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10/W Compact Minigun
A wearable, high-yield weapon manufactured by Lancillon Industries. It features a supporting arm gauntlet with a firing control mounted in the centre of a rotor ring.
→ Read more on the 10/W Compact Minigun page.
→ Read more on the 10/W Compact Minigun page.
104th Battalion
The Wanton One-Oh-Fourth is a CAGA battalion which was posted to the ICS Vehement, a carrier of the Fifth Fleet, until that ship's destruction on or about 13th March 3745 ELC in orbit of Guathelia. Private Junn Delanka is a rifleman who was attached to the unit.
310th Battalion
The Fearsome Three-Tenth is a CAGA battalion. In 3734 ELC the troops of this battalion were posted to the ICS Embolden, where they remained for three Solars. It was during this attachment that Rendir Throam — then a sergeant — first encountered Euryce Eilentes.
The 310th Battalion was involved in both the Ottomas Incident and the Brankfall Incident.
The 310th Battalion was involved in both the Ottomas Incident and the Brankfall Incident.
951st Battalion
The Nasty Nine-Five-One is the parent unit of Bullseye Company, platoons of which assisted Elm Caden and his companions on Echo, Aldava, Woe Tantalum, Mibes, and Guathelia (→SFTD, LOTD, TRD).
In 3745 ELC the battalion was posted to Admiral Pensh's Second Fleet flagship, ICS Stiletto. The Stiletto was lost during Operation Seawall, and most of the Nasty Nine-Five-One is now considered MIA.
In 3745 ELC the battalion was posted to Admiral Pensh's Second Fleet flagship, ICS Stiletto. The Stiletto was lost during Operation Seawall, and most of the Nasty Nine-Five-One is now considered MIA.
1085th Battalion
The Ten-Eighty-Fifth is the parent unit of Downfall Company, Tanker Regiment, platoons of which assisted Elm Caden and his companions on Mibes, Guathelia, Riishi, Lopama, Palanda Ire, and Damastion (→LOTD, TRD, FSS).
A
Ambassador
An ambassador is a representative sent from one government to another, in order to personify the sending party in negotiation, trade, diplomacy, or other political ends. A fully trained and capable ambassador is usually a career diplomat, although it is reasonably common for politicians to adopt the role of ambassador when the need arises.
Most civilised worlds are party to the agreement that ambassadors will travel under a flag of peace.
Most civilised worlds are party to the agreement that ambassadors will travel under a flag of peace.
Android
An android is any robot or artificial life form which is intentionally designed to resemble the organic species which created it. Although the word literally means "with the form of man", it is now generally accepted that most intelligent species which construct mechanised beings often build them after their own image. The meaning has therefore been expanded to cover not only human-inspired designs, but also designs modelled on alien body plans.
Anti-Drop Batteries
Anti-drop batteries are a ground-based weapon system intended to critically damage or destroy landing craft. They are designed to defend the surface of a planet, and are usually located in and around cities and critical facilities.
Avenger Company
Avenger Company is also known as Alpha Company of the CAGA 310th Battalion. From 3734 to 3737 ELC, Avenger was posted to the ICS Embolden along with the rest of the 310th.
Rendir Throam began his CAGA career in this unit, as a private in fire team Three-Two Delta. By the time he left the 310th to be paired with Elm Caden, he was a lieutenant in command of the third platoon.
Rendir Throam began his CAGA career in this unit, as a private in fire team Three-Two Delta. By the time he left the 310th to be paired with Elm Caden, he was a lieutenant in command of the third platoon.
B
Backwater, The
The Backwater is a clandestine network of smugglers, black marketeers, data sellers, and arms dealers, all operating carefully without the knowledge of the Imperial Combine. The network operates so covertly that not even the intelligence bureau Eyes and Ears is aware of its existence.
Blight, The
The Blight is a widespread, composite micro-organism which has features of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is capable of affecting many disparate species, often with vastly different effects. Although it is not a serious medical threat to humans it can infect open wounds — the resulting scratch response can cause unpleasant, permanent scarring.
Blitzer
An autonomous, aerial combat machine, used frequently by the Viskr Junta for battlefield clearance and area denial.
→ Read more on the Blitzers page.
→ Read more on the Blitzers page.
Brankfall Incident, The
The Brankfall Incident is the name given to a military operation conducted on the Imperial Combine world of Brankfall, during the period of time now known as the Trinity Crisis. The operation was necessitated due to the political and civil fallout from the disastrous Ottomas Incident.
Bullseye Company
Bullseye Company is more officially known as the CAGA 951st Battalion's Bravo Company. It was commanded by Captain Udis Pinsetti until his death in March 3745 ELC. Bullseye assisted Elm Caden during much of his investigation into the Rasa threat.
C
C-MADS Turret
Counter-Munitions Active Defence System. A type of defence turret mounted on the hulls of Imperial Combine combat vessels and space stations, which can deflect or destroy various types of physical ordnance.
→ Read more on the Starship Defences page.
→ Read more on the Starship Defences page.
CAGA
An initialism standing for Conventional Air and Ground Assault. The CAGA is the air force and general army of the Imperial Combine, capable of operating in a number of environments including on or in water.
The organisational motto is Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo — "If I can not bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell."
→ Read more on the CAGA page.
The organisational motto is Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo — "If I can not bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell."
→ Read more on the CAGA page.
CMO
Initialism meaning Chief Medical Officer. The title belongs to whichever doctor or corpsman is most senior aboard any given starship or space station. The CMO has ultimate responsibility for the health and well-being of all permanent and visiting personnel.
CO
Initialism meaning Commanding Officer. The term exists because the person in command of a ship or station at any given time need not hold a specific rank. For example, while the captain of a starship sleeps the first officer may have command. During that period he or she will be the CO of the ship. When the captain returns to duty, the title reverts back to them.
A commanding officer has absolute responsibility for the actions and reactions of a ship, station, or other military unit, vehicle, or facility, which is under their contemporaneous control.
A commanding officer has absolute responsibility for the actions and reactions of a ship, station, or other military unit, vehicle, or facility, which is under their contemporaneous control.
COMOP
COMOP is a term given to the Communications and Operations officer on the command deck of an Imperial starship. Their role is to monitor ship-wide operations, and to route ship-to-ship and ship-to-command communications.
The COMOP officer is the brain of the command deck; without them, moment-to-moment operations would be extremely difficult during combat or emergency situations.
The COMOP officer is the brain of the command deck; without them, moment-to-moment operations would be extremely difficult during combat or emergency situations.
Core-ward
Facing in towards the core of the galaxy. For example, the core-ward edge of the Orion arm is the side which faces in towards the galactic core, not the side which faces out towards the rim.
Counterpart
A counterpart is a CAGA soldier who has been specially trained to support and protect Shard operatives of the Imperial Combine. Although counterparts typically only take orders from their assigned Shard they are effectively seconded from the CAGA forces, and therefore each has their own rank. Each counterpart works with only one Shard at any given time, often for a period of several Solars.
→ Read more on the Shard Programme page.
→ Read more on the Shard Programme page.
D
Databurst
A databurst is any package of communications and telemetry data which has been stored until it could be transmitted to the interstellar network. Starships and colonies often use this method to send information, so that they can make more economical use of the wormholes which carry the data. A databurst usually contains a routing index which tells a gate the various destinations for the data packets it contains.
→ Read more about Databursts on the Communications page.
→ Read more about Databursts on the Communications page.
Deep Shadows, The
"The Deep Shadows" is a widely-used name for any area of low stellar density falling between the great spiral arms of the galaxy. Few advanced species have any vested interest in these regions, as they tend to be low in precious resources and contain relatively few habitable bodies. Large dust clouds in the Deep Shadows can interfere with direct visual spectrum observations through the regions, which leant credence to their name.
Downfall Company
Downfall is Delta Company, 1085th Battalion of the Tanker Regiment. This regiment is a specialised CAGA unit.
In March 3745 ELC, First Platoon Squad Four assisted Elm Caden and his team during the Second Liberation of Mibes (→LOTD).
The same unit later assisted in Operation Keystone on Guathelia, and accompanied Caden on his mission to Riishi (→TRD).
Downfall were also present during the mission to Forge Ruinous on Lopama, and the invasion of Arroch on Palanda Ire. They later took part in the attempt to break the Siege of Damastion (→FSS).
In March 3745 ELC, First Platoon Squad Four assisted Elm Caden and his team during the Second Liberation of Mibes (→LOTD).
The same unit later assisted in Operation Keystone on Guathelia, and accompanied Caden on his mission to Riishi (→TRD).
Downfall were also present during the mission to Forge Ruinous on Lopama, and the invasion of Arroch on Palanda Ire. They later took part in the attempt to break the Siege of Damastion (→FSS).
Downstream / Upstream
Moving along an arm of the galaxy, one would be headed downstream if travelling back against the direction of rotation, and upstream if headed into the direction of rotation. Assuming galactic north means that the galaxy rotates clockwise when viewed from 'above', upstream means clockwise and downstream means counter-clockwise.
Dreadship
Dreadships appear to be the backbone of the Shaeld Hrathan fleet. They are a vast 32km in length, making them equivalent to mobile battle stations.
→ Read more on the Shaeld Hratha page.
→ Read more on the Shaeld Hratha page.
E
ELC
The Earth Legacy Calendar gives different planets of the many worlds a common date reference from which to work for universal time. It measures time based on a Solar standard, and is used across the empire for common frames of reference. These might be the dates of specific events, birthdays, and so on. Some planets have unusual orbital and rotational periods, and may still use local calendars and timekeeping for some purposes. One example of this would be for timing agricultural seasons, which is planet-specific.
ELC is coordinated across the empire using pulsars as periodical interval clocks, with compensation for relativistic effects. The pulsars used for interstellar clocking are the same pulsars connected by the navigational pulsar network (NPN) .
ELC is coordinated across the empire using pulsars as periodical interval clocks, with compensation for relativistic effects. The pulsars used for interstellar clocking are the same pulsars connected by the navigational pulsar network (NPN) .
Emancipation Card
This term relates to a rating which can be earned by members of the Imperial Navy. It is not a physical card, rather it is a service status which indicates that the officer in question has met all the training and performance requirements necessary to allow them to choose a specific posting.
Enmeshment
An event in which matter exiting a wormhole merges with matter already occupying the destination space, often with catastrophic results.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
Eyes and Ears
Eyes and Ears is the intelligence agency of the Imperial Combine, responsible for both domestic security and external affairs.
Their organisational motto is Videmus, audimus, et scimus — "We see, hear, and know."
→ Read more on the Eyes and Ears page.
Their organisational motto is Videmus, audimus, et scimus — "We see, hear, and know."
→ Read more on the Eyes and Ears page.
F
Falling, The
"The Falling" is a dramatic but accurate term which arose during the early stages of the Great War of the Shaeld. People fleeing the outer colonies of the Imperial Combine described a phenomenon in which huge needles — now known to be grounding splinters — would drop from the sky.
First Officer
The First Officer — or Executive Officer (XO) — is the second-in-command who supports the captain of an Imperial starship. Such an officer will often have the rank of commander, and their duties include the administration of day-to-day operations. They will also have oversight of the crew, and in the absence of a Master-at-Arms they will be responsible for discipline aboard ship.
Flash Laser
A flash laser is a relatively low-power laser light emitter which can be used offensively or defensively. It is mounted on the hull of a combat vessel or space station, and targets the sensor palettes of opposing ships.
→ Read more on the Starship Weapons page.
→ Read more on the Starship Weapons page.
Fortress
A fortress is a specific type of heavily-armoured space station used by the Imperial Combine. Every fortress is armed with significant defensive and offensive capabilities, including ship-to-ship missiles, gauss guns, mass drivers, and C-MADS turrets.
G
Galactic Arms
The spiral arms of the Milky Way galaxy have particular designations which help in navigation and politics. The arms as they are known to exist in the 38th Century are:
- 3kpc arm
- Carina arm (home of the Lem Bataan)
- Crux arm
- Norma arm
- Orion arm (home of humanity)
- Outer arm
- Perseus arm (home of the Viskr)
- Sagittarius arm (home of the Gomlic)
- Scutum-Centaurus arm (home of the Haidukaan)
Gate
Gates are used to create wormholes safely and economically. They are usually found in civilised systems, although in rare cases some off-shoot colonies prefer not to use them. The gate at a destination space can be used as a terminus which stabilises any incoming wormhole, making it safer to transit.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
Gauss Guns
Also called a rail gun, a gauss gun use electromagnets to accelerate metal ordnance towards a target. Although ostensibly a simple and primitive method of attack, the fact is that momentum hurts.
→ Read more on the Starship Weapons page.
→ Read more on the Starship Weapons page.
Gorilla 410 GSP
A Gorilla is a heavily armed, autonomous ground superiority platform (GSP), used to protect CAGA troops operating in a combat area from both ground and aerial threats. It has no surface-to-orbit firing capabilities. Gorillas are programmed for multiple contingencies, and have limited, non-heuristic reasoning capabilities. They are therefore capable of conducting offensive operations without a controller, although best results are usually obtained when the Gorilla works with an organic operator.
GNG
The GNG, or Gravity Needle Generator, lies at the heart of the technology used to open wormholes.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
Grounding Splinter
A specific type of craft, at one point thought to be the Shaeld Hrathan equivalent of an imperial lander. It is now known that grounding splinters can carry entire nurseries of viable Shaeld Hrathan eggs.
→ Read more on the Shaeld Hratha page.
→ Read more on the Shaeld Hratha page.
Guardian Shield
Guardian Shields are vast, roughly-hewn dishes, propelled by long drive modules. Their purpose is to provide a literal umbrella behind which friendly ships can shelter from enemy fire.
→ Read more about contingency craft on the Military Ship Types page.
→ Read more about contingency craft on the Military Ship Types page.
H
Helm
This term may refer to the station from which the heading and speed of a ship are controlled, or to the officer staffing that station. The term is used in the same way on both combat vessels and civilian ships.
Holo
A computing device which is now ubiquitous across the Imperial Combine, and which combines physical and holographic elements.
→ Read more on the Holos page.
→ Read more on the Holos page.
Home Council, The
The Home Council is the political body which makes decisions for the Imperial Combine, ostensibly under the guidance of the Throne. It is comprised of representatives from the many worlds, and is based on Earth.
House of Governance
A House of Governance serves two purposes: it is the home and office of an Imperial Combine planet's proconsul, and also serves as a kind of diplomatic and civil hub. It is from a House of Governance that each imperial world is ruled.
I
Imperial Combine, The
The First Unified Imperial Combine of Earth is more often abbreviated to 'the Imperial Combine'. It is the governing body of the human empire, and since the colonisation of space began it has been the longest-lived of any of humanity's single governments.
→ Read more on the Imperial Combine page.
→ Read more on the Imperial Combine page.
Imperial Flight Academy, The
The Imperial Flight Academy is the destination for all Naval pathway graduates of the Imperial War College. It is here where the very best candidates will learn how to be of use to the Imperial Navy.
Imperial Navy, The
The Navy is the space superiority wing of the Imperial Combine's military. Its organisational motto is Carpe noctem — "Seize the night".
→ Read more on the Imperial Navy page.
→ Read more on the Imperial Navy page.
Imperial War College, The
The Imperial War College, located on the inhospitable planet Kelvestyr, is as often a nostalgic memory for graduates as it is a source of dread for new students. Despite the unforgiving reputations that both the college and the planet have earned, the Imperial Combine's military school is considered to be one of the most successful of its kind.
Interdiction
Interdiction is a process which can be carried out by gates, and by those large-frame vessels equipped with the most powerful GNGs. The process creates a resonance field which stalls GNGs operating within a specific power bandwidth, and therefore prevents any ships within range from opening wormholes of their own.
Interdiction can be a double-edged sword, since ships affiliated with the interdicting vessel/gate will also be affected while within range of the field.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
Interdiction can be a double-edged sword, since ships affiliated with the interdicting vessel/gate will also be affected while within range of the field.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
Invigilator
Invigilators are the top-ranked officers in the hierarchy of the Eyes and Ears intelligence bureau.
Each invigilator has sole responsibility for all of the intelligence staff operating within an entire Imperial Combine star system, as well as the defence of that system against the agents of foreign powers.
Every invigilator must also fulfil a specific "champion role" with respect to counter-espionage and intelligence gathering. For example, Silane Creid was responsible for monitoring the movements of the Empire's domestic enemies.
Each invigilator has sole responsibility for all of the intelligence staff operating within an entire Imperial Combine star system, as well as the defence of that system against the agents of foreign powers.
Every invigilator must also fulfil a specific "champion role" with respect to counter-espionage and intelligence gathering. For example, Silane Creid was responsible for monitoring the movements of the Empire's domestic enemies.
K
Kenita-Deng Incorporated
Kenita-Deng is a company best known for its drive and gate components, and spacecraft fuselages. They also have a military technologies arm which fabricates many of the key components for various combat craft.
The engines of the Perseus conflict-era DA-42 "Makepeace" assault bomber were manufactured at their main factory, which is in orbit of Kementhast Prime (→TRD).
Noted physicist Reximillian Bel-Kenita is a silent partner, and one of several heirs to the company fortune (→IDOD).
The engines of the Perseus conflict-era DA-42 "Makepeace" assault bomber were manufactured at their main factory, which is in orbit of Kementhast Prime (→TRD).
Noted physicist Reximillian Bel-Kenita is a silent partner, and one of several heirs to the company fortune (→IDOD).
Kodiak GTV-6
An armed and armoured ground vehicle used extensively by the Imperial Combine's CAGA forces.
→ Read more on the Kodiak GTV-6 page.
→ Read more on the Kodiak GTV-6 page.
L
Lancile
A lancile is an anti-personnel ambush weapon which is hidden vertically in the ground. On being triggered, it erupts upwards and causes traumatic — usually fatal — injuries to the person who has triggered it. The structure of the lancile is similar to a very sharp javelin.
Lancillon Industries
Lancillon Industries was a weapons manufacturer which became mired in controversy during the final days of the Perseus conflict, and ceased trading shortly after.
Lander
A versatile and heavily armoured Imperial Combine contingency vessel, used by CAGA and other organisations. It can drop large numbers of troops to the surface of a planet, as well as accommodating a Kodiak ground vehicle.
→ Read more about contingency craft on the Military Ship Types page.
→ Read more about contingency craft on the Military Ship Types page.
Landplant
When the first colony vessel arrives at a virgin world, it will land and its fabricators and many internal parts will be used in the construction and development of the early colony. The moment this first vessel touches down is referred to by Imperial colonists as the "landplant", and the event normally becomes a celebrated moment in the calendar of the new colony.
Some colonies preserve the apparatus of the landplant, exactly as it was at the point the colony was officially founded.
Some colonies preserve the apparatus of the landplant, exactly as it was at the point the colony was officially founded.
Life and Rescue
Life and Rescue is an emergency service operated by the Imperial Combine. Its primary functions are as follows:
L&R has access to specialised vehicles such as heavy lifters, which are able to transfer other vehicles and large assets from a planetary surface to orbiting rescue ships. The department is also responsible for the operation and deployment of the Empire's hospital vessels, as well as a number of medical research ships.
- To recover and treat injured military personnel.
- To safeguard civilian populations following catastrophic events.
- To recover or destroy military assets which might otherwise afford foreign powers a military advantage.
L&R has access to specialised vehicles such as heavy lifters, which are able to transfer other vehicles and large assets from a planetary surface to orbiting rescue ships. The department is also responsible for the operation and deployment of the Empire's hospital vessels, as well as a number of medical research ships.
Link
A link is a personal communications device. It can junction with the networks of starships, space stations, and cities, and interacts with holos to provide translation and identity services.
→ Read more about links on the Communications page.
→ Read more about links on the Communications page.
M
Mabius Intersystems
Mabius Intersystems is a transit company, providing one-size-fits-all passenger and cargo transport between the many worlds of the Imperial Combine.
Straight after graduating from the Commerce Authority Piloting School, Euryce Eilentes cut her teeth with this company. She worked on the flight decks of their ships for nearly four Solars.
Straight after graduating from the Commerce Authority Piloting School, Euryce Eilentes cut her teeth with this company. She worked on the flight decks of their ships for nearly four Solars.
Mag-Tag
An electromagnetic hard-point built into combat armour and some weapon racks. It is designed to allow firearms and other equipment to be stowed quickly, easily, and securely.
→ Read more on the Mag-Tagspage.
→ Read more on the Mag-Tagspage.
Many Worlds, The
A phrase which is commonly used across the Imperial Combine, the Many Worlds is a collective term referring to all the planets, colonies, and annexed territories which are under the control of humanity.
→ Read more on the Many Worlds page.
→ Read more on the Many Worlds page.
Maulball
Maulball is a violent, full-contact arena sport. Players attempt to gain and keep control of a ball in order to acquire points. The game favours players with size, speed, and strength, as well as aggression.
→ Read more about maulball in the Maulball Featured Article.
→ Read more about maulball in the Maulball Featured Article.
Moachim Arms Incorporated
Moachim Arms Incorporated is a manufacturer of small arms, widely considered to be one of the most trustworthy suppliers in the market. They have a contract with the Imperial Combine's CAGA forces which has been renewed consistently for over nine decades.
Moachim products have a reputation for being durable, reliable, and effective.
Moachim products have a reputation for being durable, reliable, and effective.
Monitor
The middle rank of the Eyes and Ears officer structure. Monitors are supervised by Invigilators.
A monitor will generally have responsibility for a planet, colony, or station, with a number of operators under their command.
A monitor will generally have responsibility for a planet, colony, or station, with a number of operators under their command.
N
Navigational Pulsar Network (NPN)
The navigational pulsar network comprises a selection of well-studied pulsars. Each of the pulsars in the network is surrounded by twelve orbiting platforms working together in an array, monitoring the pulsar and sharing data with other such arrays through a massive, interstellar version of a modified nexus.
By monitoring the relative positions of pulsars on different arms of the galaxy, the Imperial Combine can compensate for general drift in the stellar bands of the Milky Way while compiling jump solutions and invoking the required wormholes. This process is the same in both commercial and military navigational holos, and as such all humans rely on the NPN for accurate interstellar travel.
Comparative analysis of the data received from the NPN arrays allows for accurate tuning of the relativistic compensation needed to prevent temporal conflicts occurring as a result of wormhole travel. The same data is also used in the synchronisation and coordination of event-time in different star systems.
By monitoring the relative positions of pulsars on different arms of the galaxy, the Imperial Combine can compensate for general drift in the stellar bands of the Milky Way while compiling jump solutions and invoking the required wormholes. This process is the same in both commercial and military navigational holos, and as such all humans rely on the NPN for accurate interstellar travel.
Comparative analysis of the data received from the NPN arrays allows for accurate tuning of the relativistic compensation needed to prevent temporal conflicts occurring as a result of wormhole travel. The same data is also used in the synchronisation and coordination of event-time in different star systems.
Nexus
A nexus is a semi-permanent, artificial network of microscopic wormholes. A nexus is usually maintained in every civilised star system, and it assists greatly in navigation, communications, and defence. It does this by removing the communications delays caused by large, in-system distances.
→ Read more about the nexus and systems communications on the Communications page.
→ Read more about the nexus and systems communications on the Communications page.
O
Operator
Operator is the lowest ranking in the officer structure of the Eyes and Ears intelligence bureau.
Operators report to a monitor, and are generally responsible for local data collation and the administration of tasks and mission priorities. They will also manage any unranked field agents active within their jurisdiction.
Operators report to a monitor, and are generally responsible for local data collation and the administration of tasks and mission priorities. They will also manage any unranked field agents active within their jurisdiction.
Ordinary
An Ordinary citizen of the Imperial Combine can only vote on local matters affecting the province in which they live. This would generally include legal or political development on their own planet, but not Empire-wide political or legal changes.
In order to have any voice in non-local politics, or to bring a motion before local government, they must petition a Raised citizen to speak for them with the local proconsul.
In order to have any voice in non-local politics, or to bring a motion before local government, they must petition a Raised citizen to speak for them with the local proconsul.
Ottomas Incident, The
The Ottomas Incident is the name given to a series of connected events which occurred on the Imperial Combine world of Ottomas, during the period of time now known as the Trinity Crisis.
P
Pale Horse
A Pale Horse is an enormous ground combat vehicle. Its massive armoured bulk is pulled along the ground by sixteen caterpillar treads, each the size of a building, and it is powered by a nuclear reactor.
Pale Horses are often used when gaining air superiority is not viable in a target area. They are able to roll right over the outskirts of cities, crushing everything in their path as they thunder onwards with a belly full of Tankers, Gorillas, and contingency vehicles such as Kodiaks and gunships. The Horses themselves are defended by surface-mounted weapon emplacements.
Pale Horses are dropped directly to combat zones by heavy carriers, and can only be retrieved the same way. The carrier must go atmospheric and hover over the ground in order to safely deploy or collect its Horse.
Pale Horses are often used when gaining air superiority is not viable in a target area. They are able to roll right over the outskirts of cities, crushing everything in their path as they thunder onwards with a belly full of Tankers, Gorillas, and contingency vehicles such as Kodiaks and gunships. The Horses themselves are defended by surface-mounted weapon emplacements.
Pale Horses are dropped directly to combat zones by heavy carriers, and can only be retrieved the same way. The carrier must go atmospheric and hover over the ground in order to safely deploy or collect its Horse.
Penvos Robotics
Penvos Robotics is a company which produces robotic platforms and utility androids. The company was responsible for adding the successful PRAISE and Prem lines to the market, but it now focuses on the more popular and versatile polybots.
Perseus Conflict, The
A historical shooting war which was waged between the Imperial Combine and the Viskr Junta. The war had its origins in the repeated and unabashed infringements committed in Viskr territory during the empire's colonisation efforts on the Perseus arm of the galaxy.
The actual fighting occurred between 3719 and 3722 ELC, however after those dates the war never formally ended. Neither side conceded defeat or offered terms; conflict simply ceased after a major battle in the Chion system.
The actual fighting occurred between 3719 and 3722 ELC, however after those dates the war never formally ended. Neither side conceded defeat or offered terms; conflict simply ceased after a major battle in the Chion system.
Plasteel
Plasteel is a highly versatile fabrication material which — as the name suggests — combines metals and plastics.
→ Read more on the Plasteel page.
→ Read more on the Plasteel page.
Polybot
Polybots are modular, reconfigurable, robotic platforms, capable of adopting a range of diverse tasks. While they sometimes appear to have some characteristics of artificial life forms, they are not considered alive by most people.
→ Read more on the Polybots page.
→ Read more on the Polybots page.
PRAISE Unit
A type of modular, robotic sensor platform, which is semi-autonomous. It is one of the robot designs which acted as a forerunner for polybot technology.
→ Read more on the PRAISE Units page.
→ Read more on the PRAISE Units page.
Pre-Life
Pre-life is the name given by Rodori to the period humans know as childhood. Pre-life for a Rodori juvenile ends at the age of thirty-five Solar years, at which point various rites are expected to be conducted in order for the individual to be considered an adult.
→ Read more on the Rodori page.
→ Read more on the Rodori page.
Prem Unit
A very large and robust utility android, often used in exploration, and in hazardous commercial or industrial applications.
→ Read more on the Prem character page.
→ Read more on the Prem character page.
Printwall
A printwall is a wall or bulkhead with an outer layer that supports dynamic print. The technology is similar in principle to the skin-print layer found in some stealth systems.
The dynamic print layer incorporates an array of pixels which can be reorganised by applying a patterned electrical charge. When the current stops flowing, the pixels remain where they are. This means that useful information such as safety instructions or directional signs can be left on display semi-permanently, while temporary information (such as timetables or expected arrivals) can be flashed up in sequence on the same section of wall.
In the event of an emergency, printwalls can be invaluable. They can show what and where the problem is, routes to safe areas, directions to take or not take, survival advice, and so on.
The dynamic print layer incorporates an array of pixels which can be reorganised by applying a patterned electrical charge. When the current stops flowing, the pixels remain where they are. This means that useful information such as safety instructions or directional signs can be left on display semi-permanently, while temporary information (such as timetables or expected arrivals) can be flashed up in sequence on the same section of wall.
In the event of an emergency, printwalls can be invaluable. They can show what and where the problem is, routes to safe areas, directions to take or not take, survival advice, and so on.
Proconsul
A proconsul is the governor of an Imperial planet or colony, acting on behalf of its citizens with the authority of the Home Council.
Proconsuls usually work from a purpose-built building called a House of Governance, which also contains their personal quarters. The duties of a proconsul are varied, and may differ from region to region depending on local traditions and industries. Proconsuls have an obligation to consider petitions from Raised citizens.
Proconsuls usually work from a purpose-built building called a House of Governance, which also contains their personal quarters. The duties of a proconsul are varied, and may differ from region to region depending on local traditions and industries. Proconsuls have an obligation to consider petitions from Raised citizens.
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Raised
A Raised citizen is one who has been given more political prestige by the government of the Imperial Combine. This occurs because they have been identified as excelling, whether in intelligence, talent, drive, or accomplishment.
During their education citizens of the Empire are constantly assessed; those showing high potential are marked for future development.
Raised citizens may vote directly in non-local matters, rather than relying on a proconsul to vote on their behalf. They may also bring matters before their proconsul on behalf of Ordinary citizens, in the form of a petition.
During their education citizens of the Empire are constantly assessed; those showing high potential are marked for future development.
Raised citizens may vote directly in non-local matters, rather than relying on a proconsul to vote on their behalf. They may also bring matters before their proconsul on behalf of Ordinary citizens, in the form of a petition.
Rasa
Originally believed to be spies of some kind, Rasas are now known to be humans — or members of alien species — who are under the control of the entity known as Voice. It is believed that a virus making changes to the DNA of a Rasa can alter the structure of the brain sufficiently to allow this control, but the actual control method is not currently known.
A Rasa can act as a saboteur, assassin, sleeper agent, information gatherer, and/or agent provocateur, and so they are extremely dangerous. There is not yet any totally reliable way of identifying them, and only one person has been treated successfully for the condition.
A Rasa can act as a saboteur, assassin, sleeper agent, information gatherer, and/or agent provocateur, and so they are extremely dangerous. There is not yet any totally reliable way of identifying them, and only one person has been treated successfully for the condition.
Rift
Rift is a weapon platform developed by the Imperial Combine. It was prototyped in 3744 ELC, and field tested at the Battle of Meccrace Prime in 3745. The system works by catapulting a free wormhole towards a target, and it has the benefit of being immune to interdiction.
→ Read more about Rift on the Starship Weapons page.
→ Read more about Rift on the Starship Weapons page.
Rim-ward
Facing out towards the galactic rim. For example, the rim-ward edge of the Perseus arm is the side which faces out towards the edge of the galaxy, not the side which faces in towards the core and the Orion arm.
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Shard
A Shard is an elite, trusted operative, selected personally by the reigning Emperor or Empress.
→ Read more on the Shard Programme page.
→ Read more on the Shard Programme page.
Six-K Radius
The Six-K radius is the volume of navigable space within 6,000 light years of Earth.
Star systems laying between 3,000 and 6,000 light-years distant from Earth are a secondary defence priority. In the event of an invasion of Imperial territory, on a massive scale, the armada may be required to fall back inside the Six-K radius in order to protect a more reasonably defensible proportion of human territories.
Star systems laying between 3,000 and 6,000 light-years distant from Earth are a secondary defence priority. In the event of an invasion of Imperial territory, on a massive scale, the armada may be required to fall back inside the Six-K radius in order to protect a more reasonably defensible proportion of human territories.
Skin-printing
Skin-printing is a camouflage technology used by the Imperial Combine to reduce the visibility of vehicles and personnel. It can be integrated into the hulls of space, aerial, and ground vehicles, and also into the outer armour worn by troops.
→ Read more on the Stealth page.
→ Read more on the Stealth page.
Skulker
A skulker is an autonomous, anti-infantry patrol system. It is capable of identifying, stalking, and dismembering enemy combatants. Used extensively by the Viskr during the Perseus conflict, the skulker was and is a highly effective area denial device.
→ Read more on the Skulkers page.
→ Read more on the Skulkers page.
Solar
Of or pertaining to the Sol system, the home of humanity and the seat of power for the Imperial Combine.
Solar (unit)
The standard year of the Imperial Combine is the Solar, which is the time taken for Earth to orbit its star.
Citizens on worlds other than Earth will generally measure comparable periods such as ages in Solars. For periods which are dependent on the characteristics of their own world, they will refer to the relevant year-unit by the planet's name.
For example, "Elm is now six Solars old" would have de facto meaning across the empire, whereas "three Damastion years ago, it was a poor harvest" specifies that the seasons of Damastion in particular are crucial to the meaning.
Citizens on worlds other than Earth will generally measure comparable periods such as ages in Solars. For periods which are dependent on the characteristics of their own world, they will refer to the relevant year-unit by the planet's name.
For example, "Elm is now six Solars old" would have de facto meaning across the empire, whereas "three Damastion years ago, it was a poor harvest" specifies that the seasons of Damastion in particular are crucial to the meaning.
Starport
A starport is a landing and maintenance facility intended for small- and medium-frame vessels, whether these be aircraft or space-going ships. Some are also equipped to handle a limited number of large-frame vessels, although the rarity of a cruiser or dreadnought making a landing on a planet means that few proconsuls will invest funds in such facilities.
Functioning in a similar fashion to an airport, a starport is usually associated with a major transit hub. Various security barriers exist between the public areas and departure gates, and actual landing areas are some distance from the terminal buildings.
Refuelling system delivery networks are buried in the ground, for safety and security. Due to nuisances such as Blight, and other more dangerous pathogenic threats, virtually all Imperial starports now have decontamination and quarantine facilities.
Functioning in a similar fashion to an airport, a starport is usually associated with a major transit hub. Various security barriers exist between the public areas and departure gates, and actual landing areas are some distance from the terminal buildings.
Refuelling system delivery networks are buried in the ground, for safety and security. Due to nuisances such as Blight, and other more dangerous pathogenic threats, virtually all Imperial starports now have decontamination and quarantine facilities.
Stealth Plating
Stealth plating is a somewhat grandiose term for a sandwich of hull technologies designed to frustrate identification or detection of a ship or station.
→ Read more on the Stealth page.
→ Read more on the Stealth page.
Stolen Fleets, The
Many Imperial Navy starships went missing during the Great War of the Shaeld. It is now known that the Shaeld Hratha acquired large numbers of combat vessels from the races they attacked, and that they stole these ships using Rasa infiltrators. The turncoat forces are now referred to collectively as the Stolen Fleets.
Sunshe
A sunshe is a surrogate family, used by the Rodori to educate and develop their young. Sunshe are led by dedicated lesson-givers, and essentially take over the functions of the biological family.
→ Read more on the Rodori page.
→ Read more on the Rodori page.
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Tactical
This term may refer to the station from which the weapons and defences of a ship are controlled, or to the officer staffing that station. It is a term more usually applied on Imperial Starships, and is heard only rarely on civilian vessels.
Tankers
Led by Colonel Catark Baiste, the CAGA's Tanker Regiment is an armoured fist of muscle and bone. Its sole purpose is to smash, batter, and devastate enemy facilities, neutralising opposing units as traumatically as possible.
→ Read more about this regiment in the Tankers Featured Article.
→ Read more about this regiment in the Tankers Featured Article.
Tech and Systems
Tech and Systems is the IT department of the Imperial Combine. They are responsible for writing and patching military and governmental software, developing and maintaining defences against systems interference, and progressing all technical research and development.
Three-K Radius
The Three-K radius is the volume of navigable space within 3,000 light years of Earth.
The star systems within this radius tend to host the well-established, more productive worlds. These are considered to be a top defence priority. In the worst case scenario, fleets based in other star systems would be required to abandon their mustering points in order to defend this region.
The star systems within this radius tend to host the well-established, more productive worlds. These are considered to be a top defence priority. In the worst case scenario, fleets based in other star systems would be required to abandon their mustering points in order to defend this region.
Throne, The
The Throne is an alternative term which is often used to refer to the reigning sovereign of the Imperial Combine.
Tochi Incident, The
The Tochi Incident is the name given to the events which unfolded around Fort Tochi, an Imperial Combine facility, during the period of time now known as the Trinity Crisis.
Tower Cities
The Tower Cities of Earth were conceived as a means of housing the huge populations of different regions, while leaving much of the surrounding areas free for recolonisation by nature.
There are several models of tower city, but they all share common features:
There are several models of tower city, but they all share common features:
- They are designed to be as self-sustaining as possible,
- They house a very large number of people while creating the smallest ecological footprint possible,
- They are usually named after the defunct nations in which they are geographically located.
Trinity Crisis, The
A series of connected events which affected the planets Ottomas and Brankfall, as well as Fort Tochi. The crisis lasted a number of Solars and had sociopolitical roots. It was during these events that Maber Castigon, then the counterpart of Shard Elm Caden, rose to notoriety and was sentenced to be imprisoned.
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Wormhole
A wormhole is a gravitationally extruded shortcut through space, which can be used to move between star systems in a fraction of the time taken to travel directly by conventional means.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.
→ Read more on the Wormholes and Gates page.