Society of Equals
From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future
Society of Equals (SoE) are one of the oldest interstellar governments in Gvurrdon. It dates back to about year 400. Lack of records make this date uncertain. Neither are there any records available that tells who founded this government.
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[edit] History
In the latest 300 - 400 years it have stood as a steady rock in the usually fluctuating structure of the Vargr society. But this is only on the surface. It has gone through a lot of changes since it was founded years back.
From 930 to 1030 it quadrupled in size, most of it can be explained by sharp charismatic increase in the leaders, but equally true is it that much of the territory fell for conquest. From 1030 to about 1110 there was little change in territorial boundaries.
SoE had for a long time border disputes with Thirz Empire. In 1109 when the old king of Thirz Empire died, plans for conquest in Thirz was laid. The young Vargr that inherited the throne was viewed as low-charismatic by the leaders in SoE. They counted on that his inexperience and relatively low charisma would make it an easy victory.
In 1111 they attacked over a broad frontline. At first they penetrated relatively deep into Thirz territory, but then it stopped. Thirz through their contact with the Zhodani managed to regroup and rebuilt what they had lost of military material. The throne heir did also have excellent leader capability which helped win the war for the Thirz Empire. When peace came in 1116 SoE had lost almost half of their territory. Most of it to Thirz Empire. A few worlds rebelled and proclaimed themselves independent.
Many of these worlds returned to SoE. But the tension still exsisted between the two entities, even for the constant threat of the Virus just outside SoEs borders.
[edit] Government
Society of Equals are ruled by an elite council. This council are staffed by the most charismatic persons in the empire. There is one representative from each world. They have one vote every million inhabitant for the world they come from. Those worlds that do not have one million inhabitants have to group together so that they can get one or more votes.
A council member sits until there comes another Vargr with higher charisma. As a rule of thumb, the one with the lowest charisma in the council must retire or withdraw if there is someone that have higher charisma.
[edit] Equality
The gimmick with SoE is that before you can call yourself a worthy citizen of SoE, you have to be rated Equal. If a Vargr (or some other sophont) are going to have any of these careers he or she must be rated equal: Any military, Leader, Aristocrat and law enforcer.
Even cubs from parents that have been rated equal must go through a test. Anyone that wants to may go through the test. It is usually taken at age of 16 to 18 years old.
Not being rated equal do not spell disaster, but the choice of jobs are limited. For cubs to an aristocrat there will be a loss when the test fails. To be able to inherit the title and the estates the cub must be rated equal. If not, the cub will loose most of the inheritance.
The law does protect the un-equal from abuse, but they must take what is second best. If a new world is to be colonized the Equals may choose first where they want to have their estates, mines, or farms.
Those who fail the test get their canines pulled. In this way there will be no question about their social status. Those who do not take this test usually becomes wanderers. When they are inside the borders of SoE they must wear a special head wear and belt. These are not treated like citizens, so they cannot get any work. However they are free to go where they please as everyone else.
[edit] Ranking
An Equal ranks above an unequal vargr, but there are exceptions. For instance an Unequal vargr mayown a starship and have a crew which is mixed with Equal and Unequal crew. This tend to be rare, but the situation exist. Because a vargr is unequal he or she are not prevented from starting their own business. Equal vargr that seeks employment with them are doing this on their own. And are not forced in any way to do so.
[edit] Slavery
Only equals may have slaves. No citizen of SoE may become slaves, Equal or not. However there are rules about temporal slavery for unequals when they cannot pay for any damage they do on someone elses property.
Slaves from outside are to be protected from hazards, but they can be put to dangerous and risky jobs. But only if they get neccesary safety equipment. A slave may also be sold further to others if the need arise.
Slaves are slaves for life. If the owner decides he or she may free the slave from slavery. Usually slaves that have performed far beyond their required service are often set free. A slave that have been set free must get funds enough to survive a month. A free slave may applicate for citizenship and then also become an Equal if the test for that rating is passed.
[edit] Military
The interstellar forces are financed by taxes of the different worlds. Council members have to contribute with their personal forces. How much they must contribute with depends on how wealthy and how large the population of his or hers world is. Low populated worlds usually only contribute with vargrpower that crew starships or are placed into infantry forces. More wealthy members contribute with starships. Larger starships like destroyers and cruisers are financed by the taxes.
[edit] The insignia
The insignia symbols the canines of an equal. The canines are the symbol of strength and power. Who came up with the symbol is unknown, but the symbol is not as old as the SoE is.
The teeth are white while the background is red, just like in the mouth of a Vargr. On military vehicles and starships the teeth are usually tipped with red so it looks like they have been drawn blood.
The honorary guard have teeth painted in silver. This symbols their steel hard discipline and strength.
| This article was copied or excerpted from the following copyrighted sources and used under license from Far Future Enterprises and by permission of the author. |
| – Gvurrdon Sector Campaignbook |
Categories: S | Governments | Library | Non-canon | Vargr | HIWG
