Welcome

A massive autocratic nation under perpetual martial law, the Greater Andromedan Empire is located exactly where you think it is--somewhere in the Andromeda Galaxy.

It consists of eight star systems and spans half of its local cluster, aiming to have control over all reachable stars and inhabitable planets. The Empire is concerned primarily with the acquisition of land, resources and power, with most of its society and legislature reflecting its militant goals.

Due to its tumultuous and belligerent history, Imperial citizens are more than used to a long line of despots walking in and out of Imperial High Command. To them, an iron-fisted rule is the norm, not the exception. Though occasionally, a kind ruler may rise from the ashes for a while, the struggle for power in Imperial High Command is fierce, and those who do not vigilant about keeping their position are swiftly deposed.

Before the Greater Andromedan Empire became what it was, there was a small interplanetary union made up of two neighboring terrestrial planets, Casnoth and Faria. The leadership of both territories agreed on the possibility of an interplanetary alliance, deciding to share resources and living space as opposed to fighting over it.

Over time, the two separate legislative bodies merged as one, forming a singular entity, with leadership to be further determined by the people. Things were relatively stable for over a century after the merge (despite a few inevitable civil wars here and there) until the combined resources began to diminish. The planets were showing early signs of becoming overcrowded; riots and fights for space were escalating violently, and the leadership had no choice but to search for potential answers in lands beyond.

Negotiations didn't seem to work. The two other planetary nations in the star system were reluctant to assist, let alone take refugees from the declining Stellar Union. Citizens were becoming angry at the inaction. Many pressured the Union's leadership to declare war, but the leaders were convinced that in time, negotiations would work out in their favor. Funny thing is, they would have, if a small (but angry) group of military leaders didn't overthrow the Union's entire legislature in the matter of a week.

As soon as all control was assumed, the Union's new leaders declared war on all inhabited planets in the star system. Hordes of desperate citizens instantly signed up to fight, though many still disagreed with the entire situation at hand. The dissenters were quickly shut down, and the "Stellar Union" became the Stellar Empire.

After acquiring all habitable space in the solar system, the Stellar Empire wanted more. The rush from conquering swept across the nation like a wave, and so the early Imperial leaders set their sights on further colonization.

Nearly all scientific and engineering efforts were directed towards improving faster-than-light travel and weaponry. The military only grew in size as plans to expand were made. Holding these efforts back were lingering Union loyalists, though the Imperials had no tolerance for their valiant, but non-violent efforts. There was no diplomacy--only a constant thirst for power.

The first ventures into the nearest star system were unsuccessful. Unwilling to give up, the Imperial army kept returning, weakening their targets bit by bit. Over time, a planet was conquered. After another long struggle, yet another was taken. The Imperials continued on for close to a century, with leaders coming and going but the objective never changing. They utilized a 'planet hopping' tactic to simultaneously secure their newly claimed colonies all the while attacking the unclaimed ones. The wars were long and brutal, but once again, another star system had fallen.

Nearly half a century passed before the Imperials got sick of sitting around and began craving military victory once more. Plans were yet again drafted to take not one, but two star systems in the area. Military equipment continued to advance, as did Imperial Ranks. The events of the past repeated once again, leaving the Stellar Empire with four solar systems in total, and the Stellar Empire was subsequently renamed to The Greater Andromedan Empire.

By this point, over a hundred individuals had claimed the title of "Emperor" by the Empire's 250th anniversary. Though long established, the fight for control in the upper-levels of the Imperial government was never-ending. Some emperors managed to reign for over two decades, others for a mere two weeks. If any weakness were shown, someone in Imperial High Command would take notice and use it to their advantage. It was simultaneously the most powerful and most dangerous position any Imperial could be in.

A young first-class general by the name of Agatha Vornach was one such individual who had her sights set on becoming the Emperor. She watched the every move of her superior, Emperor Steckral while gaining his trust as an adept military advisor. This was the mistake that led to the brutal end of Steckral's career. Vornach swiftly replaced Steckral in a well planned coup of brute force. In keeping with the Imperial tradition of changing the names of things all the time, Vornach declared herself as the 'Supreme Commander' of the Empire, emphasizing the influence of the military on Imperial society. She also changed her name to Commander 2003 in honor of the first unit she served in (the 2003rd Infantry) and to separate herself from any and all familial ties.

2003 quickly proved herself to be an Emperor...err...Supreme Commander that was unlikely to budge from her position easily. She trusted nobody, kept nobody close, and was not willing to abscond over anything until her vision for the Empire was fulfilled. Her goal? Take over four more star systems by the end of her reign. With the size of the Empire being what it was, 2003 knew the feat would be difficult, but feasible.

2003 funneled nearly 75% of the Imperial budget into military endeavors. A barrage of recruitment efforts were unleashed on the Imperial citizens. The draft, which had always been in effect, was made to be less restricted. Within just a few years, the Imperial military quintupled in size.

Waves upon waves of soldiers were set loose on 2003's target star systems. What had taken over a century for other emperors to achieve, 2003 accomplished in 25 years. Currently, the Empire is still under 2003's rule, whom we bet has her sights set on even more still.

This section deals with the future timeframe, which begins after the end of 2003's administration. More in-depth information can be found here

Through the help of numerous cybernetic enhancements, Supreme Commander 2003 managed to live until the age of 180 years when she passed away of natural causes. Prior to this, she had selected her successor, a first-class general named Gustav Ragnar, to take over her position. Ragnar (not knowing the origin of 2003's numerical title) took on the designation of Supreme Commander 2004 and was only in power for three months before another general, Stasya Asterion, swiftly and violently removed him from power.

In a logical sequence, Asterion assumed the title of Supreme Commander 2005 and set about her work to simultaneously consolidate and strengthen both the Imperial economy and the Imperial military. She is most notable for implementing biomechanical technology into the military, creating a powerful force of cyborg soldiers known as the Enhanced Infantry Unit.

The Supreme Commander is exactly what it says on the box. Formerly known as the Emperor prior to 2003's rule, the Supreme Commander is the individual in charge. The Supreme Commander's word is law; no negotiations, no checks and balances, no nothing. Though it's not advised to change well-established laws on a whim, the Supreme Commander has that capability and will not hesitate to use it.

Since absolute power tends to corrupt, most Imperial rulers have been very unsavory individuals. 2003 is no exception.

Most rulers have advisors, because as much as they like to think they are, most rulers are not all-knowing. The Supreme Commander, like a wise leader, also has a number of self-appointed advisors, though she never seems to take the advice of any of them. Go figure, what else would you expect from a power-hungry but paranoid tyrant who sees potential sabotage around every corner?

With the current size of the Empire, it's impossible for 2003 to enforce the laws all on her own. Thus, she has placed 'carefully selected' (read: brutally and mercilessly brainwashed) delegates to carry out her ruling in farther-off areas of the Empire.

All Second and First-Class Generals are considered de facto members of Imperial High Command, and a good majority of them work in the Imperial Command Tower on Casnoth making important decisions concerning the military units they are in charge of and military proceedings as a whole from afar. Since Fourth and Third-Class Generals usually work on other bases and even on the battlefield, they are not necessarily thought of as members of the High Command despite their power.

While popular sentiment concerning the Imperial military varies by planet (and more importantly, how long ago said planet was conquered,) the two founding planets of Casnoth and Faria are highly militaristic in terms of society and are incredibly supportive of the destructive efforts of their Supreme Commander. It is also important to note that war has not been waged on either planet's soil, and while approximately 30% of the adult population are combat veterans who have seen the horrors of war first-hand, pacifism is highly frowned upon and anti-war opinions are rarely spoken out in the open.

The Imperial military consists of three branches.

The largest and most well-known of these is the Imperial army. The army consists of infantry, cavalry, artillery, special operations, and a good number of other specialized combat divisions, as well as the vast network of support and command personnel that work behind the scenes. Though the training is harsh and Imperial combat tactics are brutal, the Imperial Army (particularly under 2003) is not particularly selective about who was capable of joining. It is often joked that if you're not bedridden in the hospital, you are eligible for service.

Though it is a smaller entity than the army, The Imperial navy works closely with them to secure maritime victory on planets where oceanic warfare is critical. While Imperial sailors are generally highly competent, they are not deployed as often as Imperial land forces are and are generally overlooked by the public.

The smallest of the three, the Imperial Aerospace Corps is known for its two highly specialized divisions: the Atmospheric Fighting Division (the equivalent to an air force), and the Interstellar Transport Division, specializing entirely in exactly what you would expect. Contrary to popular belief, the Empire does not engage in space combat, preferring to attack their targets directly.

Most modern militaries have similar ranking systems, and the setup of the Imperial military is no exception. Arguably, the most noted difference between Imperial military ranking and those of other forces is the fact that the rank naming and requirements are standardized across all three branches. The Imperial military also tends to have fewer ranks overall than many others, mostly as a result of consolidation over the years.



JUNIOR ENLISTED RANKS

CADETLess of an official rank than a term describing enlisted servicemembers still in training, Imperial cadets are only considered cadets until their training is complete (hence the lack of insignia). The 'unofficial' nature of this rank is a source of controversy throughout the Empire, with some arguing that it makes it easier for cadets to withdraw from basic training, and others believing that it inspires cadets to work harder in order to 'earn' their status as a true Imperial servicemember.




PRIVATE (PVT) Upon completion of basic training, a cadet is given the official rank of private. Expected to do one thing - follow orders and do whatever is required of them - an Imperial private typically would expect to be promoted quickly if they prove to be loyal.




PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC)While still at the bottom of the ladder, Imperial PFCs are typically regarded as trustworthy and capable at this point in their military career. Despite increased trust and responsibility, Imperial PFCs have no leadership over others and are still expected to follow orders without question.



NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS


CORPORAL (CPL)Imperial PFCs are often promoted to the rank of corporal after being observed to have both a desire and the capability to lead. In combat settings, Imperial corporals are often in charge of small teams of up to six individuals. Outside of combat, their leadership is less direct, instead serving to keep other support personnel in line with their duties while performing the same job. There is no required time in service for an Imperial PFC to be eligible for promotion, and while they can be recommended by anyone who outranks them, the official promotion must be cleared by someone holding the rank of command sergeant or higher.




SERGEANT (SGT)Though their duties are similar to those of corporals, Imperial sergeants are considered to be of a higher level of authority and are crucial in maintaining connections between the junior enlisted ranks and higher NCOs. Though most direct tasks for the junior enlisted ranks are formulated by those higher up on the ladder, sergeants have a certain level of authority in how orders are implemented and issued. In essence, they are given the task that must be completed, but how this task is completed is often up to a sergeant to decide. Like all NCO rankings, corporals can be recommended and cleared for promotion to the rank of sergeant by those in higher ranks, but only after two years of service. Sergeants themselves have no power to directly promote someone they outrank.




COMMAND SERGEANT (CSGT) and FIRST SERGEANT (1SGT)These two ranks are both incredibly similar, with the main difference being that first sergeants have just a bit more authority in certain matters than command sergeants. Being the two highest enlisted ranks, both command sergeants and first sergeants are considered senior-level NCOs and are entrusted with giving direct orders to contribute to objectives set by commissioned officers for them to carry out. Overall, first sergeants are more specialized to combat zones and command sergeants typically are in control of support personnel, though this is not always the case. In addition to this, command sergeants and first sergeants are both eligible to become drill instructors. A sergeant can only become a command sergeant after being appointed by anyone above the rank of captain (given said sergeant has a total of three years of service) and passing a series of tests. The process is the same for further promotion to first sergeant, with the total time served being upped to four years.



COMMISSIONED OFFICERS


LIEUTENANT (LT) Imperial lieutenants are rarely former first sergeants, and are instead often new graduates from military colleges. Because of this, they often bear the brunt of the complaints thrown from NCOs, despite technically being of a higher level of authority. In typical settings, an imperial lieutenant is in control of a single platoon (or similarly sized group) of personnel, though certain individuals with highly specific training are given the rank upon graduation to denote their expertise in a certain subject (This is why some folks like Lt. Valris are considered officers. Due to her training in computer engineering, all lower-ranking personnel with a specialty in IT report to her when issues arise, though she is technically in direct constant command of none of them.)



CAPTAIN (CPT) uhhhhh



MAJOR (MAJ) uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh



LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTCOL)im fairly certain everyone who reaches this rank is evil. like you pretty much have to be evil to get this far.



COLONEL (COL)ugh. brygade



FOURTH-CLASS GENERAL (4GEN) and THIRD-CLASS GENERAL (3GEN)generally speaking....



SECOND-CLASS GENERAL (2GEN) and FIRST-CLASS GENERAL (1GEN)these guys are scary



SUPREME COMMANDER (SPCDR)tyrannytown

The Imperial military consists of approximately a 55%/45% ratio of drafted personnel to volunteers. The Imperial Conscription Act is the piece of legislation that dictates the specifics of the Imperial draft, and applies to all "able-bodied" Imperial citizens between the ages of 17 and 25. The Imperial definition of "able-bodied" is very vague, and those who generally would be deemed unfit for combat in other forces are still taken by the Imperial military as they are in constant need of more soldiers (infantrymembers, specifically). There is no specification concerning gender of draftees; if a conscripted individual is considered able to fight, then that is all that matters. Conscripted individuals are not allowed to choose their placement; most draftees end up being placed in infantry units and are thrown directly into warzones soon after they complete training.

These harsh restrictions and regulations concerning the Imperial draft serve to encourage Imperial citizens to voluntarily enlist, a decision that allows them more choice in matters like placement. A number of people will choose entering the military as a specialist, receiving training and experience that is equivalent to a college degree in terms of getting hired in the civilian workforce after military retirement. Military recruitment is persistent and almost overwhelmingly targeted at young Imperials, pushing enlistment numbers ever-higher.

All members of the Imperial military, drafted or volunteer, must adhere to a five year contract. Even if a person is injured in combat, they still are bound by their contract and are obliged to work in a military profession (though obviously not combat) for the remainder of the five years after recovery.

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ugh just ask Zero he does this for a living

ummmm things about how 2003 constantly fights wars and sends waves of troops until she gets what she wants????