Inside the Deominian Cloud

• The Altra'Rue System - Altra'Rue is a blue star that has five worlds orbiting it. the first three worlds have a nasty atmosphere comprised of un-breathable elements such as Methane and Carbon Monoxide, with valuable minerals and ore to be mined in the soil. Galactastar Corp. maintains a mining plant on the fourth world known as Altra Prime, which has no native sentient race. The fifth planet is further out in orbit, and is an ice covered world with little value.
• The Deominian System - Eight planets orbit the brilliant blue/purple star known as Domini:
  1)  The first planet is a barren and worthless rock, constantly baked by Domini and is known as Perdition.
  2)  The second planet is Freylon, a world rich in minerals that is mined by Galactastar Corp.
  3)  The third world is Deominia.
  4, 5, & 6)  The fourth, fifth, and sixth worlds are known as the Sons of Domini (commonly referred to as the first, second, and third sons). These worlds are gas giants, and have valuable gasses to be mined from them.
  7)  The seventh planet is a volcanic world, said to be the dwelling place of the Deominian god of the Dead, Schel'zak'Rel, from whom the planet received its name.
  8) A volatile atmosphere has made mining efforts hard on Grelnak, the eighth world of the system. However, the minerals found on this planet make this planet a worthwhile mining endeavor.
• The Radchey System - Radchey is a beautiful Red Giant with only two planets in orbit around it, Tillicor and Radchey. Tillicor is a small world with no redeeming qualities. Radchey is a quiet little world, with a subservient race. The people of Radchey would very much like to embrace the nearby galaxy and open up a tourist trade to give their economy something to chew on, but their neighbors in the Deominian system would never allow that.
• The Virilian System - Four planets surround the vibrant white sun named Virilia. All of the planets are saturated with a mineral named after the star which they orbit. The only planet that is named in this system is the one which supports life, Virilia. The Virilians are a proud, cat-like race that have resisted Galactastar Corp.'s offers to relocate them. The corporation will eventually gain that planet, but is patient with the Virilians since they don't need the planet's resources at this time.

A PRELIMINARY BREAKDOWN OF POLITICS WITHIN THE DEOMINIAN CLOUD

As is mentioned above, all the systems within the Deominian Cloud answer to the High Lord of Deominia (currently Lord Domino de Devastator).  However, each system is largely left to its own to govern itself in day-to-day matters.  Here is a breakdown, by system, of the politics of the cloud.

Altra'Rue System - There is no sentient race native to this system, so any matters that call for government action are decided by either the Galactastar Corporation (GSC) or by the High Lord of Deominia (depending on the importance of the situation).  GSC maintains a mining colony and foundry facility on Altra Prime, and the workers and their families are considered citizens of Deominia (regardless of their origin or heritage).

Radchey System - There are four continents on Radchey.  Each one has an elected leader called an Alderman.  Each Alderman is responsible for the judicial and municipal functions on his continent.  Over the Aldermen is a King, which is a purely hereditary title.  The current King of Radchey has long sought to wed his oldest daughter off to the High Lord of Deominia to boost his planet's standing in the scheme of things.  Though there is a Queen on Radchey, she has no political power.

Virilian System - The Virilians are tribal.  The tribes are devoted to family and the environment.  They have a rich history and want nothing to do with the rest of the Deominian Cloud.

Deominian System - The government of Deominia is a monarchy of sorts.  The High Lord (or High Lady; there has been one) has absolute authority to make declarations, though there must be a reason for the policies of the High Ruler.  Baseless policies will be rewarded by severe means, mainly a lack of confidence by the populace which would have dire consequences for the Ruler.  The position of High Lord is hereditary until the populace demands and forces a ruler from their throne.  Such has not happened on Deominia for several thousand years.
Each continent on Deominia is a separate state with its own Governor (a woman would be a Governess).  The nine continents are Domen, Arghen, Lapen, Beemen, Naymen, Kormen, Sumen, Walmen, and Paxen.  The Governor of a continent is voted into office and holds that position until the day of their death.  Each Governor forfeits their own family name and becomes known by the name of their continent (for example, The Governor of Arghen would be known as Governor Arghen).  Often, the title of Governor passes from one family's generation to the next, since by law the governor's oldest child must sit as Interim Governor until elections can be held.  The Interim Governor often has enough time to prove him/herself able enough to remain in power after the election.  Beemen, Sumen, and Walmen each have a Governess.
The nine Governors, the King of Radchey, and the High Lord make up the Circle of Advisement.  This is the council of rulers.  Though the High Lord has ultimate authority, he must gauge the will of the populace through the words of the Governors.  Each Governor has, in turn, a Council of Elders (equivalent of the mayor of a city).  The number of Elders in a Governor's Council is limited to nine; only the Elders of the nine largest or most influential cities on a continent sit on a Governor's Council.
In addition to the Circle of Advisement, the High Lord has a Grand Vizier who oversees the mundane tasks of managing government.  Answering to the High Lord only, the Grand Vizier has five Viceroys who administrate the fields of agriculture, commerce, industry, natural resources, and welfare (health and healthcare).
The seat of government for the Deominian Cloud is in Domen City.  This acts also as the seat of government for Deominia itself and for the Domen continent. 

THE ARISTOCRACY OF THE DEOMINIAN CLOUD

The richest and most influential families in the cloud are those tied to the rulers of the regions.  From the families of the King and Aldermen of Radchey to those of the Governors and Elders on Deominia, an aristocracy has developed.  This is a simple breakdown of the aristocratic system:

• On Altra Prime, the members of the highest levels of management have the "Sir" honorific before their names.  Additionally, any member of the Board of Directors of GSC anywhere in the Deominian Cloud has the "Lord" honorific.  

• On Radchey, a brother or son of the King is called a Prince, while a sister or daughter is a Princess.  The spouse of the King is the Queen.  The brothers and sons of an Alderman are given a "Sir" honorific before their name, but the spouses, sisters, and daughters of an Alderman have no titles or honorifics.

• On Deominia, a brother or son of the High Ruler is called a Lord, and a sister or daughter is a Lady.  Anyone the High Ruler deems worthy of the title is also a Lord or Lady (this is usually after some great deed or function of state has been performed).  If the High Lord (or Lady) of Deominia takes a spouse, that person is given the title of Lady (or Lord).  Those within the immediate family of the High Ruler (including aunts, uncles, and cousins) are given the title of Lord or Lady.
  The sons and daughters of Governors/Governesses are Lords and Ladies.  The wife of the Governor is a Lady, while the husband of a Governess is a Lord.
  The spouse of an Elder is an Arch-Lord or Arch-Lady, though they are called Lord and Lady more commonly.  The children of Elders are not given a title or honorific.

• Other titles of note:  the Grand Vizier of Deominia, the Viceroy of Agriculture, the Viceroy of Commerce, the Viceroy of Industry, the Viceroy of Resource, and the Viceroy of Welfare.  The Grand Vizier and his Viceroys are always men, and any spouses and children are Ladies and Lords.  Discussion of those titles comes later.

The Chain of the Aristocracy

Here is how the aristocracy levels figure in importance (prioritized in the level description by importance):

1. The 1st Level -  High Ruler of Deominia, their immediate family (sons, daughters, spouse, or siblings/respected relatives)

2. The 2nd Level - Grand Vizier of Deominia and his spouse, Governors of Deominia and their spouses, and the King and Queen of Radchey

3. The 3rd Level - Viceroys of Deominia, family of Governors, Elders and their spouses, Aldermen of Radchey, family of the King and Queen of Radchey, anyone honored enough to have been given a title in the aristocracy by the High Lord, members of GSC's Board of Directors

4. The 4th Level - family of the Grand Vizier, family of the Viceroys, family of the Elders and Aldermen, GSC upper management on Altra Prime (this is as low in the aristocracy as I intend to describe; it will get highly convoluted beyond this point)

THE COURT OF THE HIGH LORD

The High Lord rules in much the same way as a king, although he places great stake in the opinions of his Governors and Viceroys.  The High Lord meets with the Circle of Advisement, the Grand Vizier, and the Viceroys once a month; more often if necessary.  The primary responsibilities of the High Lord are overseeing the Governors and the Grand Vizier and providing the ultimate judicial and executive rule throughout the Deominian Cloud.  The High Lord hears the cases of the most notorious criminals of the region, listens to the demands of the most prestigious businessmen, and suffers the pleas of the neediest agencies one week out of each month.  In his absence, Lord Domino de Devastator will have Grand Vizier Skien Graize or Lady Tionne (in her official role as Palatial Administrator) sit in for him.

The Grand Vizier and the Viceroys

The Grand Vizier is the primary administrator of the things that make the government and society work.  It is his duty to manage the outflow of goods and services to the populace, as well as oversee the economy of the region.  To assist in these tasks, five Viceroys are appointed as managers of a particular aspect of the region:  Agriculture, Commerce, Industry, Resource, and Welfare.

• Agriculture refers to the planting and harvesting of foodstuffs, as well as goods produced through the growing of plants and crops (such as textiles for clothing or wood for building).  Additionally, ranches that raise herd-cattle for various forms of consumption fall under the administrative tasks of Agriculture.

• Commerce refers to the trade between the people of the Deominian region, as well as trade with the mainstream galaxy.

• Industry refers to manufactured items, as well as the refinement of raw material.

• Resource refers to natural resources such as gases, minerals, and petroleum, as well as administrating the use of various forms of energy.

• Welfare refers to monitoring the overall health of the citizenry and the healthcare systems within the Deominian Cloud.  Welfare is also responsible for the promotion of Deominian/Radchey culture.

The Governorship

The role of Governor is essentially a miniaturized version of the High Lord.  The duties are similar, but pertain only to that Governor's continent.  Within a Governor's court, he will have Ministers who act in the role of the Viceroys of the High Court.  The Ministers answer to their Governor and to the Viceroys of the High Court.
Each continent has many cities, and each city has an Elder.  The Elder is a similar role to a mayor or other city leader on our world.  In a Governorship, the Elders of the nine most populated or influential cities make up the Governor's Council.

The Kingdom of Radchey

The King is similar to the Governors of Deominia in his duties.  He answers to the High Lord of Deominia, but is the administrator of his realm.  However, he does not deal with Viceroys.  The Aldermen report to the King in the way the Governors report to the High Lord.  Each Alderman has Ministers who answer to him and to the Viceroys of Deominia.

DEOMINIAN LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Generally speaking, the laws of the worlds within the Deominian Sector are basic common sense; murder, rape, and theft are all against the law just as they are pretty much anywhere else.  There are some laws and rules of public conduct that must be stressed, however, for the infrequent visitor who finds their way somehow to the region beyond the Cloud.

• The official language within the Deominian Cloud is Deominian.  This applies to most forms of entertainment, all civic events, and government functions.  Exceptions are made for people who have never been exposed to the Deominian tongue.  On Radchey, the native tongue of the planet is used in royal and government functions unless an official from Deominia is present.  This is more of a tradition than a law, and no punishment aside from social disdain exists if someone breaks the tradition. 
• The following ranged weapons may not be owned or carried by Deominian citizens:  hold-out blasters, heavy blaster pistols, and blaster rifles and carbines.  Only mid-sized blaster pistols, sporting blasters, and sporting blaster rifles may be owned and carried.  If a visitor owns an illegal weapon, they must leave it on their vessel and declare it to the customs office at the starport, or leave it with the customs office if they have no starship on which to leave such a weapon.
  Military issue weapons (blaster pistols and blaster rifles) are only to be carried by Imperial and Deominian government personnel.
  Bladed weapons are approved if the blade is no longer than .85 meters.  Lightsabers, except when carried by official Deominian personnel, are illegal.
  All other weapons restrictions are based on Imperial law and the ordinance on weapons will be enforced with 6-24 months in prison (with exception for the law against carrying a lightsaber - punishment pending a meeting with the High Lord).  For visitors, permits are required for all weapons carried (purchase the permit in the customs office).  Residents register their weapons at their continent's Governor's Hall.
• All droids must be fitted with a restraining bolt.  The owner of a droid not so fitted is subject to a fine of 5,000-10,000 Deominian credits (3,000-6,000 Imperial credits), confiscation of the droid in question, and possible community service of no less than 100 hours. 
• Smuggling items into, or out of, the Deominian Cloud is punishable by up to 25 years in prison (depending on the item/items; some smugglers have been executed).
• Political dissidence is tolerated provided the dissention does not lead to violence (see Deominian Purity Party).  Violence stemming from political philosophies that differ from the dominant paradigm is met with harsh punishment.  Such political prisoners of the state are often subject to execution, pending a meeting with the High Ruler.  Other punishments are lengthy prison sentences, life sentences mining in the Altra'Rue system, or conscription into Imperial service.

DEOMINIAN SOCIETY

With the exception of the Virlians, citizens throughout the cloud live a life of relative ease and comfort.  As a standard, the citizens of Deominian space work between 30 and 50 hours per week in their careers, with the remainder of the week spent pursuing personal interests of day-to-day living (kinda like us).

Culture is important in the Deominian Cloud.  Deominians are often fiercely proud of their heritage and practice the customs of their world with reverence.  Citizens native to Radchey also follow their traditions, though there has been a push to become more like Deominia in the last 25 years (this movement is popular among the younger people; the elderly tend to eschew such frivolous concepts).

Artistic pursuits are encouraged when talent is present.  Deominian painters and sculptors are highly revered in society.  Entertainers are also often looked up to, as well as sportsmen.

Though Radchey and Deominia have differing holidays and observances, several days have been set aside for observance of mutual celebration.  One such important celebration is the Week of Finding.  This is a week-long festival that features gladiatorial events in Domen City (and other major cities on Deominia and Radchey).  Anyone who is anyone will attend the celebration in the capital, however, for the purpose of the Week of Finding is for the High Ruler to find a spouse.  The current High Lord, Domino de Devastator, is tolerant of the celebration, but has not made any serious considerations as yet.

Deominian Purity Party - The Deominian Purity Party (DPP) is dedicated to keeping the influence of the mainstream galaxy from what they consider to be the sacred soil of their birth.  Trade outside of the cloud, Imperial military service, and exploitation of natural resources are the three key issues for the DPP.  Focused solely on Deominian concerns (95% of Radchey's population would love nothing more than seeing commercial routes opened into the galaxy), the DPP is comprised of approximately 5% of the population of the world.  Such a small percentage of the population seems hardly worth mentioning, but the DPP is a popular cause among entertainers, artists, and other celebrities.
At times, some factions within the DPP have acted out violently.  This usually occurs when rumors are spread that the High Lord may consider making service in the Imperial military mandatory, or when members of Radchey's government visit Deominia.  The Deominian/Imperial military presence has been successful in putting down each insurgency with little loss of innocent life, however the political agitators are always punished for disturbing the general order.

Okay, Get in touch with me if you have any questions.  I realize I've left this rather vague, but it was even more arbitrary and ambiguous before I stepped in with this.

GO TO PLANETARY POLITICAL ALIGNMENTS
GO TO ALIEN RACES
GO TO PARTICIPANT PROFILES
GO TO DOMINO'S PROFILE
GO TO DARIN'S PROFILE

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