A
A: (Imperial English): The neutral-animate pronoun. Emperor Chang
disliked the fact that there was no good Standard English pronoun that
referred to a single individual of unknown sex, or where sex was
immaterial, so he made use of the Celtic "a", often written with an
accent mark (á) by those who use Standard, to distinguish it from the
indefinite article (@ is sometimes used when the printing/writing
device cannot show accent marks). In Imperial English orthography, the
Cyrillic "ya" (reversed R) is used.
[Preparer's note: The @ symbol has been used throughout these stories
in the manner described above.]
ACADEMY: The Imperial Military Academy or Imperial Administrative
Academy. Both are headquartered in and have their most prestigious
facilities in the Antarctica Palace Complex; "branch" Academies are
located throughout the Empire.
AHTO, Subsector 12-C:
No. systems: 89 Sector: Eridanus
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 21
AEGIR, Subsector 17-D:
No. systems: 72 Sector: Indus
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 8
with 1 inhabited planet: 24
AGNI, Subsector 11-B:
No. systems: 153 Sector: Gemini
with 3 inhabited planets: 4 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 12
with 1 inhabited planet: 24
ALANNA, Clan: First of the Sandeman clans. Famous for its outstanding
edged weapons.
ALANNA, Dana Dru-: Originally Dana Manfredi. A Terran woman who swore
personal fealty to Richard Jason. When Jason repudiated her after
trying to kill her, Dana asked the Alanna clan-chief's help in making
atonement for allowing him to accept an unworthy thakur-na. After
seeing the evidence, the Alanna instead asked Clan Miklos to convene a
planet-wide conference, and asked Clan Vader to rule on both Dana's and
Jason's actions. The decision was that Dana had acted properly and
Jason had not; the Alanna then offered her his clan's countenance
(essentially adoption), and when she accepted, claimed Chief's Right on
her behalf. The conference agreed with that, banning Jason from any
business in Subsector Sandeman, declaring his property forfeit, and
giving him a day to get off-world or be killed by the first warrior who
saw him. It also named Dana to the warrior caste and gave her the
right to wear honor-black. ("Thakur-Na")
ALDRAS:
Sector: 16, Virgo Year:
Subsector: C, Ishtar Day:
System: Elder Gravity:
Settled/established: Axial tilt:
By: Oxygen:
Satellites: % Water:
Ident code prefix: ALS Continents:
Ruled by: Fayette family
(Barbara Tennison)
ALPH, Subsector 17-A:
No. systems: 95 Sector: Indus
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 20
ALTERNATE UNIVERSES: Until the first ship from a provably alternate
universe appeared in the Empire, these were thought to be mathematical
abstractions. Afterward, however, they were accepted as fact. That
first confirmed inter-universe transition, like most, was the result of
a drive malfunction, and led to the further discovery that if the drive
was repairable, the ship's next hyper-transition would take it away
(from what happened to Imperial ships, return it to its own universe).
If the drive could not be repaired, the transferees had to remain.
That, at least, was and is the official story. In actuality,
controlled inter-universe transition exists, but is a
strictly-controlled secret. There are several reasons for this, but
the primary two are the Ravagers and the fact that, although the time
rate is constant, the apparent time ranges from megayears in the "past"
to megayears in the "future".
AMATERASU, Subsector 1-E:
No. systems: 61 Sector: Orion
with 3 inhabited planets: 4 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 24
AMATOR: (Xanadu) A member of the Guild of Amators, a professional
entertainer specializing in sexual activities. Students are unrated;
examinations, when their instructors consider them ready, will rate
them as Specialist, Generalist, or Extra Class. Ratings can be
upgraded by further training and examination.
ANGHNAR:
Sector: 5, Pegasus Year:
Subsector: B, Sleipnir Day:
System: Freya Gravity:
Settled/established: Axial tilt:
By: Oxygen:
Satellites: % Water:
Ident code prefix: ANG Continents:
Ruled by:
General: The world where Ranger James Medart picked up a number of
Sandeman prisoners, including Dartha DruLewies, who helped him end
the Sandeman war.
ANTHEM, IMPERIAL: Otherwise known as "Darth Vader's Theme", by John
Williams, from the Star Wars trilogy. In Annexation, this choice of
anthem has a strong effect on the Sandeman attitude toward the Empire.
ANTI-AGATHIC: A drug developed in 2113 which greatly extends the
lifespan of humans, both standard and variant. Begun immediately after
adolescence, it will approximately double expectable lifespan; begun
later, the effect is less dramatic but still appreciable. Biological
age remains what it was when treatment was started, until the last 3-5
years, though some minor cosmetic changes (such as graying hair) may
appear at around the normal time.
ANTI-INTERROGATION CONDITIONING: A total memory erasure triggered by a
code phrase spoken by the person needing to use it. At this point, the
victim fixates on the first person seen or heard. Memory up to the
time of the last conditioning can be restored by replay of a mindscan
tape made then, and memory after the conditioning is triggered is
retained; the interval between is lost.
ANUBIS, Subsector 15-A:
No. systems: 48 Sector: Auriga
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 23
APIS, Subsector 9-C:
No. systems: 91 Sector: Ursa
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 24
AQUILA, Sector 10:
Ruled by: No. systems: 207
Subsectors: 3 Inhabited planets: 147
A. Thunderbird
B. Roc
C. Garuda
ARDEN, Subsector 4-E:
No. systems: 149 Sector: Fornax
with 3 inhabited planets: 1 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 28
ARGUS, Subsector 2-A:
No. systems: 141 Sector: Hydra
with 3 inhabited planets: 5 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 23
ARIES, Sector 18:
Ruled by: No. systems: 1,067
Subsectors: 8 Inhabited planets: 416
A. Ebisu E. Prometheus
B. Pallas F. Forseti
C. Magni G. Tyr
D. Vishnu H. Donblas
ARMS BALDRIC: A formal or semi-formal way of displaying arms. The
baldric is a length of cloth or other material about eight inches wide,
hanging down in front to about wrist length, draped over the left
shoulder, around the back to waist level on the right, and over the
left shoulder again to about knee-height in back, with the arms pinned
to it just below the left shoulder. It is colored in accordance with
the level of the jurisdiction issuing the arms: green for the Empire,
white for a Sector, yellow for a Subsector, orange for a system, red
for a planet, and black for any lesser jurisdiction. The baldric may
be fringed in silver or green, depending on the baldric's color.
ARRIAN:
Sector: 19, Leo Year: 425.28 days
Subsector: B, Galatine Day: 24 hr 18 min
System: Regulus Gravity: 995 cm/sec2
Settled/established: Axial tilt: 21.4 deg.
By: Oxygen: 25.3%
Satellites: 1 (Whirlaway) % Water: 80
Ident code prefix: ARR Continents: 5
Ruled by:
General: The entire population is male. Some are semi-androgynous,
known as gynandri (singular gynandra), genetically engineered to be
able to carry children. These are not numerous (most children are
gestated in artificial wombs; all are products of cloning or
laboratory gene-splicing), and they require considerable medical help
to carry the baby to term once the embryo is implanted. While the
genetic engineering that creates the gynandri is contrary to Imperial
law, the reason was because the Arriani wanted to retain the closest
approximation they could manage to natural reproduction, so until
research can provide a way for women to live on Arrian, the
engineering of gynandri is excepted. The Arriani, however, do not
realize this; as far as they are concerned, they have managed to
keep the gynandri a precious secret of their way of life.
Religion is based on the Lady of Love.
ASGARD, Subsector 3-A:
No. systems: 63 Sector: Sculptor
with 3 inhabited planets: 5 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 8
with 1 inhabited planet: 21
ATHENA, Subsector 16-A:
No. systems: 67 Sector: Virgo
with 3 inhabited planets: 6 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 19
AURIGA, Sector 15:
Ruled by: No. systems: 510
Subsectors: 4 Inhabited planets: 210
A. Anubis C. Tuonetar
B. Nephthys D. Yama
AURORA:
Sector: 8, Centaurus Year:
Subsector: D, Pan Day:
System: Aurora Gravity:
Settled/established: Axial tilt:
By: Oxygen:
Satellites: % Water:
Ident code prefix: AUR Continents:
Ruled by:
General: Had an interest in the heavy metals market strong enough for
it to engage in industrial espionage; this attracted OSI's attention
because of the possibility a former IntelDiv field agent was
involved, which proved to be the case. (Barbara Tennison)
AVALON, Subsector 4-C:
No. systems: 106 Sector: Fornax
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 22
B
BADER, Lawrence: Imperial Ranger. Recruited Jess Winters as Sovereign
of Alternate Sierra, 2683.
BALIK: (Sandeman) A solitary lupoid predator. Females tend to nest
and bear their kits in the mountains or high foothills. (Sylvia
Stevens)
BAST, Subsector 8-C:
No. systems: 158 Sector: Centaurus
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 24
BATTLE-COMPANION: (Sandeman) One who has fought beside another for
some time, or done a combat-related service for the other deserving
such recognition. Battle-companions are usually warriors/w'women, but
Others are acknowledged as such occasionally. Under highly unusual
circumstances, even an enemy may become a battle-companion, at which
point @ is no longer an enemy. Battle-companions will give each other
Last Gift without question if asked, and when using High War Speech,
employ the familiar mode.
BATTLEPREP: (Sandeman) A combat-oriented form of need, induced by
mental and physical concentration. Unlike the sexual form of induced
need, which will subside on its own with no more effect than a slight
shortening of the warrior's cycle, battleprep involves the entire body;
unless the warrior goes into demanding combat within an hour or two, he
will go into overload and die. As this is well known, a warrior will
prep only when combat is imminent.
Battleprep is often referred to as a berserker state, but that is only
partially correct. The prepped warrior is only marginally, if at all,
aware of pain and wounds; blood clots quickly to minimize loss; speed
and strength are heightened on the same order as that of someone of
average strength who can suddenly lift a car to save an infant. Beyond
this, however, the berserker analogy breaks down, because the warrior
retains his full intelligence and judgement. This combination makes a
battleprepped warrior one of the most dangerous beings in the known
universe.
BAYARD, Subsector 5-A:
No. systems: 92 Sector: Pegasus
with 3 inhabited planets: 5 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 8
with 1 inhabited planet: 20
BCE: Before the Common Era. Usually called BC (Before Christ) prior
to the Empire. See CE.
BLACK LORD, The: Sandeman term for Lord Darth Vader, generally
regarded as villain of the classic Star Wars film trilogy. The
Sandemans see him as a symbol of their race: held in thrall by another
(Palpatine/the Shapers), but maintaining all honor possible during that
thralldom and eventually throwing it off to regain (or gain) full honor
for himself and his family (or the Sandeman race). Clan Vader, the
first clan formed after Overthrow, was named for him and is the arbiter
for the most delicate questions of honor. The ceremonial garb called
honor-black is derived directly from the Black Lord's armor and robes.
BLASTER: The standard Imperial sidearm, a plasma weapon.
BLAST RIFLE: A shoulder weapon, powered by a small fusion reactor pack,
which emits a plasma beam. Since their power packs are larger than
those of a hand-held blaster, they are correspondingly either more
powerful or more long-lasting, depending on the operator's preference.
BLOODMATE: A strong, possibly latent empath who has been changed by
the nosferatu pseudo-virus to an extremely capable blood donor, able to
supply all a Kin's needs. The primary adaptation is bone marrow
hyperactivity, which permits loss of blood with no harm to the
Bloodmate beyond fatigue and increased appetite. Other changes include
increased physical strength, though not to the extent of a Kin's, along
with heightened empathy and endurance, both of which exceed a Kin's.
Although Bloodmates appeared at the same time as Kins, their lack of
visible change meant that for more than two years they were thought to
be no more than unusually capable Donors. That changed when Marine
Captain Jase Thompson, who was extremely susceptible to the virus, was
changed and it was discovered that he literally had to donate at daily
intervals to remain physically and emotionally healthy. ["Teams"]
This allowed testing of the other unusually capable donors, and led to
the discovery that the approximate 10% who went through change with no
apparent effect had actually become Bloodmates.
BOND: A close physical/emotional tie between a Kin and a Bloodmate.
It is involuntary, very fast, and takes place when a Kin feeds on a
Bloodmate who is @'s complement. The empathic link between them is so
strong that each is always aware of the other's physical and emotional
state. This is usually quite pleasant, but if one is severely hurt or
killed, the other will suffer psychological and physical pain and
illness, sometimes fatal.
BRIGIT, Subsector 11-C:
No. systems: 138 Sector: Gemini
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 13
with 1 inhabited planet: 23
BROTHERHOOD OF FREEDOM: (Kingdom Systems) A Systems-wide terrorist
group that appeared around 2550. It has no declared objective beyond
the disruption of society, and its leader, Lawrence Shannon, claims to
be the incarnation of Satan.
Its primary targets, until the Empire's arrival in 2572, were Royal
Enforcement Service troopers; at that point, Imperial personnel took
priority. Other than those two groups, the Brotherhood's targets are
places which will cause the most distress: schools, hospitals,
churches, and such are attacked at random, the people there killed with
the maximum amount of violence. It is these terror raids which inspired
the formation of the Strike Force section of the RES.
C
CADET INCOGNITO: The provision made for Imperial nobles who wish to
attend the Military or Administrative Academies without receiving
special attention (either leniency or strictness). The cadet's true
identity is known only to the Commandant of Cadets, and revealed at
graduation or if an emergency requires the cadet to drop out earlier.
CARLE: One of the Traiti Circle of Lords, female.
CARLE, Subsector 21-E:
No. systems: 155 Sector: Traiti
with 3 inhabited planets: 4 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 12
CASSELL, Sandoval (Sandy): (2092-2189) Leader of the genetic
engineers later known as the Shapers.
CASSELL System:
Sector: 5, Pegasus No. planets: 12
Subsector: D, Sandeman Habitable: 1
Ruled by:
General: Sandeman's system, named for the leader of the Shapers. The
Sandemans elected to keep the name; in spite of their opinion of the
Shapers' attempt to control them, they are convinced the Shapers also
deserve credit for creating them.
CATEGORY F ("Foreign Legion") ENLISTMENT: The provision made for
anonymous enlistment in the Imperial military. A person wanting to
make use of this provision must meet the normal enlistment criteria,
and tell the recruiting officer the reason (which may not be revealed
to any third party) for wanting Category F. If the recruiting officer
is satisfied that the reason has no bearing on the individual's fitness
for service, @ will be enlisted under a new name, with a Category F
ident code (prefix FFF); only the Imperial computer net has data on
both identities. The Cat F enlistee's career will not be restricted
except in one way: @ may not become an officer without resuming @'s
original name and ident code.
CE: Common Era, the Imperial term for what was called AD before the
Empire's formation. BC, in those terms, is BCE--Before the Common Era.
This change was made to avoid any implication that the Empire might
favor or promote any particular religion.
CENTAURUS, Sector 8:
Ruled by: No. systems: 356
Subsectors: 4 Inhabited planets: 217
A. Chiron C. Bast
B. Pholus D. Pan
CERBERUS, Subsector 2-E:
No. systems: 54 Sector: Hydra
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 20
CHAMELEON, Sector 20:
Ruled by: No. systems: 397
Subsectors: 4 Inhabited planets: 226
A. Oghma C. Dagda
B. Thoth D. Ukko
CHANG, Cheong: (2050-2149) First Sovereign of the Terran Empire.
Retired from the USMC as a Major General in 2097. Became acquainted
with Reinhard Nannstein, an acquaintanceship that became a close
friendship. At Nannstein's urging, Chang entered Solar Federation
politics, rapidly earning a reputation for outstanding statesmanship
and unyielding integrity. Elected President of the Federation in 2124,
he was aware that his friend's work on gravitics (and the high
probability that faster-than-light travel would soon follow) would
require some drastic changes, and he began laying the groundwork for
them. In 2125, Nannstein invented hyperdrive; as humanity exploded
away from Terra, Chang and Nannstein acted. Democratic government,
even as loose as the Federation's, had become so obviously
impractical--and Chang was so highly regarded--that they were able to
persuade the Federation Congress to pass a constitutional amendment
dissolving the Federation and establishing the Terran Empire--on the
condition that Chang agree to be Emperor. One of his first acts on
assuming the Throne was to create the Rangers and nobility; another was
to direct the regularization of English. His alphabet and some of his
other linguistic changes caught on; some did not. He died seconds
after midnight, 1 January 2149.
CHIEF'S BENCH: (Sandeman) A judicial-style bench in the clanhome's
main hall, used by the clan-chief on formal occasions.
CHIEF'S RIGHT: (Sandeman) A clan-chief's right to impose punishment on
one who has committed a serious offense against a member of his clan.
CHIRON, Subsector 8-A:
No. systems: 74 Sector: Centaurus
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 23
CIRCLE OF LORDS: The Traiti deities, three females and nine males--one
of whom, Lord Esteban the Peacelord, is a human. All were planned for
and then influenced, to a greater or lesser degree, by the psionic
computer called Godhome--which had been left behind for that task when
the Others departed to continue their development on another plane of
existence. Once those who were to become Lords agreed to serve,
Godhome forced them into full intellectual and emotional maturity;
although they have powers generally thought of as godlike, they think
of themselves as parents. Their aim, over millennia, is to bring all
intelligence to their level; their philosophy is that
self-responsibility is essential to natural maturation, so they
intervene only when, and only as much as, absolutely unavoidable for
racial survival.
CLAN NAMES, TRAITI: Naming convention is one or two letters, an
apostrophe, and one or two syllables to form something pronounceable.
Clan names probably had meaning when the clans were originally
established, but those meanings have become lost over the millennia.
(Some clan-names established in the series so far: Ch'geasht, Ch'kara,
D'gameh, K'horan, N'chark, St'nar.)
CLANS, SANDEMAN: The basic unit of Sandeman society, the extended
"family". While the clan-chief is in charge and has the last word, he
is not--cannot be--a dictator. Until Overthrow, clans were established
by the Shapers and restricted in size to 200-500 members; since then,
some have gotten larger, and a new clan is formed by agreement between
two or more "parent" clans who contribute members and resources.
Some established clans (those with asterisks formed by the Shapers),
with their specialties and brief notes if applicable; there may be a
more detailed entry as well, under the clan name, if available
information justifies it.
Alanna*: edged weapons; the First Clan.
Cid
Datha
Elwyn*
Faerb
Glenn
Havek: metal-working, electronics; daughter-clan to Krishnan and Leras.
Klein
Krishnan*: basic research, farming.
Leras*: farming, piloting and pilot training; the entire warrior caste
of this clan is accomplished pilots.
Levya*: shipfitters
Lewies*
Lowrie*
Miklos*: communications.
Neill*: leather battlegear, horses.
Raynor*: medicine, genetics.
Seldon
Shona*: war-dogs, farming.
Torrance: boats, other aquatic craft, seamanship.
Vader: energy weapons; the first clan formed after Overthrow.
CLOUDCATS: Inhabitants of Ondrian, moved there by the Others about
8000 BCE because their original sun was about to go nova.
They resemble Terran mountain lions in size and shape, though because
of their preference for cold climates, their fur is thick and white.
They are highly intelligent, although the first colonists thought them
wild animals; they communicate and manipulate objects with a pair of
tentacular Y-shaped "tongues" that retract into cheek pouches when not
in use.
Cloudcats are solitary hunters, living in mountain caves the Others
provided with psionically-operated survival aids; although the closest
world to their native one, Ondrian is enough harsher that, without the
survival aids, cloudcat art and philosophy would have suffered, perhaps
died. Most are involved with one or the other, many with both, and the
tapestries they weave from their shed fur are in great demand
throughout the Empire. Although most cloudcats never leave their home
territory, some do take advantage of their right (granted in return for
the colonists' free use of the equatorial zone) to travel at will on
Imperial ships.
CLOUD-SILK: A soft, light, tough luxury fabric made from a plant that
thrives only on Herbert's World.
CODES, COLOR: (Stories) Generally seen on military uniforms in the
form of collar tabs, the color codes indicate the service's level.
Imperial forces have no collar tabs; Sector-level have white,
Subsector-level have yellow, System-level have orange, and
Planetary-level have red.
(TE Society) These are the ones on the badges, intended to simplify
mutual identification, especially when not in uniform or regalia. No
color band means no Imperial rank (except for brown, which indicates a
local noble; technically, they have no Imperial standing, but are
generally given the courtesy title of "Excellency"). Green indicates
the Sovereign (wide) and Rangers (2 narrow); white is for Dukes, yellow
for Earls, orange for Counts, and red for Barons (in all of these a
wide band is for a Life Noble, two narrow for a Ruling Noble and @'s
Consort and Heir, one narrow for a Life Noble's spouse and a Ruling
Noble's younger children). Black indicates Marines, blue Navy, with
wide band for Imperial regulars, two narrows for Imperial reservists,
and one narrow for local forces.
CODES, IDENT: (Stories) Only S and R indicate status in this group
(Sovereign and Rangers, respectively); with the first and last letters
of the individual's name, these form a three-letter prefix. All others
have a five-letter prefix, with the first three being a home-planet
identifier (preferably the first three letters in the Imperial English
alphabet, but modified where necessary to prevent duplication), again
with the first and last letters of the individual's name. The prefix
is followed by an eight-digit number that precisely identifies the
individual.
(TE Society) These were set up to allow computer separation, if it
ever becomes necessary, by Imperial status; the first letter indicates
that with S for Sovereign, R for Ranger, N for Imperial noble, C for
citizens derived (or derivable) from the original TE stories, and E for
citizens of extra-universal origin. TE is simply for Terran Empire,
and the numbering is consecutive, assigned when enough information is
available to do so--usually when the Admin Service has a persona form
to work from.
COLD PEAK RANGE: A Sandeman mountain range, mostly on Clan Torrance
territory. It is supposed to be the most beautiful mountain scenery on
the planet, but is visited by few Sandemans other than Torrance hunting
parties because of the general Sandeman dislike for low temperatures.
COMBAT DIVISION: The largest of the ITMC's major specialty divisions,
it is responsible for all directly combat-related activity, including
such things as basic training.
COMM IMPLANT: A surgically implanted communications system consisting
of a transmitter in the throat and a receiver at the mastoid bone.
Imperial implants have an always-active receiver and touch-activated
transmitter, which can also be computer-activated if the comp initiates
the contact and expects an answer.
COMP: Computer, of any type and size from a hand-held personal model
to an Imperial Battle Cruiser's or other artificial intelligence.
CONCLAVE: The gathering of Rangers called by a new Sovereign
immediately after @'s accession, to name the new Successor.
CONSORT, -CONSORT: Unhyphenated, a Kin of the Dragon who has Bonded to
a Bloodmate. Hyphenated, after a title of nobility, the spouse of a
ruling Imperial noble.
COR'NAYA: (Traiti) Honored One. Generally, a male who has taken and
survived the Ordeal of Honor, and displays the Honor scars inflicted as
a test of endurance to conclude the Ordeal. Rarely, a female who has
borne twins and has been given Honor scars under anesthesia in a
hospital.
CORONET: The lesser crown used by Rangers (when using their civil
title of Prince/Princess) and Imperial nobles, primarily on ceremonial
occasions.
CORPSWEN: Imperial Navy medical technician.
CRATER, Sector 13:
Ruled by: No. systems: 395
Subsectors: 4 Inhabited planets: 220
A. Nike C. Ratri
B. Inanna D. Idun
CROWN, IMPERIAL: The crown worn by the Sovereign during major
ceremonies such as Investitures, Grand Audiences, etc. It is made of
platinum in a wing-and-star motif, with the arches topped by the globe
and sun segments of the Imperial Seal. The only gems used are pearls
on the arches. For comfort, the crown is worn over a green velvet Cap
of Estate, turned up with ermine. For less formal occasions a lighter
version, without arches (and sometimes called the Diadem), is used.
CYCLOPS, Subsector 2-C:
No. systems: 106 Sector: Hydra
with 3 inhabited planets: 1 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 20
CYGNUS, Sector 7:
Ruled by: No. systems: 803
Subsectors: 6 Inhabited planets: 297
A. Kinnison D. Jirel
B. Skywalker E. Lessa
C. DuQuesne F. Stildyne
D
DAGDA, Subsector 20-C:
No. systems: 66 Sector: Chameleon
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 19
DARLAS: An aspect of Talent, a form of psionic attack that can vary in
effect, depending on the user's strength and intent, from a mild stun
to lethal. In whatever degree, it is extremely painful to the victim.
DAVIS, Subsector 21-C:
No. systems: 66 Sector: Traiti
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 12
with 1 inhabited planet: 17
DECORATIONS, IMPERIAL (in order of precedence):
* Imperial Medal of Honor (wartime); Sovereign's Medal (peacetime)
* Marine Cross
* Navy Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
* Silver Star Medal
# Legion of Merit
# Distinguished Service Medal
+ Marine Medal
+ Space Medal
Joint Services Commedation Medal
Marine Commendation Medal
Navy Commendation Medal
Achievement Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
* Sovereign's Unit Citation
* Distinguished Unit Emblem
# Unit Commendation
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Navy Good Conduct Medal
Marine Corps Reserve Medal
Navy Reserve Medal
These are awarded for:
* Combat heroism
# Heroic or meritorious acts
+ Non-combat heroism
DERYBACH: (Traiti) A Homeworld predator Ranger Tarlac characterized
as an overgrown bobcat. They bear a strong resemblance to cloudcats,
though they have shorter fur and are tawny rather than white.
DIADEM, IMPERIAL: A term sometimes used to refer to the Imperial Crown
as it is worn during ceremonies other than major ones such as
Coronation or Grand Audiences. It is somewhat lighter, since it does
not have the arches.
DISRUPTOR: A gravitics-based weapon that disrupts its target's
molecular structure. Sizes (and power) vary from the relatively weak
sidearm favored by the Traiti to the extremely powerful "primaries"
mounted in Imperial light, heavy, and battle cruisers, which require a
separate T/CT power supply equal to that used for propulsion and ship
support.
DONBLAS, Subsector 18-H:
No. systems: 165 Sector: Aries
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 18
DONOR: As used by Narvonese, a person who acts as an occasional (one
to four week interval, depending on the individual) blood-source for
the Dragon-Kin, but whose lack of susceptibility to the nosferatu
pseudo-virus prevents @ from becoming a Bloodmate. Donating or not is
an individual decision, as is the method. While most choose to Donate
directly and get the pleasure the Kin feels and projects to @'s Donor
while feeding this way, some people prefer to Donate indirectly,
through a medical unit; that blood is used for Kins who for some reason
or other cannot or choose not to feed normally. This is not usual,
though; "bottled" blood is, rather like WWII C-rations, life-sustaining
but not very good, and certainly not satisfactory for long periods.
The more usual problem is keeping donors from doing so too often, to
the point where it adversely affects their health.
DOWER NOBLE: A ruling noble who retires and that noble's spouse, or
the spouse of a ruling noble who has died. Dower nobles have no legal
power, but are entitled to the courtesies of their former ranks. They
add a true-lover's knot to their arms to indicate dower status.
DRAGON PRINCE: (Sometimes referred to simply as "Dragon" or "Prince")
Personification of the nosferatu pseudo-virus, the result of a dream by
the first Kin, during her Change, about a platinum-scaled
Oriental-style dragon wearing a crown. She was familiar with both the
fictional and real Draculas, synthesizing that knowledge with what she
somehow sensed (or knew through Talent) she was becoming, and the
virus' essential benevolence. Her colony of virus, even though it was
centuries from true consciousness or self-awareness, picked up the
image, possibly as a rudimentary identification, and passed it along as
other colonies reached a level that changed their hosts.
DRUGS established so far, alphabetically. See individual entries for
details.
Energine
Felzine
Keisha
Libidine
Rapid-heal
Veranol
DuQUESNE, Subsector 7-C:
No. systems: 144 Sector: Cygnus
with 3 inhabited planets: 1 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 15
Arms: Black.
E
EBISU, Subsector 18-A:
No. systems: 124 Sector: Aries
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 28
EGERIN: The hormone that defines a Sandeman warrior and controls his
need cycle.
EMPIRE, TERRAN: Founded by Cheong Chang in 2128, the Empire is an
umbrella government with functions limited to defense of the Empire as
a whole, peacekeeping (primarily between Sectors, though occasionally
if necessary between lesser fiefs as well), and inter-cultural
relations that cannot be handled at a lower level. Its normal method
of operation is that of minimum intervention, to encourage maximum
diversity (within limits; neither anarchy nor Balkanization are seen as
desirable).
As a safeguard, although going to the appropriate noble is generally
preferable, all Imperial citizens have the right of direct appeal to
the Throne, and if circumstances warrant (normally determined by an
Evaluation Team investigation), the Empire will act.
The Empire is based firmly on the principle of enlightened
self-interest, making it the most thoroughly pragmatic government
humans have ever developed. Ninety-nine-plus percent of the time, this
means demonstrating an integrity pre-Empire Terran politicians would
believe undesirable to impossible, probably both.
However, there is that other fractional percent of a time. Even the
greatest idealists realize that from time to time, any government is
going to need to use unpleasant, unethical, and possibly even illegal
means to achieve something vital. For these times, as well as for more
normal undercover operations, the Empire is believed to use its
IntelDiv field agents, as well as the rumored Shadow Fleet.
ENERGINE: A powerful stimulant, effective for approximately eight
hours. While it will allow the user to overcome most weaknesses, too
much will demand a high price in recuperation afterward.
ENERGY SOURCES: See Fusion, Internal Combustion, T/CT.
ENGLISH, IMPERIAL: Emperor Chang's regularized version of a
combination of American and British English, with phoneticized spelling
and somewhat modified vocabulary.
ENVIRO-SUIT: A coverall-type garment that provides protection from
extreme temperatures, either heat or cold, between approximately -100
and +150 degrees Celsius.
ERIDANUS, Sector 12:
Ruled by: No. systems: 621
Subsectors: 7 Inhabited planets: 366
A. Ramman E. Susanowo
B. Tefnut F. Zeus
C. Ahto G. Thor
D. Rudra
EVALUATION TEAM: Commonly called an E-Team, this is a group of Marine
Intelligence Division operatives sent in to investigate a citizen's
report or appeal for help, if a preliminary evaluation shows a
potentially serious problem to exist, and determine whether Imperial
intervention is both justified and necessary. Only when the report is
of imminent warfare or rebellion, when it includes evidence that makes
an investigation unnecessary, or when the preliminary evaluation shows
it not to be an Imperial matter, is an E-Team not sent in.
EXCALIBUR, Subsector 14-D:
No. systems: 52 Sector: Phoenix
with 3 inhabited planets: 6 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 26
Arms: On a red field, a sword point-upward between three silver
caltrops.
EXOTIC: Xanaden term for genetically engineered human variants,
specifically those originally intended as sexual objects.
Although major genetic engineering of humans was outlawed in 2310, it
has been impossible to completely suppress. It has, however, been
driven into secrecy, with the result that most such engineering is done
by or for the rich and powerful who have grown bored with legal
diversions. This in turn means that most subjects of such engineering
have had their sexuality enhanced for their creators' entertainment,
often with other changes being made as well.
Most of the Empire's more detailed knowledge of Exotics comes from
those who disliked and were able to escape from those who engineered
them. Of these, most gravitate to Xanadu and the Amators' Guild, where
they can make profitable use of the engineering carried out on them (or
on their forebears). It is not known how many either do not rebel or
are unsuccessful in their escape attempts, but it seems reasonable to
assume this number to be far greater than the escapees'.
While the details of the various Exotic types vary considerably, the
basics of most are quite consistent, which is to be expected given the
purpose of such engineering. An Exotic is always responsive, in some
degree, to sexual stimuli, is capable of what seems to non-Exotics like
incredible sexual endurance, and most begin sexual activity during or
immediately after adolescence. (It must be noted, of course, that any
or all of the above does on occasion occur to a non-engineered human
and cannot be considered proof of engineering; genetic analysis is the
only way to be certain.)
In some cases, enhancement of the sexual drive is the only change made.
In most, however, physical changes have been made as well, though not
all are visible (for instance, the Ishtar variants are characterized by
sensory nerves lining the vaginal canal, usually leading to the brain's
pleasure center). The changes which are visible also vary, from
relatively minor (such as the Tingler's tentacles around his penis) to
near-total alteration (such as the Elf variant's small, slender build
and delicate features emphasized by pointed ears and slanted eyes).
F
FAMILY (capitalized): The extended family structure recently introduced
in the Kingdom Systems, primarily as a socially-acceptable means of
dealing with the satyr virus and the physiological changes it produces.
As a side effect, it also provides a family structure stable enough
that Special Operations personnel may now marry and are no longer
required to be sterile. The new Families, the first and best known of
which is Family Cortin, consist of several spouses--ideally, but not
necessarily, half male and half female--with any children. (As an
example Family Cortin, at this point [2572], consists of Colonel Cortin
herself, who is Family head but not a spouse, two wives, five husbands,
and three children, with a fourth on the way. It may become more
balanced in the future, since it began as a mostly-male Strike Force
team and has as yet had little opportunity to court more than one
civilian wife.)
FEALTY, CONDITIONAL: (Sandeman) An oath to someone in return for a
consideration, unknown until Gaelan DarShona talked some of the
warriors on the guardian fleet around Mjolnir into taking service in
Planetary Security in exchange for Imperial credits. Such an oath is
considered void if payment in wilfully withheld (inability to pay is
negotiable) or if the one to whom such an oath is taken attempts to
injure the oath-taker, at which point the one taking the oath may feel
free to take appropriate action against the false acceptor.
FEALTY, PERSONAL: (Sandeman) An oath of absolute personal loyalty and
obedience. Theoretically, anyone may swear such fealty to anyone, but
in practice it is almost exclusively warriors swearing to Warleaders or
other high-status warriors.
It is an honor either to be offered such fealty or to have it accepted.
The one giving fealty (thakur-na) becomes, to the best of his ability,
an extension of the one accepting it (thakur). The only acceptable
reasons for disobeying a thakur's will are to preserve his honor or his
life, with the thakur's honor taking precedence. This relationship is
most obvious to non-Sandemans in the custom that any children a 'na
fathers are considered the thakur's, and their use of the familiar mode
of High War Speech.
The 'na has his right cheek tattooed with a mark of his thakur's
choice. Although in theory, since a 'na does swear absolute obedience
and perfect fidelity, there is no need to acknowledge even the greatest
of such service, the Sandemans are realists; if a 'na gives greater
service or does a deed more heroic than may be reasonably expected, his
thakur will have the tattoo circled and allow his 'na to use his name
hyphenated with the 'na's own. If the 'na outlives his thakur, his
tattoo is barred with black to show honorable completion of service; if
it works out the other way, his thakur will see to honorable burial, if
possible at one of their clanhomes.
Although those are by far the commonest ways of ending the
relationship, two others are possible. If the 'na commits a serious
offense, the thakur may dismiss him by telling him something like,
"Leave me; I no longer need you." The real meaning is "You have
dishonored me"; the 'na is expected to atone by a painful death at
either his own or his clan-chief's hands. The other, since Dana
DruAlanna's case in 2624, is for the thakur to dismiss without offense,
in which case the 'na's tattoo is barred with black and service is
honorably terminated for both parties.
FELZINE: A mild, non-addictive tranquilizer.
FENRIS, Subsector 14-A:
No. systems: 174 Sector: Phoenix
with 3 inhabited planets: 7 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 8
with 1 inhabited planet: 22
Arms: On a counter-ermine field, a gold star of four large and eight
small points, charged with a red circle on which is a silver wolf's
head.
FIEFS: The subdivisions of the Empire. As of 2568, the end of the
Traiti War--and including the new Traiti Sector--they are broken down
as follows:
21 Sectors, consisting of two to eight Subsectors apiece
106 Subsectors, averaging 53 inhabited planets in 36 systems
1,431 multi-inhabited-planet systems
2,388 single-inhabited-planet systems
5,596 inhabited planets
Fiefs cannot be combined. If the heir to a fief marries a ruling
noble, @ forfeits all claim to the fief @ was to inherit, and the next
oldest child becomes heir. If one heir or ruling noble marries
another, the Sovereign decides which forfeits @'s fief (usually the
lower-ranking, if they are of different levels) and who is to succeed
(usually the next oldest child).
FIELD AGENT: An IntelDiv officer with special training in covert
intelligence gathering. Although they often work openly, sometimes
even in uniform, they are not identified as field agents and are always
assigned to cases where their special skills (such as reading the
subtleties of body language, some of them with near-telepathic
accuracy) are needed.
When working under an assumed identity, a field agent will use whatever
means are available and most effective for getting the information a
needs or otherwise accomplishing @'s mission. While this is recognized
as necessary under such circumstances, it is not something the Empire
takes pride in or wishes publicized. It is also unfortunate that at
times former field agents revert to this end-over-means philosophy,
though if they have left the Service, there is seldom any harm done,
and very little the Empire can do unless the person has broken a law as
well.
FORNAX, Sector 4:
Ruled by: No. systems: 472
Subsectors: 5 Inhabited planets: 285
A. Oberon D. Xanth
B. Titania E. Arden
C. Avalon
FORSETI, Subsector 18-F:
No. systems: 90 Sector: Aries
with 3 inhabited planets: 7 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 21
FREYA, Subsector 16-D:
No. systems: 97 Sector: Virgo
with 3 inhabited planets: 4 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 8
with 1 inhabited planet: 31
FUSION: The forced combination of hydrogen atoms at extremely high
temperatures to produce energy. It is used in most craft (spaceships
and ground vehicles) which are too small to carry T/CT generators.
G
GALATINE, Subsector 19-B:
No. systems: 154 Sector: Leo
with 3 inhabited planets: 6 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 8
with 1 inhabited planet: 25
GARUDA, Subsector 10-C:
No. systems: 53 Sector: Aquila
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 19
GEMINI, Sector 11:
Ruled by: No. systems: 422
Subsectors: 3 Inhabited planets: 169
A. Girru
B. Agni
C. Brigit
GILGAMESH System:
Sector: 13, Crater No. planets: 12
Subsector: B, Inanna Habitable: 2 (Atlantis, Nemra)
Ruled by: Kaplan family
GIRRU, Subsector 11-A:
No. systems: 131 Sector: Gemini
with 3 inhabited planets: 5 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 7
with 1 inhabited planet: 22
GODHOME: The psionic computer left behind on Homeworld when the Others
the Traiti call Those Who Went Before went on to a different plane of
existence. A huge underground complex, it was thought for millennia to
be a hill that caused madness or worse in those who went near, until it
forced Kranath of St'nar to full maturity, thus making him the first of
the new Traiti gods, the Circle of Lords. It destroyed its physical
structure as no longer necessary when it merged with the last Lord of
the Circle, Peacelord Esteban Tarlac. [Fearful Symmetry]
GORGON, Subsector 2-B:
No. systems: 112 Sector: Hydra
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 23
GRAVITICS: A science developed into practicality by Reinhard
Nannstein, it has led to as many things as electronics: artificial
gravity, hyperdrive, force fields and beams, ultrawave communications,
innumerable others.
GRAYWAND, Subsector 19-E:
No. systems: 187 Sector: Leo
with 3 inhabited planets: 4 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 25
GRYPHON, Subsector 14-C:
No. systems: 148 Sector: Phoenix
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 25
GUNGNIR, Subsector 19-C:
No. systems: 160 Sector: Leo
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 11
with 1 inhabited planet: 24
GYNANDRA (plural gynandri): An Arriani male genetically engineered to
carry and give birth to children, though not to conceive. Such
pregnancy and birth require highly skilled medical aid. Gynandri are
also sought-after sex partners, both because of their enthusiasm and
because they are thought to be special favorites of the Lady of Love,
being as close to female as can survive on Arrian.
H
HATHOR, Subsector 9-B:
No. systems: 102 Sector: Ursa
with 3 inhabited planets: 2 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 23
HEIMDALL, Subsector 1-C:
No. systems: 70 Sector: Orion
with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 10
with 1 inhabited planet: 19
HELIOS, Subsector 1-G:
No. systems: 142 Sector: Orion
with 3 inhabited planets: 6 Ruled by:
with 2 inhabited planets: 9
with 1 inhabited planet: 30
HELLBEAST: A Mjolnirri herbivore domesticated for its meat, which
remains tender even when well-cooked. Its name comes from its
remarkably ugly appearance, not its placid disposition.
HELLESPONT System:
Sector: 17, Indus No. planets: 10
Subsector: C, Poseidon Habitable: 1
Ruled by: Keene family
HERALDRY, IMPERIAL: Although the idea of coats of arms in an
interstellar society with numerous other means of identification seems
redundant to some, that purpose became a minor one long before the
Empire. Arms are a tradition Emperor Chang thought would serve a
unifying purpose, provide continuity, and give an incentive for service
beyond the expectable but not sufficient to earn a Life Nobility.
While derived from traditional heraldry and having much in common with
it, Imperial heraldry has the advantage of hindsight, which has led to
several improvements. The primary one is in descriptions, where
English replaces Old French, making them understandable to those who
are not specialists in the field. Some traditional terminology has
been retained, either because it is generally understandable or because
there is no reasonably concise English equivalent. Most terms,
however, translated without difficulty; the slightly longer
descriptions are acceptable because of the greatly increased clarity.
The only exception to this is in the actual Grant of Arms itself, where
the traditional blazoning is still used (though an English translation
is provided on a separate sheet).
The heraldic colors remain predominantly the bright primary ones:
silver (now platinum) or white, and gold or yellow, called metals;
black, blue, green, and red, called colors. Less-used colors are
orange, purple, brown, and "flesh tone". Taken together, colors and
metals are referred to as tinctures. Anything described as "proper" is
shown in its normal coloring. Only two of the numerous traditional
heraldic "furs" are in Imperial use, ermine (white with black spots)
and counter-ermine (black with white spots). As a rule, metal should
not be placed on metal or color on color, although exceptions--mostly
in the case of charges described as "proper"--do occur.
As in traditional heraldry, the field is described first, by color and
any divisions, with the color on the bearer's right or at the shield's
top mentioned first. Left and right, in all cases, refer to the point
of view of the person supposedly carrying the shield.