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Short Story Introduction

"When Apovlitos died, he, like all old Gervians, sparked off and his body burst into flame. Unlike other Gervians, the throne on which he sat continued to burn long after the body itself has been consumed.

This miracle flame is not magic, but rather something far more powerful and potent. It is the soul of the Concordium, fed by the lives of those who, like Apovlitos, died to create it.

So long as this fire continues to burn, it serves as a reminder of the importance of what we do here every day. This flame binds us to the duty that befalls us all and our responsibility to the united peoples.

The laws made here, in this chamber, are as hard and unbending as iron forged in the heart of the hottest fire. It is upon these foundations we build our future. The future of the Concordium.

So long as this flame burns, may we never forget that!

May the flame burn forever bright!"

- Chancellor Afallon following the death of Emperor Apovlitos.

Overview

"Tolerance, justice and progress. These be the cornerstones of the Concordium. Principles that all citizens should strive to meet."

- Chancellor Camlann

However, intolerance, injustice and infighting are often what actually defines it. No government is ever perfect, regardless of their good intentions.

– Conleth, Historian to the Concordium.

Alternating between authoritative, benevolent, tolerant and xenophobic ideas, the Concordium represents the very best and the absolute worst of sentient life. From its humble beginnings as a Gervian empire, it has matured and grown over the centuries and now stands as the pinnacle of civilisation in known space.

Although the Gervians may claim dominance, officially all races are equally represented in Concordium politics through their voices on the Assembly and Core Council. The reality, however, is that the size and power of each member state have a great deal of bearing on their influence within the organisation, as does their particular aptitude at politics.

History, too, has an impact, particularly among the races with especially long memories. The Ursians and Gervians tend to find themselves at logger heads, if only to see the other fail. Friendships forged long ago in the fires of war can be similarly lasting, for instance between the Ursians and Tuleonetians or the Gervians and Charians. Politics can sometimes devolve into factional power struggles. However, the impact of the more neutral voices raised to break stalemates cannot be underestimated.

When outside threats align against the Concordium as a whole, the races can be unusually co-operative and present an united front against any foe. They see it as acceptable to manoeuvre for power against their own, but should an outsider meddle with even their most detested friend then the full wrath of the collective comes to the fore. It is only during times of disunity and serious infighting that the Concordium has really shown any vulnerability.

Ships

Designs by James Goudie

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Timeline

Timeline

Concordium History

Rise of the Gervians

0 SDY - Rise of Marcus "Bellator" Degervian

The Gervian calendar officially started on 0 SDY with Marcus Bellator rising to the throne of the Gervian Empire on Gervia Prime, ushering in the beginning of the Degervian dynasty.

9th Century - Degervian Empire becomes sole superpower

Emperor Alitis "Megalos" Degervian completes world conquest of Gervia Prime, uniting it under a single government of the Degervian Empire for the first time in history.

Early Space Age

10th Century - Astrological Mystery

Apatilos Sel, the moon which had long been on an exceptional orbit around Gervia and visible only every 10 years, finally breaks free and is not seen again.

10th Century - First Space Flight

Gervians launch the first manned space flight in an attempt to find Apatilos Sel. Mission is a failure, but it does herald the beginning of the Gervian presence in space. Subsequent mission successfully lands on Gervia's other moon.

11th Century - Gervia IV

Alien signals from Gervia IV picked up. Probe mission to the planet launched and a fellow Gervian civilisation discovered.

12th Century - Interplanetary Empire

Shortly after a successful manned mission to Gervia IV, an invasion is planned and executed which ended in the unconditional surrender of Gervia IV to Gervia Prime. This constitutes the first interplanetary expansion of the Degervian Empire.

13th Century - Expansion in Space

The 13th Century saw unprecedented advances in space-faring technology with whole sale asteroid mining taking place, bio domes being developed and the first forays into genetic modification. Life in the distant Phlegon System also discovered.

14th Century - Colonialism

The moon around Gervia VII determined to be suitable for colonisation. The first effort fails, but a subsequent attempt later in the century is successful.

Degervian Empire

15th Century - Interstellar Technology

For several hundred years now, the Gervians have been attempting to make interstellar travel plausible. Their attempts come to fruition in this century with the first interstellar colony being established.

An alien artefact is discovered and later determined to be a gate. Gervian scientists manage to get the gate working, but its initial functionality is extremely limited. One link they do establish, however, is to Phlegon where trade relations with the Gervian civilisation found there are established.

The far easier travel promised by the gate halts all development of interstellar engines and travel.

16th Century - First Contact

Charian scouts appear through the Gervia gate, initiating first contact with a truly alien sentient species. The Charians are determined to be far in advance of Degervian technology, but friendly trade relations are established. Charians introduce universal translator tech to the Degervian Empire.

17th Century - War of Gervian Supremacy

Degervian spies successfully steal Charian gate codes, unlocking a far greater range of travel.

The Degervian Empire and Phlegon Empire go to war in what would be known as the War of Gervian Supremacy. Six other Gervian planets split between the two major powers. Charians remain neutral throughout.

18th Century - Degervian Concordium

Leocadium Degervian and Julia Phlegon marry, ending the War of Gervian Supremacy by uniting the two powers into one super power. Degervian Concordium founded. Charians join the Degervian Concordium as a client state, allowing the politically active Gervian bureaucrats to worry about governance. This allows the Charians to focus on other pursuits.

19th Century - Fall of the Degervian Concordium

Early in the 19th Century, the Tuleonetian race was discovered on the twin planets of Daggett IV and V. The Degervian Concordium recognises the potential of their unique telepathic abilities and work to enslave the entire technologically primitive race in order to harness this power.

Another major space faring race is discovered - the Ursians, who condemn the Gervian treatment of the Tuleonetian peoples. Meanwhile an extremely opportunist and aggressive race appears on the fringes of Degervian space calling themselves the Valdus.

The Ursians declare war on the Degervian Concordium sparking The First War of Oppression. Their demands are equal rights and the end of slavery. Initially the war is in stalemate, but begins to turn against the Ursians as the Gervians start to hire Valdus mercenaries to harass Ursian shipping.

Rise of the Galactic Concordium

20th Century - The Concordium

The War of Oppression drags on, but the balance once again changes when the Ursians enlist the assistance of the Maratasen, a very warlike race of feline creatures. Gervian will to fight quickly wanes against this potent mix of tenacity and power. The Ursians emerge victorious.

The Ursian Empire, Gervian Empire, Tuleonetians and Charians all join a new organisation known as the Galactic Concordium as equal members, and the institution of slavery is formally abolished. The Valdus and Maratasen chose not to join.

21st Century - Rise of the Galactic Concordium

The Concordium discover the Inarian homeworld who quickly join the Concordium. Additionally, the first case of Triticus Plague is recorded.

22nd Century - Rumbles of Trouble

For the past two centuries, much research was done into longevity enhancement. That effort was seriously impaired with the discovery of cellular halflife, whereby an absolute limit could be determined for biological entities.

The Urix Empire is encountered for the first time by the Concordium.

Hadjara is found and the plight of the Saraven race discovered. The Great Migration is successfully executed after which the Saraven are given new homes throughout the Concordium and formally join the organisation.

The Valdus Homeworld falls to Urix invasion.

23rd Century - War on the Horizon

The Saraven are discovered hacking into the Tuleonetian Meld. Serious contention over the right to psionic privacy arises which ultimately sparks into war between those two races in the War of Psionic Privacy.

The Urix Empire, the Khdvan Atuarfik, invade the Maratasen led Dawnguard Patriachy. The Dawnguard Patriachy, losing ground rapidly to the far more powerful foe, turn to the Concordium for protection and later formally join it.

The Saraven led empire, the Eternal Dynasty, secede from the Concordium after losing their war and instead join the Urix Empire.

Triticus Plague declared epidemic as efforts to contain it fail.

24th Century - Civil War

The origin of the Triticus Plague discovered to be in illegal genetic research. Crisis is worsened when the Concordium is discovered to have been doing mass experiments on pre-space faring civilisations using weapons of mass destruction. Large parts of the Concordium led by Inarian "Purists" renounce their membership to the Concordium. This initiates civil war: the War of Genetic Purity.

25th Century - Fall of the Concordium

Smelling blood in the water, the Urix Empire declares war and invades the Concordium. The Inarian Homeworld falls without resistance to Urix forces.

Rumour of another race discovered on the fringes of Concordium space.

26th Century - A Small Hope

Discovery of Masians on Nagor leads to cure of Triticus Plague. The Masian people join the Concordium.

Inarian Homeworld is liberated by Concordium forces, ending the War of Genetic Purity and forcing the Urix to face a unified foe for the first time.

Prototype of new planet-bound Quantum Portal successfully tested.

Resurgence of the Galactic Concordium

27th Century - End of an Era

The Valdus resistance, united under the Valdus Thanejard, successfully throws off Urix occupiers and joins the Concordium.

Prototype Quantum Gate in space successfully tested. Concordium begins using new Quantum technology to outmanoeuvre Urix forces.

Saraven Eternal Dynasty defeated and rejoins Concordium.

28th Century - Resurgence of the Concordium

War of Urix Aggression ends with surprise treaty in which Urix join the Concordium. Peace heralds new era of expansion and prosperity. Against this backdrop of stability, rumour of a new enemy persists as frontier colonies go silent.

First mobile Quantum Gate constructor probes built and sent to far distant systems allowing further colonialism. This prompts mass colonial emigration and a boom in colonial expansion.

29th Century - Into The Future

What happens next is up to you.

Politics

"Government is the legal contract moderating conflict between individuals. Without it life would be nasty, brutish and short." - Chancellor Camlann

This cannot really be attributed to Camlann, although he is correct.

– Conleth, Historian to the Concordium.

Concordium Government

A planet is determined to be any populated world inhabited by those belonging to a Concordium member empire, even if shared with those who are not.

For every 1 billion people, a planet may send 1 delegate (rounding up).

Each planet must send at least 1 delegate.

A new colony must be in existence for 10 years and grow to a population of at least 1 million before they are required to send a delegate.

Planets

Each planet has their own form of government, and their own hierarchy. Some are autocratic, some are democratic, but each must send at least one representative to the Concordium Assembly. This representative can be the leader of the planet, in which case planetary administration is left to a deputy.

• Sends at least 1 Planetary Representative to the Concordium Assembly.
• Representatives can be known as either Planetary Representatives or Interstellar Electors.

Concordium Assembly

The Concordium Assembly is comprised of all Planetary Representatives and functions as the primary legislature for the Concordium. It meets in its entirety on Geruvia, the capital of the Concordium, and always in the presence of the Burning Throne, from which it gets legitimacy. A territorial area the size of a country has been put aside for this function. The Chancellor of the Concordium is elected by the Concordium Assembly, from among the Planetary Representatives.

• The Legislature of the Concordium
• Elects the Chancellor of the Concordium
• Sits in the Concordium Chambers on Geruvia.

The Core Council

The Core Council is an oversight committee which includes a representative of each of the 10 Core Races (and sometimes the leader of the Homeworld). The Core Council may choose to block any policy drafted by the Concordium Assembly with a simple majority and return it to the Concordium Assembly for further debate. The Core Council may also revoke or veto any policy passed by the Concordium Assembly with a two-thirds majority. The Core Council has no vote on either policy or Chancellor elections. The Core Council may issue decrees if jointly signed by the Chancellor during times of emergency. The Core Council meets in the same chamber as the Concordium Assembly (when it's obviously not in session) and always in the presence of the Burning Throne, from which it gets legitimacy.

• Consists of a representative of each Core Race.
• May block draft policy with a simple majority
• May veto / revoke a passed policy with a 2/3 majority.
• May issue decrees with Chancellor's signature.
• It is theoretically possible for a member of the Core Council to also sit on the Concordium Assembly! This happens fairly frequently.
• It is also theoretically possible for a member of the Core Council to be Chancellor, though this has not happened before.

The Office of Chancellor

The Chancellor is elected from among the Planetary Representatives, by the Concordium Assembly.

• Official spokesperson of the Concordium.
• Carries the Torch of the Concordium, lit from the Burning Throne.
• May overturn Judicial rulings with a simple majority of both Concordium Assembly and Core Council.

Concordium Hierarchy

Other Important Government Branches

The Shireeves and Magistrates

The Shire-reeves or Shireeves are the permanent police forces. It is their responsibility to investigate crimes, keep the peace and enforce the law.

Although they may be known locally by a plethora of different names, asking for a Shireeve anywhere in the Concordium will be understood. The Shireeves take on a range of duties from being forensic experts, detectives or military police, to simply being the regular police officers on the beat. Shireeves can acquire a limited legal education which allows them to counsel or represent others in a court of law.

Likewise, Magistrates are raised from local populations and trained to preside over local laws.

The Judiciary

Although each planet has the right to determine their own legal and judicial system, each member is subject to the oversight of Concordium Lawspeakers and Magisters. Ultimately, the Concordium Supreme Court may rule on any dispute, but it is extremely rare for cases to go this far.

The Military

Each planet may maintain their own military independent of Concordium command. Likewise, Empires can use their own armed forces to expedite their the Empires's own goals and ambitions. However, the Concordium does have its own military, both for ground and space operations. It is maintained by taxes levied on all members both in terms of manpower and materiel.

The Concordium Fleet

The largest branch of the Concordium military forces is the Concordium Fleet, which is responsible for maintaining security in space. It works closely with Interstellar military and police forces to keep space lanes open for both trade and movement of personnel.

The vast bulk of the fleet is comprised of smaller lancers, scouts, gunboats and other attack craft which can easily dispatch pirates and smugglers and can be used to intimidate boisterous planetary governments back to the fold. They do, however, maintain a significant capital ship fleet that they use to end fleet engagements with overwhelming force.

The military has an absolutely immense budget and access to the most cutting edge of technologies developed in a profusion of very well equipped science laboratories. There is a strong tradition of technology being developed for military purposes and then being re-designed for commercial use once it has become obsolete or when newer versions are available for military use.

The Concordium Special Operations Executive (C.S.O.)

If you know the name, you may know too much already.

Empires and the Concordium

As hinted, Empires continue to function within the Concordium framework, each free to pursue their own goals and ambitions so long as they do not involve military action between members. There exist extensive political and diplomatic mechanisms to ensure the continued good will between these entities - enforced by a significant military threat should they fall out of line.

Each Empire enjoys a great deal of freedom under this regime, partaking in the benefits of guaranteed trade and security. They may (and indeed are expected to) maintain their own military forces and create their own legal framework. With these, they are free to expand and grow, bringing more and more territory under Concordium influence.

Politically, Empires themselves do not have an Empire Representative but must rather act through the Planetary Representatives of planets who belong to that Empire. The only exception to this are the 10 Core Empires, each the primary representative of a Core Race. Each of these Core Empires has direct influence on the Concordium and its governance through the Core Council.

This is all so confusing!

- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens

Confusing but necessary.

- Darshana

Important People and Institutions of the Concordium

Apovlitos the Great - The First and Last Emperor of the Concordium

Apovlitos was the Emperor of the Degervian Empire when it fought the War of Oppression and lost. In the peace deal he signed with the Ursians, he agreed that the Degervian Empire would be abolished and rolled, with the Oathsworn Empire, into a new entity: the Concordium. This new body is, of course, the organisation we know today, but Apovlitos and the Ursian ruler, Afallon Penddraig, were key in creating the legislative and legal framework which has lasted through the centuries.

Realising the impact this loss would have on the Gervian psyche, Apovlitos offered to be a co-ruler of the new Concordium with his Ursian counterpart. Afallon would take up the new role of Chancellor (becoming the first Chancellor), while Apovlitos would remain Emperor. Apovlitos's position would be abolished with his death, leaving the Chancellor in sole control of the Concordium (with the checks and balances afforded by the Core Council and the Assembly).

The Covenant and the Burning Throne

When Apovlitos the Great, First and Last Emperor of the Concordium, died of natural causes on his throne he burned, like all Gervian bodies he burned... but then kept on burning. Rumours persist of a group dedicated to the memory of Apovlitos who are thought to believe that Apovlitos is not dead at all, but remains at the heart of Concordium politics.

This group, known simply as "The Covenant", are decried as lunatics and madmen. They are ruthlessly hunted down by Concordium enforcement officials. It is quite clear that their true agenda is nothing more than the restoration of imperial power within the Concordium and the reinstatement of Gervian rule.

I've heard that the Burning Throne is just a hoax, and that it's powered by hidden gas pipes that feed the fire.

- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens

Darshana is not so sure...

- Darshana

Chancellor Camlann

Name - Camlann Gwyrtheryn

Race - Ursian

Physical Overview Large, white Ursian. One of the largest Ursians known, however, he tends to walk hunched over. Many assume this is due to his great age, but in reality is a holdover from years spent in small alien bunkers during his early life.

His snout and face are crosscrossed with old scars, the longest of which goes over his left eye. The wound has left his sight slightly impaired. He realises he can be intimidating to others and is willing to use this to his advantage. When angry or threatened, he will rise to his full height. Those that know him take this to be a very dire warning.

Background Born in 2370 and recently having celebrated his 426th birthday, Camlann is one of the oldest Ursians known to still live. His apprenticeship was served on the Inarian homeworld, and he rose to the rank of Lawspeaker at the outbreak of the War of Genetic Purity. Disgusted by what he saw as an unacceptable breach of Concordium law, he fought hard behind enemy lines to retain law and order.

Engaged in this struggle, he co-ordinated with Concordium loyalists and aided in their resistance against the Purists with whom he so completely disagreed. In time, he served the 100 years, took the Question and became a full Magister with all the responsibilities it entailed. He remained in Purist space serving with distinction in this capacity. His intolerance for unlawful behaviour increased, but his appreciation of foreign cultures also improved as he saw how jurisprudence not only allowed but encouraged mutual benefit between peoples.

As the war waned, he came into Chancellor Lanak Dawnlight's notice and was brought in as an aide to oversee the integration of the Masian people into the Concordium. He took to this role with alacrity and it can be said that it was thanks to his diligence the process was so expedient and painless. Under Lanak's tutelage, Camlann then entered the Concordium Assembly as he entered political life proper, quickly earning a reputation as a stalwart defender of law within the Concordium.

Finally, in 2691, he was himself elected Chancellor after the death of his predecessor, Chancellor Doldara Larelya. Under his watchful guidance, the Concordium continued its resurgence following several centuries of decline. His greatest feat was during peace negotiations with the Urix Empire, during which he not only ended the destructive war but reconciled both sides to a position whereby the Urix would actually join the Concordium of its own free will rather than through conquest.

Since then, his attention has turned to massive expansion of Concordium territory. It was his initiative to use mobile Quantum Gate constructors to launch probes to distant worlds and then use those as a conduit to further colonisation.

Personality Overview Camlann prefers to lead by example and he does this with conviction and purpose. His style can be described as inspiring and stimulating, but also forceful and bullying.

He is dedicated and driven, holding the word of the law above all else. Those who abide by it have the full force of his personality behind them. Those who do not, however, are adjudged by him to be worthless or worse, an obstacle to be overcome, which he will do with ruthless efficiency and a complete lack of remorse.

He makes no secret of this requirement and brooks no argument that all action must be legitimate and sanctioned under law. This said, he is a veteran politician recognising that not everyone will act according to his personal code. He is a skilled negotiator and legislator working hard to ensure that the word of the law fulfils its purpose. Once enacted however, those laws are absolute.

Concordium Chancellors

1945-1989 Afallon Penddraigh (Ursian) (M) + Emperor Apovlitos the Great (Gervian) (M) (44 Yrs)

1989-2084 Afallon Penddraigh (Ursian) (139 Yrs) (M)

2085-2116 Caeccisar Livicius (Gervian) (suicide after discovery of Cellular Halflife) (31 Yrs) (M)

2116-2131 Gnarsar Cician (Gervian) (15 Yrs) (M)

2131-2133 Appron Pontix (Gervian) (Died of Triticus) (2 Yrs) (M)

2133-2156 Antonro Hadrsar (Gervian) (23 Yrs) (M)

2156-2244 Verorix Lughin (Ursian) (Seen to have gone mad in latter years, otherwise good. Blamed for Saraven war.) (88 Yrs) (M)

2244-2261 Julusttus Aqulus (Gervian) (Ursians not seen as neutral during Psionic Privacy) (17 Yrs) (M)

2261-2264 Felicius Cypian (Gervian) (Died of Triticus) (3 Yrs) (M)

2264-2283 Nerlia Cypian (Gervian) (Wife of Felicius) (19 Yrs) (F)

2283-2284 Horto Caero (Gervian) (Died of Triticus) (1 Yr) (M)

2285-2288 Tinelade Lonesong (Tuleonetian) (Died of Triticus) (3 Yrs) (F)

2288-2295 Hilian Bladinius (Gervian) (Abdicated following Saraven secession) (7 Yrs) (M)

2295-2301 Eldstan Blyter (Charian) (Assassinated after genetic modification research discovered) (6 Yrs) (M)

2302-2316 Maro Cypian (Gervian) (14 Yrs) (F)

2316-2339 Gaia Livicius (Gervian) (Actually a good leader trying to hold things together. Resigns when WMD's discovered.) (23 Yrs) (F)

2339-2342 Fabsta Conro (Gervian) (Assassinated) (3 Yrs) (F)

2342-2347 Faenice Morcyll (Ursian) (Died of Triticus) (5 Yrs) (F)

2347-2355 Aiden Roaringsummer (Tuleonetian) (Resigns in favour of Leon to try and smooth over conflict) (8 Yrs) (M)

2355-2356 Leon N'escrime (Inarian) (Removed from office. Becomes leader of the Purists.) (1 Yr) (M)

2356-2363 Iomacos Bretig (Ursian) (Coup d'etat) (7 Yrs) (M)

2363-2365 (Military Council) (2 Yrs)

2365-2419 Baraslava Zarelna (Maratasen) (Killed in battle against Urix) (54 Yrs) (F)

2419-2457 Boran Demir (Maratasen) (Died of Triticus) (38 Yrs) (M)

2457-2463 Morait Eavus (Ursian) (Died of Triticus) (6 Yrs) (F)

2464-2471 Tarce Fairnight (Tuleonetian) (Died of Triticus) (7 Yrs) (M)

2471-2496 Charan Colren (Charian) (Resigned... Reinstated) (25 Yrs) (M)

2496-2505 Charan Colren (Charian) (Retired) (9 Yrs) (M)

2505-2590 Lanak Dawnlight (Tuleonetian) (85 Yrs) (M)

2590-2653 Enonia Cypian (Gervian) (63 Yrs) (F)

2653-2691 Doldara Larelya (Maratasen) (38 Yrs) (F)

2691-present Camlann Gwyrtheryn (Ursian) (125 Yrs) (M)

Traveller's Log Entries

1. The Ambush: First Strike

by Cameron Ames

The cool, crisp air filled the field as the scent of blood started to contaminate it. It was mid-afternoon and the battalions were having a rough time with the constant bombardment of artillery at their bunkers.

“Judoc, they be closing in on us!” cautioned Bricius, urgently peering over the firing gallery. Piercing plasma arrows seemed to take the place of the light as they soared into the bright orange sun hindering the vision of the squad. Through the barrage, sleek reptilian figures could be seen picking their way across the no man's land separating the two armies, their many spikes and scales the epitome of nightmare.

“Sergeant Bricius, take Herodotos and Seti and flank up there!” the rugged Ursian captain commanded, nodding to the right. Then suddenly, he ducked aside with a curse as a steaming plasma arrow buried itself in the concrete where his head had been seconds before.

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2. The Ambush: Final Hour

by Cameron Ames

Judoc watched dispassionately as the Concordium line suddenly broke and his soldiers began retreating from the battle, abandoning their trenches. Many scrambled over comrades in their desire to escape. The Urix behind them ecstatically filled the abandoned position and began to pour fire at the backs of their retreating enemy.

He kept his eyes on the scene with rapt attention, turning away with great reluctance only upon hearing a great disturbance from the top of the hill. A heavy weapon had been unleashed and he watched fascinated as the odd energy bolt flickered over the summit before it became eerily quiet. With a final worried glance, he turned back to his own fleeing allies below.

Without warning, huge pillars of light appeared all over the recently captured trenches, each beam being about the size of five Ursians standing side to side. One or two beams missed their target, but were quickly streamed into position. Judoc looked back up at the top of the hill and imagined that he could see Seti telepathically calling in the orbital strikes.

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