Shikar Imperium
History
The origins of the Shikar Imperium can be traced back to the collapse of the Ancestral Empire. Though the precise cause of the Great Collapse remains shrouded in mystery, its consequences were catastrophic—the Ancestral Empire was utterly destroyed, and Humanity teetered on the brink of extinction. Historical records indicate that the Human population, once numbering in the quintillions, plummeted to a mere few million scattered across the galaxy. The Shikar Ring, once the crown jewel of the Ancestral Empire, was left in ruins, with only a narrow strip remaining habitable.
On this fragile remnant, the survivors of a once-mighty civilization regressed into barbarism, their technological prowess reduced to a level barely above that of primitive apes. For the next millennium, Humanity struggled to claw its way back towards civilization. Divided and leaderless, the remnants of the species waged incessant wars, squandering resources that might have been used for rebuilding. Only the advanced technology of the Shikar Ring itself prevented the complete annihilation of Humanity. The violence culminated in the century-long House Wars—a brutal era of industrial warfare that consumed countless lives.
In the final years of this devastation, a young leader emerged—Koale Lusca Asvatos, heir to the minor House Losat. Following a brutal attack that claimed his parents’ lives, Koale ascended to leadership and quickly demonstrated his brilliance as a tactician. His early successes, in particular his decisive victory over the rival House Koot, cemented his reputation. It was during this time that the enigmatic warrior Helen appeared, joining forces with Koale. Together, they embarked on a campaign that led to the conquest of the southern plains in a series of resounding victories. With their growing power, Koale and Helen forged alliances and orchestrated house mergers, each time securing dominance over their rivals. Later that year, they launched the infamous Sunset Offensive, a campaign that swept through the remaining unaligned houses, culminating in the sack of Ricker’s Roost.
The years that followed were marked by twenty-two years of asymmetrical warfare and assassinations as Koale solidified his position as the preeminent leader. Eventually, he declared himself the first Emperor of the newly founded Shikar Imperium.
The early years of the Imperium saw it consolidate power over the Shikar Ring before setting its sights on the stars. Armed with long-lost Ancestral technology, the Imperium successfully launched its first satellite, followed by a manned mission to the colossal sun-blockers. Over the next century, Humanity rediscovered the means to navigate the stars, with the the launch of Explorer X, the Imperium’s first interstellar vessel to traverse slipspace. This event ushered in what historians refer to as the Thousand-Year Expansion, during which the Imperium resettled many of its lost colonies.
However, this era of expansion was not without conflict. The Imperium’s growing power sparked numerous wars with both human and non-human neighbors, leading some historians to label this period the Millennium of Misery. In the twilight of this chaotic expansion, Prince Anthonix Cyraeni, commanding a scout flotilla, embarked on a quest to find Humanity’s long-lost homeworld. Although he did not discover the mythical Earth, he instead returned with the Gospel of the Sacred Flame.
The Truth of the Sacred Flame spread rapidly throughout the Imperium, and upon Anthonix’s ascension to the throne, it was declared the official state truth. Blessed by the Flame, Emperor Anthonix was granted immortality to guide his people to ever greater heights. Under his eternal reign, Humanity has reclaimed its former glory, once again establishing itself as a dominant force among the stars.
Government & Politics
The Shikar Imperium is governed by the Immortal Emperor Anthonix Cyraeni, whose reign has persisted for centuries. At the heart of imperial governance lies the Privy Council, which advises the Emperor on matters of state and policy. This esteemed body not only offers counsel but also proposes new laws for the Emperor’s consideration.
The Privy Council is composed of the ministers who lead the various departments of the Imperium. In accordance with long-standing tradition, only those who have served in the military are eligible to hold ministerial positions or sit on the Council. As a result, the Navy, a pillar of the Imperium’s power, holds significant influence within the governing body.
Governmental Departments – Privy Council
Governor General
Current Governor General: Nami Undinia
The Governor General is a singular and highly influential figure within the Shikar Imperium, serving as the leader of the Privy Council and the second-in-command to the Immortal Emperor. Acting as the Emperor’s chief representative, the Governor General is the primary liaison for the Lieutenant Governors who oversee the day-to-day administration of each world within the Imperium. In this capacity, the Governor General communicates the needs and issues of the various worlds to the Emperor while ensuring imperial decrees are enforced throughout the realm. Additionally, the Governor General holds the prestigious responsibility of governing the Shikar Ring, the Imperium’s most vital and symbolic asset.
Department of Space Forces
Current Minister: Grand Admiral Darya Rudabeh
The Department of Space Forces holds responsibility for all matters related to the naval forces of the Shikar Imperium. This department oversees the deployment and management of all naval assets, encompassing both combat operations and logistical support. In addition to commanding the fleet, they are tasked with the construction, maintenance, and expansion of naval forces, ensuring the Imperium’s supremacy in space. Over time, the department has expanded its role to include research and development, spearheading advancements in naval technology. Furthermore, the Navy maintains a specialized Marine force, primarily utilized for boarding operations and other tactical engagements.
Department of Planetary Forces
Current Minister: Grand General Finn Noelani
The Department of Planetary Forces oversees all ground-based military operations within the Shikar Imperium. This includes land armies, air forces, and wet navies on planetary bodies. In addition to managing terrestrial defense, they are responsible for providing garrison forces for space stations and outposts, ensuring security across both planetary and orbital installations. The department also manages the construction and procurement of its own military assets, maintaining a robust and self-sufficient structure to support the Imperium’s planetary defense and offensive capabilities.
Department of Industry and Commerce
Current Minister: Taron Leomaris
The Department of Industry and Commerce is tasked with overseeing and organizing all non-military industries within the Shikar Imperium. This department directs production efforts, setting quotas for various sectors to meet the demands of the Imperium’s economy. Additionally, it is responsible for coordinating industrial expansion, ensuring the efficient growth of civilian infrastructure and resources to support both the populace and the broader needs of the state.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Current Minister: Irvin Poseider
The Department of Foreign Affairs manages all diplomatic efforts and maintains relations with alien civilizations across the galaxy. In addition to diplomacy, this department is tasked with overseeing foreign intelligence operations, gathering crucial information on external entities to safeguard the interests of the Shikar Imperium. The department also maintains a formidable naval force, composed of both military and civilian vessels, dedicated to exploration and the extension of the Imperium’s influence into uncharted territories.
Department of Colonial Affairs
Current Minister: Triton Nerrocen
The Department of Colonial Affairs is responsible for enforcing and establishing all laws governing the colonies of the Shikar Imperium. Acting as the primary policing authority across the empire’s territories, it ensures compliance with imperial mandates and maintains order within the colonies. In addition to its administrative and legal functions, the department commands a dedicated force of naval and army assets, specifically tasked with maintaining internal security and quelling any potential unrest or rebellion within the Imperium’s borders.
Department of Education and Information
Current Minister: Lin Brooke
The Department of Education and Information oversees the state-sponsored education system across the Shikar Imperium, shaping the curriculum to align with imperial ideals and objectives. As the primary research and development branch, it drives scientific and technological advancements crucial to the Imperium’s progress. Additionally, the department handles all government messaging and propaganda, ensuring the dissemination of information that reinforces loyalty and unity among the populace. Finally, it is responsible for maintaining the Psychometric Hierarchy, a system that categorizes and manages citizens based on their mental and psychological attributes, ensuring that individuals are placed in roles best suited to their abilities within the empire.
Culture and Society
Billions of souls call the Shikar Imperium home. While the vast majority of the population is Human, there are significant communities of non-Humans, including entire non-Human homeworlds that have recently joined the galactic fold as members of the Imperium.
Despite the diversity of cultures within the Imperium, the Ministry of Education and Information ensures that all citizens maintain a working knowledge of Brudri, the official language of the Imperium, in addition to their local dialects. This linguistic unity is achieved through a network of Scolasta Imperia, early educational institutions that provide standardized instruction across all worlds within the empire.
The Sacred Light
The Sacred Light is regarded as the very essence of Humanity, believed to be a pocket universe where all Human souls journey after death. According to this sacred belief, when a new Human is born, a soul emerges from the Light to breathe life into the body. The Immortal Emperor serves as both the protector and the Gatekeeper of the Sacred Light, guarding the passage of souls between life and death. In this role, the Emperor not only ensures the sanctity of the Light but also acts as the spokesperson for the souls residing within, maintaining a divine connection between the living and the departed.
Saints of Imperialis
Every generation, the finest among Humanity are elevated to sainthood by the Immortal Emperor, celebrated as pure embodiments of the Sacred Light. These Saints, revered for their virtues, are often great warriors whose deeds in life resonate with the ideals of the Imperium. One common feature among all Saints, however, is that their elevation occurs only posthumously.
Among the most notable of these figures is Saint Helen, a legendary protector of Humanity. It is said that she singlehandedly shielded the remnants of the species after the Great Collapse, playing a crucial role in preserving their survival. Uniquely, Saint Helen is venerated beyond the borders of the Imperium, particularly within Zahex culture, where she is believed to have created their homeworld. Her influence has made her a transcendent figure across civilizations.
Pilgrims from across the galaxy embark on arduous journeys to the Sepulchre of the Celestial Veil, located just outside Saint’s Harbour, the last known resting place of Saint Helen. This pilgrimage is fraught with challenges, and many perish along the way, their deaths seen as a testament to the difficulty and devotion required to honor the legacy of this revered Saint.
Economy
The Shikar Imperium boasts a highly developed mixed-market economy, ranking as the galaxy’s fifth-largest, with a nominal GDP of approximately 2.39 quintillion. Since the ascendance of the Immortal Emperor, the rapid growth of the Imperium’s manufacturing and technology sectors has transformed the nation from a labor-intensive economy into a technologically advanced powerhouse. Today, its efficiency rivals even that of the Stellar Corporate Alliance.
The Imperium’s economic strength is underpinned by its vast military-industrial complex and the divinely guided Psychometric placements, ensuring that citizens are placed in roles best suited to their abilities. This has enabled the Imperium to reclaim its status as one of the foremost galactic economies.
The Imperium’s proximity to the Stellar Corporate Alliance and the Commonwealth of Tilroth grants it access to highly lucrative markets, facilitating economic growth through trade. Additionally, the Opherian Expanse, while technically beyond the Imperium’s borders, offers a seemingly endless supply of raw resources to meet the ever-growing demands of the Imperium’s industrial and technological sectors.
Military
The scars of the Great Collapse run deep within the Human race, and the very act of traveling among the stars serves as a constant reminder of how close they came to extinction. It is, therefore, no surprise that the foundation of Humanity’s resurgence has been built upon its military strength. In the Shikar Imperium, every citizen undergoes military training and remains an passive member of the reserves. Moreover, one in ten citizens has either served in the armed forces or is employed within the vast military-industrial complex. Military service is also a key prerequisite for any high-level public office, further embedding martial values into the fabric of Imperial society.
This deep-rooted militarization has positioned the Shikar Imperium as a formidable power, boasting the third largest military in the galaxy.
Personnel Fit for Service: 16 Billion
Active Personnel: 995 Million
The strength and discipline instilled by the Imperium’s military ethos ensure that Humanity remains vigilant, ever-prepared to defend itself against external threats and preserve its place among the stars.
Branches of the Military
Navy
Navy Personnel: 587 Million
The Navy stands as the backbone of the Shikar Imperium’s military might. The mission of the Shikar Imperial Navy (SIN) is vast and multifaceted, encompassing everything from border defense and policing of trade routes, to piracy suppression, transportation, exploration, and even disaster relief. Given the breadth of these responsibilities, the Navy comprises the majority of the Imperium’s active personnel.
To fulfill its wide-ranging duties, the Navy requires a diverse and extensive fleet. Its vessels range from small Corvettes tasked with patrolling shipping lanes to colossal battleships, each crewed by thousands. This variety ensures the Navy is equipped to handle everything from localized skirmishes to full-scale warfare.
The Navy also boasts a powerful research and development division, employing some of the finest minds the Imperium has to offer. These research centers focus not only on advancing naval warfare capabilities but also on innovations that benefit all aspects of life within the Imperium, ensuring that the Navy remains a driving force behind both military and civilian progress.
Legion
Legion Personnel: 179 Million
The Legion serves as the Shikar Imperium’s primary planetary defense and assault force, specializing in warfare conducted within planetary atmospheres. In addition to deploying traditional ground forces, the Legion is capable of mobilizing both aerial and wet Navy assets, making it a versatile and formidable force in planetary operations.
Given its focus on small arms combat and close-quarters engagements, the Legion is the main source of special forces units within the Imperium. These elite units are often called upon for high-risk missions and, in some cases, are even assigned to Navy vessels to enhance their operational capabilities.
Beyond combat, the Legion plays a vital role in disaster relief, especially during planetary natural disasters. Its Combat Engineer Corps is frequently deployed to manage large-scale recovery efforts, utilizing their expertise in engineering and logistics to provide critical support in rebuilding and stabilizing affected regions.
Colonial Security Services
CSS Personnel: 99 Million
The Colonial Security Service (CSS) serves as the primary policing force of the Shikar Imperium. While not as heavily armed as the Legion or Navy, the CSS maintains a considerable arsenal of armored vehicles and light warships, enabling them to handle civil unrest, enforce customs regulations, and ensure internal security throughout the Imperium.
As the most publicly visible of the Imperium’s combat arms, the CSS interacts regularly with ordinary citizens. This role places the service under significant public oversight, with strict regulations governing the use of force to ensure that their actions align with the principles of justice and order. Despite these constraints, the CSS remains a critical component of the Imperium’s internal stability, tasked with maintaining law and order across its vast territories.
Diplomatic Corp
Corp Personnel: 20 Million
The Diplomatic Corps is an elite and highly specialized division within the Shikar Imperium’s military, tasked with protecting high-ranking individuals such as diplomats, government officials, and other VIPs. Known for its rigorous selection process, the Corps recruits from all branches of the military, drawing only the best personnel from the Navy, Legion, and other units.
Given the complexity and variety of threats they face, Diplomatic Corps personnel undergo comprehensive training in all forms of combat, ranging from small arms engagements to large-scale naval warfare. This ensures they are equipped to respond to any potential danger in any environment. The Corps also maintains a small but capable flotilla, dedicated to escorting and safeguarding VIPs as they travel across the Imperium, ensuring their security whether on land or in space.
Active Reserves
Reserve Personnel: 109 Million
While every citizen of the Shikar Imperium receives military training, only a fraction actively serve in the Reserves at any given time. Reserve service operates on a cyclical system, ensuring that all citizens complete at least one tour of duty during their lifetime. This structure allows the Imperium to maintain a highly trained and ready population, capable of rapidly expanding its military forces when needed.
Technology and Science
The Shikar Imperium’s technology is still in the process of recovering from the Great Collapse. Although it may not match the advancements of the Commonwealth of Tilroth or the Stellar Corporate Alliance, the Imperium remains among the galaxy’s most technologically sophisticated civilizations.
The Imperium’s homeworld, built upon the remnants of the Ancestral Empire, provides access to a vast array of ancient artifacts and technologies. This unique position has made the Imperium a central hub for the study and development of Ancestral Technology, attracting some of the galaxy’s leading experts in the field.