagists where preparing a devastating attack on three fronts, the Drodoians would lead the first prong, or Fleet A, directly through the center as a distraction, while Fleets B and C would flank. All of the fleets were trying to get to the capital planet of the AU, Darsonis. The AU anticipated that and spread their fleets out. Fleets B and C were small as they did not expect much resistance. Fleet B was utterly destroyed over Jarsis III, and Fleet C took massive casualties, but got through to Darsonis. Fleet A, on the other hand, took only a few casualties, because A was the largest fleet, and expected heavy resistance, but did not. Fleet A won victory after victory until they reached Darsonis, which was under siege from Fleet C. 2 Months later Darsonis and the rest of the AU surrendered. After the war the ISU demanded that the commanders heading the Toranis III attack be handed over, after a month long combined AU-ISU manhunt, the Former Varkinian Rear Admiral Tor Kah was arrested, charged for war crimes and sentenced to exile on, ironically, Toranis III.

Aftermath-Modern day
After the war, several former AU powers joined the ISU, but most stayed independant. Today, the Drodo Empire is large and prosperous, with about 1500 systems [many were gained from the planets who voted to be part of the Drodo Empire after the two Unions' war.]. It is an active member of the ISU along with 50 other empires. It is currently participating in The Mineral Conflict, where, along side the United Federation of Species, they battle against the Mag'Heli Dominion, and (partly) the Eranian Collective.

Government
The Drodo Empire is a representitive democracy, much like modern day Canada. The council has a a senator for every system [or planet], and votes on a course of action accordingly [The ISU also follows this model]. You must be a citizen of the Drodo Empire in order to vote or be on the council.

Military
The Drodo Empire maintains a large army at all times. It consists of multiple branches including the army itself, it's navy, the elite Drodoian Marines, and the Drodoian Exploration Fleet [The DEF is technically not part of the military, but is here for simplicity's sake]. In times of total war, the Drodoian military can draft large numbers of recruits and put them through a 4 week long training program. The Drodoian military is capable of multiplying it's size 20 times.

Army
The Drodoian ground army is a well-trained, well-equipped, and well-disiplined force. It is feared and respected by anyone who came face to face with them.

Drodoian infantry

The standard infantryman [or woman] makes up the bulk of the ground forces, their standard-issue weapon the X8-36 assault rifle, made by the Rogris gunsmith guild. It is a lightweight weapon, that holds a standard magazine of 50 bullets, at 10 rounds a second, this gun can shred through even advanced infantry armor. When drafting large armies, the military generally equips the new recruits with the G54 carbine. It is quicker and cheaper to make and maintain than the X8-36, but inferior in most other respects. The Drodoian Marines are equipped with light, full-body battle armor standard-issue. It is made of a lightweight bulletproof alloy that can deflect many types of lower power ammunition, and save the wearer's life from more powerful weapons (usually at the cost of the armor, though). It is normally dark grey or black, but may be colored camoflauge if the mission calls for it. The most sopisticated piece of the armor, however, is easily the helmet. It is made of the same, thick alloy as the rest of the armor, but also has a advanced HUD (Heads Up Display), showing the wearer's general vitality. It is effectionaly known as the "health bar". Besides that, it also shows the weapon being used, an appropriate reticule, an ammo counter, and other tactical data. A optional feature is the helmet playing music, although this isn't popular, seeing that it is distracting. Occasionally, the fighting nobles of the Drodo Empire (AKA; Drodoian Knights) are imployed by the Drodoian military, although not part of the military, technically, they have close ties with each-other. The Knights go into battle wearing battle-armour, that projects an energy shield, the armour is in the traditional style of the Drodo knights of the middle ages. They are armed with a sword sheathed with energy, that can project a weak shield when spun or swung. Other weapons are the shield, that is also sheathed in plasma. To finish the arsenal, the knights are armed with a traditional Knight magnum, a giant, hand-crafted revolver that can make a red cloud out of an enemy, even if they have advanced armour.

In extreme circumstances, the Drodo Military may employ a elite force, simply called the "Preservers". A enigmatic order, technically not part of the military, like the Drodoian Knights. The Preservers wear heavy battle armour into battle, armed with a gauss rifle, they are walking tanks. A special, sniper varient is armed with a piece of small, handheld artillery. At eight feet tall, the A-37 mobile field gun fires a 100 caliber (1 inch) explosive shell at 10 kilometers a second. To support the main infantry, in every squad there is one gatling gun soldier, he uses the A-45 Rotary cannon. At 1000 rounds per second, it can lay down heavy firepower.

Other weapons include the C8 rocket launcher, X10-86 sniper rifle, and the DF-44 belt-fed machine gun.

The Drodoian Army also has a large mechinized division, including the T-3000 DEST (destroyer), a large Main Battle Tank that can establish a instant presence on the battlefield. The Drodo also have APCs, scout vehicles, and a atmosphereic-orbital fighter, called the Falcon. The Drodoian VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) is named the Beetle. Different varients fill different purposes, anything from a light scout vehicle, to a transport, or even a heavely-armed and armoured attack vehicle (like a Pavelow or Hind in real life). Some decommisoned Beetles find themselves in civilian hands. Stripped-down Beetles are commonly used by search-and-rescue teams.

Navy
The Drodoian Empire also boasted a impressive fleet, their navy is composed of around 500,000 ships, and a superweapon.

Impaler-class capital ship
Crew: 1000

Hull composition: Titanium/Durasteel alloy

Weapons: 2 massive laser cannons, 15 missile pods, 20 railguns.

Length: 2.5 km

Width: 1.9 km [at the back]

Inquisitor-class destroyer
Crew: 850 Hull Composition: Titanium/Hyperdense Iron alloy

Weapons: 20 missile pods, 50 railguns, 10 laser cannons

Length: 1 km

Width: 0.5 km [at the back]

Ethereal-class logistics/support craft
Crew: 350

Hull Composition: Durasteel alloy

Weapons: 4 railguns, systems jammers

Length: 800 m

Width: 150 m [at the back]

Chaser-class corvette
Crew: 250

Hull Composition: Titanium/Durasteel alloy

Weapons: 2 railguns

Length: 250 m

Width: 75 m [at the back]

Superweapon
The Drodo Empire posess a small arsenal of special virus missiles. The virus contained is a zombie virus native to the Drodo's homeworld. In Drodo ancient history, this virus struck, the scenario was comparible to the "Black Death" plague that hit 1300's Earth. Anyway, they fire a volley of these missiles at the target world. Within minutes 90% of the population is zombified, than, using large teleporter ships, they beam the undead horde aboard the enemy ships, wreaking havoc on the ship. This weapon has never been used, but this is subject to change.

Zombie Biology
The zombies created are nearly immortal [succumbing only to a well-aimed shot to the head] and ferocious, the virus spreads through the air, and is transferred through body fluids. So a bite or just being the unfortuante person happening to be on the planet, will turn you into a zombie in minutes. The zombies' genetic strain is constantly changing, thus preventing a cure. Drodo biologists put this ability in so an enemy empire cannot develop a vaccine. They also created a special strain that was spaceborne.

Biology
A Drodo's biology is rather unique, they stand just three feet tall and have two hearts, as well, they posess enough strength to pick up a average human male and throw him 5 feet! Because of their strength, Drodo have a notoriously hard punch. The average lifespan of a Drodo is 130 years. Their short fur is very dense, which makes it a extremly good insulator, allowing them to go in frigid temperatures with little more than there normal clothes. However, Drodo generally have slightly below-average manual dextarity [due to there three-fingered hands]. Drodo hatch from a egg after 7 months, Drodo eggs are extremly hard. The newborn gets out the egg with a sharp, hornlike protrusion on the top of there head, it falls out right after hatching. A small percentage of Drodo do not lose the protrusion, this does not effect them in any way, however. Contrary to popular belief, the Drodo mouth is not a true proboscis. It is actually a more conventional mouth attached to a extended asophigus. At the very front, there is a set of sharp teeth, not much different than a human's. The rest of the "Tube Mouth" is a extension of the asophigous, that helps transport food through the rest of the digestive system. The mouth extends out about 15 centimetres.

Culture
Drodo culture is somewhat unique, hats are very important in Drodo culture. As a general rule of thumb, the more gold and silver a hat has, the more "honorable" it is. As well, a thing that sets them apart is that they have perfected the art of gunsmithing (designing and producing firearms), something Drodo take pride in. To join a Gunsmith guild is a great honor, while inventing a sucessful firearm can make one famous. The Drodo Mafia is a large, underground power in the empire, generally centered around the core worlds, they secretly pull the strings of Drodo politics, and share a "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" relationship with the police and courts, allowing them to get away with almost anything. Within the more corrupt cities, almost everyone has a connection with the Mafia, whether they bought a couch from the Mafia (the Mafia sells very unusual things), or being a full-fleged boss. Most Drodo citizens own a personal starship, they are usually anywhere from 15 to 100 metres long. Most personal starships are armed, mainly to blast away asteroids, but sometimes to fend off space pirates. The laws on weaponry, however, are tight. A starship cannot have anymore than two light weapons on there ship. Legally, a "light weapon" is a weapon in which the turret (or tube for missile or charges) weighs no more than 2 tons (about the weight of a small car). Its projectile must weigh less than 50 kilograms, and it should not be able to, under normal circumstances, be able to destroy a mostly rock asteroid 500 metres in diameter in a single shot. Antimatter charges with a maximum yield of more than 10 megatons are strictly prohibited. Nuclear weapons of any kind are illegal, although these weapon's yields are lower than most commerceral antimatter charges, the radiation it imparts is a point of concern.

Threat assessment

 * Safe: Small, not a threat.


 * Equal: Equivalent or slightly more power than the Drodo. Medium threat.


 * Threshold: Can push Empire to the brink if at war. Large threat.


 * Apocaliptic: Drodo Empire is destroyed, end of story. Impossibly large threat.

Allies
Our valued friends! The Duckulon Empire - Safe

The United Federation of Species - A friend in a unfriendly galaxy. - Equal

The Arkit Council Empire - New to the galactic scene, much like ourselves. - Safe

Neutral
We are uncertain of these people.

Eranian Collective - They killed our men. But its possibly a misunderstanding. - Equal

Rambo Nation - Only in communication briefly, although there is peace, their is no alliance. - Threshold

Altran Republic - We have exchanged valuable technology very recently, they are as well trading partners with the Drakodominatus Tyranny, but we will not let this reflect on our opinion of them. - Safe

Enemies
They will feel the wrath of the Drodo Empire!

The Grox - Apocaliptic

The Varkinian Confederacy - Threshold

The Mag'heli Dominion - Safe

The Drakodominatus Tyranny - Threshold

Technology
The Drodo Empire is Tier 4.3. Having a large empire, and rather advanced technology [especilally in the ballistics and biological fields]. They gather raw energy from stars using a large station that "sucks away" a star's raw energy, they then ship this volitile energy to a planetary refining plant, where it is refined and shipped across the empire. They also use nuclear fusion, especally on starships, as there energy requirments are not as much as a planet.

Quotes
This is the Drodo Empire's quotes section, feel free to add yours!

"Lifeforms without purpose, whose indecision and lack of intelligence have led to a war where they are being crushed, it is their fault for all death" -Admiral Vitaze

Trivia

 * The Drodo Empire's theme song is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23983guaiYE (I know, a little cheesy, but hey, it fits the bill!) (Not a proper anthem, of course.)


 * The Drodo Empire is loosely based off of Canada.


 * The Drodo Empire was Operation Marines' first Space Stage Spore game.