The Tyconian Empire
Structure and History

Tyconian Manifest Destiny

Very early in the development of civilization on Tycon, multiple, independent writings by developing cultures around the planet spoke of "visiting gods". In each writing, the description of these gods and their message was consistent. It encouraged the young civilization to pursue science and technology. They were told it was the key to their future.

Specifically, they were told that, in the future they would rule the stars and eventually walk side by side with the gods. It even made specific references to other races that would be met in nearby stars that were "placed there to aid you in your destiny".

These writings had a great influence on Tyconian culture and society. Believed or not, they affected how the emerging nations grew, developed, and interacted. It also spurred their culture toward more intellectual pursuits.

By the time the Tyconians finally entered space and discovered faster than light travel, these writings were largely regarded as myth. This changed when, shortly after starting to explore, the Tyconians found several races on nearby stars. The writings took on even deeper meaning to the Tyconians when they realized many of those races were seeded on these planets, placed there as foretold in the ancient texts.

Tycon discovered it's technology was ahead of these planets and used that advantage to bring them into the newly formed Empire. As the Empire grew, it became easier to absorb new worlds as discovered.

The Tyconian Empire was born out of a belief that it is their destiny to rule the galaxy and the founding of the Empire is the first step in that process.

Extent of the Empire

The fledgling empire now covers one subsector and claims another 8 surrounding it (collectively known as The Territories). The Empire Proper is often called The Core Worlds and is where Imperial Law rules and The Empire has full authority. The Territories is where The Empire holds great sway and is building it's power base by absorbing planets, forming colonies, and building bases.

Beyond The Territories is unexplored space. This area is not truly unexplored, at least not all of it. Much of it is simply undocumented. The Empire doesn't, yet, have the resources to fully explore, survey and keep up with changes in this region. The further from The Territories you travel, the more space becomes truly unexplored and unknown.

Structure of the Empire

The Tyconians have settled on a unique political structure that makes absorbing new planets fairly easy. Officially, each star system is responsible for governing itself. The Empire is responsible for the interactions between star systems. Unofficially, Tycon uses economic pressure to absorb and control star systems. Once in The Empire, careful education and media campaigns are used to convert the population from viewing themselves as planetary citizens to being Imperial Citizens.

While technically remaining self governing, most star systems, for the most part, follow and enforce Imperial Law as their own. Citizens pay Imperial taxes in addition to any planetary taxes and Imperial military forces provide most of the security for the more important star systems (where important means rich, populous, powerful, and strategic). The process is sufficiently gradual that few systems even realize the transition.

Because of the size of space and the delays in communications, Tycon has established a Feudal system where nobles are appointed to various governing positions and are fairly independent. They can make many decisions without consulting the Emperor. Nobility is inherited but is also used as a reward for loyalty to The Empire. It is also removed as a punishment for those disloyal. The system works well, allowing the local nobles to focus on running their part of The Empire without significant input from the Emperor but still able to hold them accountable for not enforcing the Emperor's will and adhering to Imperial Law.

Currently, there is a Duke in charge of each of the 9 subsectors making up The Empire and it's territories. In addition, there are 2 Dukes in charge of Imperial Expansion. One is in charge of exploration and heads up the Scout Service. One is in charge of colonization and manages colonization efforts in The Territories and beyond.

All of the Dukes meet once per year on Tycon to confer with the Emperor and coordinate and plan out the next year. This is called the Moot Court, or just The Moot. Other nobles are also welcome to attend. The Moot puts forth suggestions and recommendations for the Emperor to consider. Occasionally, they will collectively demand certain actions but, in general, they have no real authority except that given as an extension of the Emperor's power. Consequently, any suggestions, recommendations, or demands are still subject to the Emperor's will and whim, though he will usually grant most requests from The Moot.

Tyconians, Darid, and Imperial Military Power

Early on, Tycon realized the power of the Darid military mind set and society. Lacking the ability to serve their Creators (the Elders), Tycon quickly substituted themselves as de facto masters to the Darid. This relationship has worked well for both sides. It addresses the Darid inbred need to serve and drive to be soldiers with the Tyconian need for a strong and loyal military base.

While the military is composed of all races and the Darid make up a small percentage, the Darid tend to serve longer and thus reach a higher rank meaning most of the upper level chain of command is Darid. Moreover, Tycon uses only highly vetted Darid for Imperial Security Services, the group charged with the protection of the Emperor and other Imperial nobles.

The end result of this is that the military is not only strongly loyal and controlled by the Darid but it is loyal specifically to Tycon even over the Empire. In other words, the Darid military are loyal to the Tyconian race, not the Empire. This makes any sort of military coop virtually impossible since the power base of the military are loyal to the Tyconian race and can't be swayed by the "greater good of the Empire" or similar tactics.

The Nature of The Empire

The Empire and the Tyconians are not especially good nor evil. Specifically, they do not go out of their way to protect or nurture the citizens of the Empire. They do not protect developing worlds as a rule and will make contact with worlds even knowing that such contact will have major impact to that world's culture and society.

At the same time, The Empire, does not specifically attempt to oppress, enslave, or otherwise abuse it's citizens. It will help out worlds in need, it sends humanitarian aid when needed, and maintains the peace.

In short, The Empire is fairly neutral. The Tyconians take their role as rulers seriously and try to run a beneficial government but, at the same time, will not hesitate to use any means necessary to further their goals of growing The Empire toward the ultimate goal of ruling the entire galaxy.