LoS: Triton Empire
- This is an article related to the science fiction role play setting Legacy of Sol.
Full Name : Triton Empire
- Abbreviations : TE, Triton
Independence :
- Founded : 2220 July 3rd
- Recognized : 2228 July 6th
Government : Autocratic absolute monarchy
- Imperator : Konrad Varian
Legislature : Assembly of Advisors
Capital World : Triton
Capital : Ybdis
Major Holdings : Neptune, Triton, Proteus, Naiad, Nereid, Crytos
Population : *todo*
Demonym : Imperial
Major Ethnic Groups : European ethnicities (English, German, Dutch, Swiss, Italian), east Asian ethnicities (Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese)
Military : Imperial Mustered Soldiery
Intelligence Agency : Imperial Ministry of Defense
Official Languages : English, German, Japanese
State Religions : Atheism
Currency : Imperial Aureus (Aureus • AUR)
InterPlaNet TLD : .tri
The Triton Empire is an interplanetary state that has its base of power on the moon Triton. An autocratic monarchy, the Triton Empire is governed by the absolute authority of its imperator, or emperor. A figure who's influence and power is boundless within the confines of the empire, he is only kept somewhat in check by a delicate balance between the noble houses, and any potential risks of uprising among the lower classes. Known for its militant ways, it has often been accused of disregarding the human rights act. However, little evidence has ever been found to support these accusations and the empire's very strict adherence to the rules of war makes proponents of interplanetary cooperation wonder as to the validity of the potential propaganda.
Born from the tensions of the First Independence War and subsequently recognized as an independent state after the conclusions of the second, the empire maintains a very tense relationship with its rivals, the Union of Democratic Nations and the Conglomerate of Independent Colonies. Not one for subtlety and peaceful cooperation, the empire has displayed their aggressive zeal on numerous occasions, but have also proven themselves to be more than willing to cooperate so long as they do not feel personally threatened by the presence of the allying force.
Known for their powerful military, the Imperial Mustered Soldiery is the most advanced fighting force in the Solar System. Sporting technology steps ahead of their competition and possessing a fleet that rivals the demographically larger UDN's, they are often viewed with wary eyes and hints of fear as they displayed the brutal efficiency of their MAs, vessels and officers over the course of IW2. This fear has made relations even more strenuous.
Even though their society is based on strict discipline and fair and just treatment, there is no denying that their idea of justice is a very narrow and extraordinarily harsh one. Freedoms are extremely limited, while security is far higher than that of either of its rivals. While the figurehead of its first imperator and founder, Corvinus Lars, had made the public appeal of the empire soar, this impression has dulled over the years, especially after his death. Since then, the empire has continued its policy of isolationism and receives far fewer immigrants than the CIC does. However, many of its citizens are known for their fierce loyalty and willingness to fight tooth and nail for their home.
History
Conception
In the wake of the First Independence War, the UDN moved quickly to consolidate its hold over its remaining territory. While it had retained full control over its holdings on Mars and the Asteroid Belt, its reputation had been steadily slipping with the distant colonies of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. As a result, the union began to undo the public relation nightmare that was the secession of the entirety of Jupiter as well as the council's indulgence of the Terra Suprema extremists. With the propaganda machine turning around much of the brutal conflict to instead serve as inspiring sacrifices of Union soldiers, the UDN saw its hold recover swiftly.
However, admiral Corvinus Lars, a veteran of the conflict, had been growing tired of the ever-increasing corruption within the upper echelons of the UDN and its armed forces. Together with a few close comrades, Corvinus had been put in command of the fleet stationed around his home colony of Triton, retaining the Union's trust that he would defend their interest so far from Earth. However, almost immediately, he began to set his plans of insurrection in motion. Wanting a society based more on strict adherence to military principles of discipline and codes of honorable conduct, he found that neither the UDN, nor the CIC could ever provide such a framework. Instead, he decided to take matters into his own hands, and began to spread his influence across Triton, and eventually Neptune as a whole.
In the continued effort to secure its distant borders, the UDN greatly expanded its military presence around Neptune, which had turned into a tremendously lucrative region due to its neutrality in IW2 that had taken heavy tolls on the regions of the Solar System closer to Earth. Shipyards were constructed locally, often in orbit around Triton to take advantage of increased surface-to-air artillery and the Seventh Fleet under the command of Corvinus. With local workers being assigned to the projects, as well as local colonists being drafted to serve on the new ships and piloting the MAs that rolled off the assembly line, Corvinus was able to rely on a lot of support from likeminded, disgruntled colonists, who had not entirely forgotten about the Union's treatment of its colonies.
By the late 2210s, Triton's culture had evolved down a significantly different path than the rest of Union and Conglomerate space. With a renewed interest in older traditions of honor, glory in battle and a stricter moral code, citizens there had become more sober and the excess on display on Union colonies such as Titan and Umbriel became all the easier for Corvinus to use in his lobbying for support. The expanded war machine around Triton had also caused an unparalleled economic boom, as unemployment rates were nearly non-existent and a strong restructuring of local government under the influence of Corvinus started to make the Union somewhat nervous as to his intentions, for he seemed to be advocating for more localized government and autonomy from the Union.
By the end of 2219, Corvinus and his allies finally found themselves in the position he needed to make his move and it sparked another conflict that would shake the UDN to its very core.
Second Independence War
- Main article: Second Independence War
Admiral Corvinus Lars' announcement on July 3rd, 2220, came as a complete surprise to the Council of Delegates. In a sudden broadcast across most of the InterPlaNet, he performed a speech now famous among Triton's people as the de facto guidelines to their society as a whole, and its goals for the future. Assuming command of the Union fleets stationed around Triton, Corvinus proclaimed the moon independent from the UDN and names himself imperator of the Triton Empire. Political conversations on the matter of Triton independence had been a major subject of local, backroom discussions for decades, and the news delighted the local nobility, who instantly backed the admiral in his proclamation. In his speech, Corvinus condemned the current state of affairs, as well as the weak show put up by both the Union and the CIC over the course of IW1. Instead, he advocated that the people of the colonies took their destiny in their own hands and set out on their own.
His immense popularity among Triton's citizens, as well as the troops under his command, made the hostile takeover virtually undisputed. There were a few scarce skirmishes on the surface of the moon, as well as a few reported struggles on board several Seventh Fleet vessels, but the UDN saw itself lose on of its most potent and important holdings in the blink of an eye, and there was little they could do about it on short notice.
Corvinus' gamble paid off less than he and his associates had hoped. While the Union was as sluggish to respond as they had expected, only the territories around Neptune joined the cause, with his speech only causing minor rumblings of unrest in more distant colonies; many of which were more out of fear for a new war than anything else. Uranus and Saturn were swiftly secured by local UDN forces, that had fallen out of Corvinus' ambitious reach. However, he had effectively cut off Neptune in its entirety from the UDN. His popularity only soured further over the course of subsequent, charismatic addresses, and the fact that any soldiers under his command that did not agree with his actions, were allowed to leave the military unharmed. They were either transported to neutral ground around Uranus, or allowed to return to their homes should their families live in Neptune's space.
The UDN was dedicated to preventing another large scale conflict, but was also utterly unwilling to just part with Neptune and its valuable moon, Triton. Instead, it attempted to appeal to the people and expose Corvinus as a traitor. However, the plans backfired as the Union had underestimated just how much the cultures of Neptune had changed over the years. Responding far better to shows of force and words of romanticized bravery and combat, the Union became viewed as spineless and afraid of Corvinus' efforts. Instead of weakening the power base of the imperator, they had instead strengthened it. The CIC, in the meantime, saw little to no detrimental effect upon their territory after the rousing speech of Corvinus, and remained neutral in the affair. They saw a chance to further divide the Union and secure their borders by having the UDN concentrate on two rivals, instead of just one. They were still wary of the potent military presence the Triton Empire had, however, so they also refused to recognize the empire's independence, which was also contrary to Corvinus' expectations.
Over the next two years, Corvinus consistently refused to concede to any Union propositions, accepting nothing less than seeing his empire recognized by both interplanetary states. During this time, Imperial top brass also restructured local government and the military to suite the needs of the empire, slowly transforming Triton and the rest of Neptune into the autocratic monarchy. With the Assembly of Advisers founded and the noble houses taking proper shape, the Triton Empire was able to find stability in its youth in an alarmingly short amount of time.
With their hands tied, the UDNAF convinced the Council to give the go-ahead to begin a surgical strike into Triton territory and capture Corvinus; effectively putting a swift end to the conflict. The attack involved the Union ships that had been amassing on the borders of Neptune and Uranus space. Headed by the only admiral more celebrated for his efforts during IW1 than Corvinus, Deccard Raleigh, the fleet decimated the border patrols the empire had set up, and moved on to destroy several military installations when they refused to surrender. The counterattack was brutal, however, and with the death of admiral Raleigh in a subsequent battle, the Union found itself on the back foot for much of the first half of the Second Independence War.
Sporting military tactics and technology unknown to the Union, the Imperial fleet was able to overwhelm their opponent and, with the CIC's neutrality temporarily secured, Corvinus was able to implement his plans. It had never been the imperator's intent to engage the UDN in open warfare, at least not so long as the sovereignty of Triton was not at risk. However, he had made contingency plans in case the Union did show the backbone he knew their military had, even if the Council lacked the same resolve. Knowing they were outnumbered and still not stabilized enough to maintain a war effort for long, his only option was to rush towards Earth, hopefully bypassing the CIC.
For the first few years of the war, this strategy seemed to work, with Uranus and Saturn falling quickly before the Imperial advance. However, as expected, Mars proved more problematic and the UDN wasted no time to focus their efforts on holding the red planet. Corvinus could not risk leaving it be and expose the rear of his fleet to attacks from the sizable forces stationed in orbit there. The Union was able to hold Mars at great cost, long enough for the CIC to come to the decision to join the conflict. Their counter-attack forced the empire to retreat into Jupiter, where they met up with reinforcements to begin a war of attrition.
Fighting across the CIC was brutal and deadly, with civilian death tolls skyrocketing. The CIC quickly regretted their decision to ally themselves with the UDN, a fact that Corvinus only too happily pointed out to them in subsequent talks of a truce when it seemed the Union was not offering as much aid in return. Vindictive and bitter, Corvinus severed diplomatic ties and tried desperately to regain momentum.
However, by the end of the war, it was clear that the deadlock would not break. After the destruction of the Second Fleet that was to supply the First for an all-out push, Corvinus was pushed back to Saturn, where he was forced to concede to a draw. The Second Independence War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Titan, which saw the empire return the colonies of Uranus and Saturn, but gaining its full independence as an interplanetary state. While a result that was heralded as a tremendous victory by his people and subordinates, Corvinus allegedly suffered from tremendous regret for the rest of his years. His intent was to provide the empire with a stronger foothold, and he had failed.
Consolidation and expansion
The years directly following IW2 saw the consolidation of the empire's hold over its territory. While Triton and neighboring colonies had become fiercely loyal to the empire, there was still a great deal of work that needed to be done to finish the reorganization effort that had been halted due to the outbreak of the war. Over the course of five years, the restructuring affected the lives of citizens across the Solar System, as the need for regularizing travel from one state to the other, as well as using communication and postal services between states became far more complex. By the end of the period, however, the Triton Empire had been transformed into a society very different from its rivals and with its battered military slowly recovering, it was gaining the strength to properly defend its borders and patrol its space lanes.
On February 11th, 2235, imperator Corvinus Lars died at the age of 78 after a long battle against lung cancer. However, rumors also persisted that it his untimely death had been caused more by him losing his will to live than a lack of sufficient medical care and fortune. This caused him to gain a very tragic and sympathetic image with Imperial citizens and his tale almost became one of martyrdom and legend. Following his death, Imperial legislature and succession was put to the test for the first time and, despite long discussions and difficult decisions being made, the noble houses did eventually come to a decision. Unanimously, admiral Konrad Varian was selected from the candidates, and became the empire's second imperator.
Immediately, Konrad showed that he was made from a different material from his predecessor. While he too believed that Triton's course lay on the path it found itself on under the guidance of Corvinus, he did advocate for a more moderate and less aggressive approach to dealing with the other interplanetary states. Not keen on drawing out further conflict, Konrad managed to convince diplomatic channels to reopen and despite several conflicts between the empire and the Union over the years, the foreign media did begin to paint him in a more benign light than the universally condemned Corvinus.
By 2256, the empire's military might had expanded considerably, and like its rivals, it set its sights on expansion. However, theirs was a more careful approach, which was a trademark of their philosophy. Pacing themselves, they made sure to secure their fronts before looking outward. However, with a stable economy, fiercely loyal citizenry, and the military presence necessary to stand up to the Union's recovered and expanded armed forces, the Triton Empire seems ready to be a major contender in the Solar System.
Politics
The Triton Empire is an autocratic, absolute monarchy under the sole sovereignty of the imperator, or emperor. As sole and absolute leader of the interplanetary state, the imperator's word is law on all matters of government and beyond. Any decision reached and enacted is almost impossible to oppose or revoke, and he may lay claim to any possession of any citizen within the bounds of the empire. Of course, this system is not without its fair share of protective measures against the abuse of this power. As has been shown in terran history quite often, absolute power corrupts absolutely and dictatorships have gotten the terrible reputation they have for a good reason. However, upon creating his vision of a state under the rule of a militant hierarchy, Corvinus Lars had personally built in several failsafes. Although they have not yet been put to the test as both Corvinus and his successor, Konrad Varian, have proven to be incorruptible and surprisingly fair and just in their rule.
Among these systems is the fact that the noble caste of imperial society holds a great deal of economical power. Despite having attempted to abolish such old systems and hoping to prevent corruption across all facets of society, Corvinus could not prevent the creation of a wealthy elite that could always find ways to circumvent the system. However, they too are kept in check by the heavy crackdown of law enforcement. These noble houses each have their own ambitions and if the emperor wishes to maintain unity, he needs to keep their loyalties close. To that end, the imperator cannot just do as he sees fit, but must take all levels of society into account, lest he risk uprisings and riots that tear the empire apart. The most notable example of this balance is located in the empire's legislative entity: the Assembly of Advisers. Essentially a council composed of the ten heads of the most influential houses at any given time, a group whose composition changes quite frequently due to the power shifts involved with the higher classes, they advise the imperator on all manner of topics and issues. While they do not hold actual sway over the imperator, not having their advice heeded can have dire consequences for the stability of the state as a whole.
Upon the death of an imperator, his successor is not automatically chosen based on bloodline, although it is highly likely that one or more of his heirs would be considered for the position. Under normal circumstances, the Assembly would convene and begin discussing the possible candidates and only upon reaching a four-fifth majority in favor of a single option is a new imperator elected. This process can be a lengthy one, as shown during the long discussions that had been held after Corvinus' death on the matter of who would lead the empire next. However, it does remove stagnation and some nepotism as only the competent and apt are reviewed, with the inept falling to the waste side rather quickly.
Triton politics are usually defined by their very aggressive approach to just about any problem. If the economy struggles, taxes are raised and investments are made with as few risks as possible. If there is a problem with criminal elements within their territory, they crack down hard and fast, sometimes with deadly consequences for the perpetrators. Even the wiliest of Triton politicians have precious little patience for pointless conniving. While they are still sly and cunning, they will still be more up-front about their opinions and the real face behind the diplomatic mask than those of their rivals. At the end of the day, Triton politics is as dangerous as their military life is, the blade just comes more unexpectedly.
Society
Triton society has evolved down a very unexpected path over the past century. Its significant distance from Earth, as well as the fortune it had to remain largely unaffected by IW1, allowed it to grow unopposed ever since the moon was first colonized. Initially, mainly corporations were interested in the moon for mining purposes, similar to the appeal of Titan. However, over time, the tremendous distance called for a lot of these companies to establish more and more permanent of a presence, which in turn expanded the colony to the point where the UDN stationed a fleet dedicated to its protection. Just like with most other colonies, Triton began to develop its own identity, which spawned from the majority cultures that made up its ranks, them being English, German and Japanese. Combat, battle and martial prowess became part of being successful in the public eye and in the wake of IW1, this only became a more integral part of society.
An unofficial military duty came into existence, which saw plenty of children serving a tour of duty of at least a year, either as an actual part of the UDN military, or as part of the local militia and corporate armed forces. This further instilled a tremendous sense of discipline and Triton became known for both its security, and its strict regulations. Laws were enforced to the letter and sense of military control dawned over life in its entirety. A lot of public and social responsibilities became mandatory, with people who refused to conform and abide by the rules being shunned as rebels, troublemakers and anarchists. Many would claim that free speech is dead in Triton, that is a gross exaggeration. While people clearly have fewer outlets for their opinions and must generally follow the path and career they are set on, there are an equal amount of laws in place to protect them from exploitation and to subject their superiors to the same review.
The only tears in the system come with the higher castes, where the sober nature of the common person in the street, is overruled by wealth and excess. The children of the rich CEOs and managers that came to Triton seeking success, these individuals have become a new form of aristocracy, even taken on the monikers of "nobility" and "house or clan names" to express their heritage and the value of their blue blood. In sharp contrast to the tremendously down-to-earth lower classes, many of these aristocrats dabble in some of the worst backstabbing and shady dealing seen in many centuries of human history. Veiled in secrecy, they retain the same dignified aura as other Triton citizens on the outside, but behind it all is a cutthroat game of cloak, dagger and influence. Small wonder than that the ten most powerful houses, a status that changes constantly, make up the Assembly that have the ear of even the absolute monarch.
Even among the lower classes, honor and respect are of vital importance. Rude and cruel behavior is never tolerated, except if there is rhyme or reason behind it. The inability to show the proper discipline and respect when addressing superiors is equally frowned upon and these individuals are quickly shown their place. Only by going through the proper channels does anything ever get done and, while this is an impersonal, unbiased system, it is also too rigid to be efficient, and the higher castes, primarily the nobility, have an all too easy time corrupting it when they truly wish to do so. However, at the end of the day, they will only risk this exposure if absolutely necessary, for the imperator, and the nobleman's own rivals, are just waiting for him to slip up and reveal his corruption, despite it being a public secret that a "pure" aristocrat is a rare thing indeed.
Soldiers are held in the highest of esteem and warriors that have fought in large conflicts always gain the respect of their peers and superiors alike. Many of the aristocrats are able officers, with some of their children also serving as lower brass to show the people that money does not make soft.
Triton society is harsh and the pressure to succeed is always there. However, contrary to their rivals, it is also a very tight-knit community where family and friends stick together. While you are expected to keep up and pull your weight, you are never expected to do so without the aid of your peers. Those who isolate themselves find themselves truly alone, whereas those that give, also receive. With its many flaws and tremendous limitations on political and social freedoms, those are traits that neither the UDN or the CIC can bring themselves to despise.
Territory
Neptune
- Main article: Neptune
The blue ice giant that constantly looms over the empire's seat of power, Neptune was colonized during the second rush that the UDN experienced. Possessing plenty of valuable and lucrative opportunities, many coming in the form of moons such as Triton and Proteus, the planet was the target of significant expansion early on. It's distance from the Union core gave it the isolation it needed to remain safe during the strive of IW1, which is in no small part responsible for the continued growth it has experienced since the planet's satellites were colonized.
Currently the sole possession of the Triton Empire, Neptune sports a wealth of orbital colonies, many of which are protected by expansive, defensive military outposts, space stations and patrol ships. Neptune space is a buzz of activity and considered the most densely populated of all the colonized planets of the Solar System. While the planet itself, as an ice giant, offers few opportunities beyond experimental or research, several of its minor satellites have revealed Xenian deposits and the massively urbanized Triton provides a significant cash flow. The loss of the planet is one that the Union is still lamenting tremendously.
Triton
- Main article: Triton
The largest moon orbiting Neptune, Triton had been the target of significant study long before it was colonized. Early readings showed it held great promise in the form of raw resources and valuable minerals. It is also theorized to have been caught by Neptune from the Kuiper Belt, but conclusive proof has not yet been found. It is the belief that, should this be true, it lends more credence to the assumption that the Belt holds a lot of very lucrative secrets. Triton was the first satellite near Neptune to be colonized, with the UDN and various corporations making a mad rush passed Saturn and Uranus in the hopes of being the first to benefit from the opportunities. From that point on, the moon saw significant expansion and quickly became one of the Union's largest colonies.
This only increased after the stimulus the Union poured into it after the conclusion of IW1. With an expanded fleet and ship-building industry, the moon became rich well beyond the means of rivaling colonies, even putting the financial paradise of Umbriel and Oberon to shame.
Currently the capital world of the Triton Empire, home to its government and center of it military, the moon continues to see rapid expansion to supply a comfortable life for the plethora of people moving to the colony. Its capital, Ybdis, is known for its massive, spiral-tipped skyscrapers, as well as the enormous Imperial Palace, which is known for being more of an impregnable fortress, than a center of government.
Protected by the IMS' Vigilance space fortress, as well as the most elite of Triton's armed forces, the moon is widely regarded as the most secure and impregnable place in the Solar System, by leagues and bounds.
Uranus
- Main article: Uranus
While Imperial presence in Uranus is low, it still retains several space stations and a single, populated colony within its territory. Despite having been largely passed up during the first colonization rush, which attempted to reach Neptune as quickly as possible, the twin moons of Umbriel and Oberon now present a financial opportunity that even the empire cannot ignore. Dealings with local corporations are under constant discussion and revision, with the Imperial holdings there serving as trade access points to and from Neptune. While their presence is technically illegal, as the Union lays claim to the entirety of Uranus, they have yet to make a formal move beyond some debates and meetings to expel the empire. The union realizes Triton presence is a boon on the local economy and money is a higher priority at this time.
Kuiper Belt
- Main article: Kuiper Belt
While largely unknown to the rest of the Solar System, the Triton Empire has already established a presence in the Kuiper Belt. However, this presence is limited to deep space outposts as well as a minor presence on Pluto's moon Charon. While construction is still in full swing, the empire hopes to keep it a secret for as long as possible, only opening the colonies to the public when security has been amplified sufficiently to be able to resist, with force, any disputes concerning their claims by the UDN or CIC. Imperator Varian wishes to turn Pluto into the main population and agrarian center of the empire, giving the empire's people more security by having them live and work further away from rival territories and the immensely militarized infrastructure of Neptune.
Economy
The Triton Empire's economy is focused almost entirely on heavy industry, space ship construction and industrial MA design and production. Many of Neptune's satellites are rich in resources for these branches, making the development a logical choice. With the military expansion of Triton after the end of the First Independence War, the moon also saw the construction of massive shipyards in quantities capable of rivaling Mars. Ever since gaining its independence, the empire has wisely chosen to keep their focus where it is, and rely on import to fill in the gaps where necessary. While they make sure to have their own stockpiles, these tend to be saved up in the event that the empire is cut off from their usual trading routes for one reason or another. A significant part of the empire's revenue comes from commercializing obsolete military technology, or downgrading the latest developments for the purposes of arming private armed forces, mercenary companies or corporate MA wings. The empire regulates these transactions strictly, however, and heavy restrictions are placed on a large majority of its equipment.
Naturally war vessels and the like are not traded in their entirety, but advanced armor plating or specific, highly efficient hull designs have seen use on escort vessels sold to various corporate and private entities across the Solar System. Perhaps the greatest source of income is the wide range of commercial, industrial MAs from Triton-controlled companies. Known for their quality, durability and affordable prices, the empire proudly displays it's expertise with MA technology, effortlessly applying these techniques to non-military areas.
While Triton's economy is stable, it does lag behind those of its rivals. With a far less significant focus on luxury articles, tourism and entertainment, it tends to leave the purchasing power of large groups of its population untapped. Industries are well-supplied, but a great deal of consumers are forced to import devices such as datapads, entertainment systems and other electronics from UDN and CIC suppliers, causing a significant cash flow to bleed out of the empire's coffers.
While the empire recognizes and uses the UDN incred in interplanetary transactions, they keep their own form of currency in an attempt to keep their economy somewhat separate and sanitized from the heavy fluctuations of the incred. While the coin with the least value, the imperial aureus is a very stable, reliable form of currency.
Military
- Main article: Imperial Mustered Soldiery
The Triton Empire's military, called the Imperial Mustered Soldiery, was originally composed of the Seventh and Eight Fleets that were stationed in orbit around Neptune during the tense period after IW1. Upon proclaiming the planet independent, the fleets were reorganized to fit the new military structure the empire was going to follow and over the course of barely two years, they were expanded to almost double their original size. Adding to that the impassioned recruitment drive and restructured mechanized infantry, air force and MA divisions, it comes as no surprise that the UDN was unable to properly predict the resistance they were going to come across when facing the empire in battle.
Since the end of IW2, the Triton Empire has continued to emphasize military might and presence to safeguard its existence. The IMS had steadily grown into the most elite fighting force in the Solar System. With fleets easily matching both the UDN and CIC, supported by the best technology Triton scientists can supply, the empire's presence on the field of battle continues to strike fear into their enemies. Both imperators are known for being visionaries when it comes to the incorporation of MAs into every branch of a state's military. Especially during the course of IW2, the empire began to show its penchant for the bipedal tanks, as the machines became pervasive, as well as replaced the tank as the central cog in a military machine. Having correctly predicted where warfare would take the technology, MAs are now considered vital to any war effort and have taken center stage across the militaries of all three states. However, this does mean that the empire got a head start that they have yet to lose.
During times of peace, most Triton ships remain active and partake in grueling drills to keep battle readiness as high as possible, and stave off the attrition of downtime. Escort ships are often rotated to patrol duty of the busy lanes around Neptune, a significant reason why Triton space is so secure.
Science and technology
The Triton Empire is primarily known for its focus on the various scientific branches that directly benefit their primary sources of income and industry. With humane sciences taking a backseat, the empire instead applies itself to various ways to improve their MAs, space vessels and industrial complexes. Brutally efficient and direct in science as much as they are in their daily lives, the empire is known for subjecting any new form of technology to rigorous testing and peer review before even considering any viable applications. This has resulted in certain fields evolving slowly, as risks are minimized, even where a calculated one could prove highly beneficial.
MA technology from Triton-controlled manufacturers are top-of-the-line and are known for their robust and reliable nature. While they do not dabble too often in experimental weapons, propulsion techniques or ancillary devices, such as communication arrays of Overboost modules, they are the minds behind some of the most enduring frames in the Solar System. The loadout of their current IMS mainstay, the Athos, for example, has remained largely the same for over two decades, as little has been developed, beyond slightly improved versions of the same weapon systems, that manages to tear down the delicate quality/cost balance of the Athos.
It is not rare at all to see MAs and freighters getting transported from Triton shipyards all the way to Earth to be used some civic project underway there.
Demographics
The Triton Empire's demographic is the smallest of the three interplanetary states, though the difference with the CIC is relatively minor when regarding the scale set by the UDN massive population size. A large majority of imperial citizens live on Triton, with two of the colonies in orbit around Neptune being significantly larger than the others. The empire's population has not stopped its steady growth since the end of the First Independence War and, despite the controversies surrounding the politics of the state, it continues to draw significant immigrants from UDN colonies, primarily from those near Saturn and Uranus. Families tend to be large, with an average of three children per couple and some having as many as five in colonies with a lot of room, work and significant wealth.
In recent years, this boom has started to calm down more, however, as space, funds and accommodations are becoming a concern to the empire. While the expansion and development of Triton has always been subject to excellent planning and foresight, the industry itself is unable to keep up with the influx of people purely on a logistic level. Every new generation requires schooling, housing and medical care for which there just aren't enough professionals yet, which has led to the empire taking precautionary steps to prevent couples from procreating too expansively. These measures are still restricted to broadcasts and other media campaigns, but back-up plans are already on the table to make legal restrictions if waiting lists for homes and schools grow any longer than they already are.
Languages
During the initial colonization rush for Neptune, its moon Triton garnered a great deal of interest from several terran nations, who began to promote the moon as an incredible opportunity in an effort to spark the urge to uproot and move to the colonies being built around the ice giant. Most notable among these were Germany, Japan, England, United Netherlands and Vietnam. The campaigns were a tremendous success, with the respective ethnicities flooding to Neptune to find a new home among the stars. This is directly responsible for the odd selection of languages most commonly spoken in the empire. While it follows the UDN example of teaching English to all of its citizens, and using it as the main method of communication outside of its borders, a lot of internal back-and-forth is done in bastardized dialects of German, Japanese and Dutch. Several other Asian and Western languages have begun to mix together forming unique dialects, variants or even entirely new languages reminiscent of Afrikaans in South-Africa.
Visitors from Earth are often forced to rely on standardized English, even when talking to imperial citizens whose ancestors originally spoke their own language. The intense sense of unity that exists with Triton citizens also makes for a distinct lack of dialects between its own territories. While many spoken languages are unique, colonies and other holdings are so tightly knit that there tend to be very few differences between the Japanese spoken on one colony, and that spoken in the suburbs of Ybdis. Following the example of the spoken word, names have also coalesced into strange, diverse combinations, with children of parents with a mixed heritage displaying German first names and Japanese surnames, for example.
Education
Education in the empire is has always been a heavy point of debate within the higher echelons of its society. Behind the closed doors of the aristocracy, many of the self-proclaimed blue bloods feel that education should be closely monitored and controlled by the government. They argue that too much freedom of speech would be a breeding ground for treason and those that are not content with the status quo could rise up to try and oust them from their higher perch. With close control, and even InterPlaNet censorship, they would be able to control what information filters down to students, making sure they are guided down the right path. However, while extremely heavily advocated, even among the ten Assembly houses, either imperators of the young state have yet to show any genuine interest in the ideal. They have consistently promoted full freedom in education, confident they can quell any rebellious thoughts in their population through reason and the application of the law if it comes to violence. One of Corvinus' original goals, after all, was to base society around a strict, military structure. A proper army has no use for soldiers being kept dumb and unable to think for themselves.
That being said, Triton schools are still as strict as one would think. Reminiscent of old boarding schools, students are given few freedoms and more often than not have to apply to their studies during the entire week, being given only the weekend for relaxation. While a lot of pressure is placed on children in this way, the empire once again shows its odd dichotomy by screening teachers extensively and making sure the students are given only the best that can be supplied for them. Help and support is also offered in copious amount, and there are plenty of physical activities and school trips scheduled every year to serve as outlets. This does not take away from the fact that the curriculi are rigid, difficult and punishments for disobedience and talking back are particularly harsh.
There is mandatory educational attendance for all children up to the age of 18, after which they may choose to drop out if they have not yet completed their run of high school and attempt to either find work, or try their hands at specialized craft schools. The latter are easier to get into if the students finished a more practical high school course, however, meaning that precious few drop-outs ever manage to re-enter the educational system.
Triton's educational system is a clear representation of the society as a whole. People are pressured extremely hard to perform, but are never left alone to do so. Punishments are harsh and laziness is not tolerated, but at the end of the day, students that manage to get through one of the many industrial high schools or college degrees are some of the finest, most ethical and talented workers and engineers in the Solar System. Perhaps most indicative of the imperial mindset is the fact that a great number of students enter military service for a year or two after finishing high school, especially if they had not decided on whether or not to take on a higher education at the time. Suffice it to say, applications with military service on their resume tend to be seen an unfairly more positive light than others.
Religion
While the Triton Empire does not officially recognize any religion as having any official sway in stately or societal matters, they do not shun its presence. For all of the pragmatism that governs nearly every facet of life in the empire, a lot of people are more deeply spiritual than outsiders realize. A lot of soldiers, officers and even aristocrats turn to various religions for comfort in times of need, or to cope with the actions they have undertaken. Many more use spiritualism, instead of organized religion, to find meaning in their militant lives or to deal with various forms of guilt over the freedom they sacrifice in favor of following the ideals of imperator Corvinus Lars.
Organized religion in a sense like the ones found on Terra are nearly non-existent. While all major religions have a presence in some shape or form, they tend to draw precious little interest. Triton people see religion or spiritualism as an extremely personal and private matter, shared only with family, if anyone at all. As such, the whole gamut of teachings can be found, though many have been stripped down to its bare basics; the essential message of a given interpretation of life and the place humanity has in it. Everyone has their own view on the subject, though there are many celebrated authors whose general thoughts and opinions are often debated, and equally often adhered to. Not so much as if they were the words of prophets, but rather that they are interpretations that just make the most sense to people.
Triton's militant culture has also given rise to a renewed interest in ancient warrior cultures and their religions, which includes knightly orders, Bushido and more.
Health
While not at a level as baffling superior as the UDN's, the Triton Empire still maintains good healthcare for its citizens. While most state-of-the-art developments are fed to the military first, only to be commercialized later, budgets permitting, Triton hospitals usually offer good care. Their accommodations are known to lack some bedside manner and empathy, however, as many of their hospitals were constructed and laid out as if they were field clinics. Impressively efficient and well-equipped, they lack a humane side that helps as much with recovery or closure as any drug or surgical operation. The citizens have gotten used to this fact, but that does not stop many that have experienced healthcare abroad from publicly appealing to the imperator and the Assembly to have a lot of the installations refitted to follow the UDN or CIC's example. The requests have fallen on deaf ears so far.
The greatest causes of death tend to be various infections common among colonists performing hard, manual labor under strict deadlines. While Triton safety regulations are, by far, superior to its rival's, the sheer amount of heavy industry labor in a relatively compressed amount of space has still turned out to be a breeding ground for accidents. When one is working with several tons of machinery on a daily basis, an accident very quickly becomes lethal as opposed to an inconvenience.
Social security is an institution that is present in the empire, though much of it is reserved for the treatment and rehabilitation of war veterans. This favoritism does not go so far as to discriminate others seeking help, but imbalance is still too great to ignore and a point of great contention between families of veterans and those of injured non-combatants. As is often the case with the empire, however, when war comes to their doorstep, they tend to band together as a powerful union and, strangely enough, a far more even spread of resources is found, instead of an even greater focus on military matters.
Culture
The Triton Empire is governed very much by an amalgamation of pragmatic, stern cultures, with a great deal of inspiration drawn from militant ways of old. Concepts such as honor, chivalry and respect through martial competition have become deeply ingrained. However, while outsiders tend to think that every imperial has been trained to know many ways to kill a fellow human being, nothing is less true. While martial arts as recreational sports are very common, most people view the codes of honor and the like more as guidelines to strive towards and to respect, than principles to adhere to. Instead, stricter applications thereof are left to the soldiers, officers and philosophers. This strange resurgence and subsequent coalescence is a direct result of the type of cultures that moved to Neptune during the colonization rush, and the heritage they brought with them. No other place in the Solar System has evolved down such an immensely different path than the Triton Empire, and it would seem the differences are only going to expand in the coming decades.
While not commonly associated with it, art still holds a very valuable position in Triton culture. Much of it has been geared towards acts of bravery and martial prowess in recent years, with other themes taking a backseat to that predominant one. Music, plays, sculptures, paintings and more, all tend to revolve around romanticizing battles and war heroes, both past and present. Contrary to intuition, not only Triton heroes are heralded and lauded, but also worthy opponents and rivals. While deeply criticized by friends, family and loyalists, even UDN war hero Deccard Raleigh, the admiral who had led the attack on Triton in the Second Independence War, has had many poems, songs and stories written about his showdown with Corvinus Lars. Especially the aristocracy adores the finer arts, further cementing the differences between the very down-to-earth enjoyment of the lower classes, and the incredibly snobby attitudes of the noble caste. One of the few things copiously imported from the UDN by the noble houses is fashion, which is seen as indicative of corruption among them. But, as always, they hide their tracks well in the public eye.
Folklore in the empire is characterized primarily by a great fondness for older traditions that had long since faded from the public consciousness. While many of these can no longer properly and accurately be recreated, imperial citizens have developed their own interpretations over time, which has heralded the return of old traditions, stories, habits and festivities that cannot be found anywhere else. This interest has reached a point where the old and tremendously strict Japanese tea ceremony has become something every couple does at least once every year. While changed over the years, it is still very recognizable.
Sports are a very popular form of entertainment in the Triton Empire. While the whole range is practiced and offered, there are a few that spike in popularity when compared to the rest. Most notable among these are Japanese and western martial arts, as well as highly competitive, tactical and sometimes complicated team sports. Karate and boxing hold the trophies for most popular sports among imperial citizens, uniting them even across societal boundaries as they are equally popular among the aristocracy. Many noble houses endorse their favorite fighters, or attempt to push at least one family member to perform very well in the circuit, all to garner prestige. Of the team sports, a heavily altered form of rugby is played, which is often defined by non-imperials as an "odd mix between old American football and an military-run obstacle course".
See also
- Solar System for general information on the Solar System
- Society for general information on society on Earth, colonies and in deep space
- Technology for an overview of the various technological advances
