[center][b][u]Valeth Unified Republic[/u][/b][/center]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/2udOh3i.png[/img][/center]

[hider][hider=General Overview] The Valeth Unified Republic is the primary interstellar state of the lupine-humanoid race known as the Val. A young nation, the Valeth Unified Republic (VUR.), was founded a mere hundred and fifty years before modern time. As such, the nation’s success amidst their more established neighbors in the galaxy was borne upon the adoption of an almost religious-like pursuit of advancement and growth. With this mindset pulling the nation behind it, a churning engine of private-sector industry and free-trade quickly propelled the VUR into a status as a major player within their galactic region. 

Much of the VUR’s success was achieved with large investments into physics and engineering, applied specifically to heavy industry and its use in intergalactic trade. The roughly 20 light-year in diameter region of space that make up the VUR is crisscrossed with some of the most efficient and reliable FTL freighters known to exist. Cutting edge robotics, coupled with advanced resource processing facilities, allow the VUR to produce engineering marvels and proprietary materials that are coveted commodities among their trade partners. 

However, with such an early and intense focus upon private-sector growth, the VUR is woefully lacking in areas of defense. Enjoying a confluence of factors that allowed it to initially prosper without external threats to its sovereignty, the VUR spent little on military proliferation. Throughout most of its existence, the military has been almost solely focused upon the maintenance of peace and smooth operation of trade within the nation’s boundaries. Territorial expansion and defending against invasion simply were not a priority to the Val.

In recent years this glaring weakness in the VUR’s otherwise strong national makeup became a highlight issue for both the government and populace alike. This became especially true as outside factions began to show more interest in assuming control of VUR assets, rather than simple trade. Initiatives in military spending to right this reality were undertaken, and done so with the same unifying passion that first elevated the VUR in the first instance. Yet, even in spite of this, the VUR’s burgeoning military growth still often pales in comparison to its counterparts. 
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[hider=Territory]
[b][u][i]Home System—Qetesh[/i][/u][/b]
The home system of the Valeth Unified Republic is known as Qetesh. The star is an M2 V Red Dwarf, with a mass of 5.22x1029 kg, and a luminosity of 2.17x1025 W (.06 x Sol). Qetesh is orbited by six planets (listed in order of relative orbiting distance from the star):

-Pealara: Small, barren planet rich with several valuable metals and other elements. Following advancements in radiation and heat shielding, as well as robotics, the VUR were able to develop a reliable means to mine Pealara’s abundant precious metals.

-Zeni: Another relatively small rock planet with heavy volcanic activity. Where Pealara has high concentrations of usable elements, Zeni is basically devoid of them.

-Glissau: The Val homeworld, and the seat of the republic. Glissau possesses a radius that is 1.28 x earth. It has a period of 32.56 hours, and an axis tilt of 29.59°. Water makes up 68% of the planet’s surface, with another 9% covered in ice. Its average temperature is 23° C, and a large portion of the planet is forested. The land mass is grouped into three main continents. It possesses two orbiting moons; Flara and Einus. Both are inhabited. Glissau also has several large arrays of orbital platforms that are linked to the planet via space elevators. These platforms are inhabited, and generally used for industrial or scientific purposes, though there are scattered defensive structures spaced within them.

-Lioter: A gas giant, roughly the size of Jupiter, with four orbiting moons. Lioter is one of the most important economic hubs of the VUR, as it links Glissau with the outer rim planets and asteroid cloud where the majority of resource mining within the Qetesh system takes place. Two of the four moons possess atmospheres—both of which the Val have terraformed for permanent habitation. Several large private conglomerates call the moons of Lioter home, and the local politics of the area have great influence on Glissau, and the VUR as a whole. 

-Ocreon: Another gas giant, made notable by its vast orbiting asteroid cloud. These asteroids are heavily mined by ships based out of the moons of Lioter. Though it possesses no habitable natural satellites, Ocreon is home to a major mining and naval outpost named Rift Station. 

-Caglilia: A small ice planet located 4.1 AU from Qetesh. There are no permanent settlements or regular excursions to the planet by the VUR, however several automated research vessels were placed in orbit around Caglilia as a means to search for further celestial bodies to mine from within the system. 

[b][i][u]System II—Crion[/u][/i][/b]
Crion was the first star system colonized by the Val. It is located 4.2 light-years from Qetesh, and was the first system to join with the Val homeworld to form the Unified Republic. The system possesses two companion stars: Crion and Eridani. Crion is a K7 5 Orange Main Sequence star, with a mass of 1.78 x 1030 kg, and a luminosity of 1.02 x 1026 W (0.27 x sol). Eridani is a M0 V Red Dwarf star, with a mass of 8.77 x 1029 kg, and a luminosity of 1.41 x 1025 W (0.04 x sol). These stars are orbited by two planets (listed in order of relative orbiting distance from the stars binary axis):

-Espion: The seat of the VUR government in the Crion system.  This ringed planet has a radius 1.18 x earth. It has a period of 48.84 hours, and an axis tilt of 6.21°. No liquid water exists naturally on the planet, though nearly 35% of it is covered with ice. It’s average temperature is 8° C. Espion has no moons. The VUR have invested heavily in terraforming the planet to more resemble Glissau. Of the nodes of Val civilization, the most notable are the orbital shipyards operated by the Extron and Unitis Corporations. The vast majority of modern FTL ships within the VUR fleet—both military and civilian—are produced at these shipyards. Due to its economic significance, Espion is home to one of the largest naval fleets within the republic. 

-Boecury: A relatively small rock planet most notable for being a waystation for mining and shipping vessels operating in the asteroid mining colonies located between Boecury and Espion. It was once a haven for Val outlaws and privateers prior to the formation of the Unified Republic. 

[b][i][u]System III--Kadesh[/u][/i][/b]
WIP

[b][i][u]System IV--Maw Frontier[/u][/i][/b]
WIP
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[hider=Governance]
[b][u][i]Tier 1—Intersystem Level[/i][/u][/b]
[b]Senate:[/b] The senate is comprised of two elected bodies: The Pillar of the Commons, and The Pillar of the Wards. Legality of legislation is regulated under the Valethian Constitution, and individual bills must pass in both bodies before they are sent to the Premier for ratification. 

The Pillar of the Commons represents the will of the Val population most directly, as this body of the senate expands with the population of the Val itself. Its elected officials, known as Senators, are appointed via direct election from within individual system-wide districts. 

The Pillar of the Wards represents the interests of the star-systems that make up the VUR equally, as there are only a set number of officials appointed from each system, regardless of that system’s population. These officials are known as Wardens, and they are elected from among the local system senates. No direct elections are held for their appointment, except in the rare case of Referendum—a process by which the population of a local system can recall a Warden from service if that individual is deemed unfit by a supermajority of the citizenry. 

[b]Premier:[/b] Executive power lies with a single Premier, which is directly elected by the entire population of the VUR. The Premier is granted powers of enforce laws passed by the Senate, and is also considered the Altos, or Supreme Commander, of the armed forces. Premiers are elected to single ten year terms, and can only be removed via impeachment or the process of Referendum. Once an individual has served as a Premier, they are banned from holding any further office at any intersystem level in the VUR. 

[b]Coalition of Courts:[/b] Judiciary power resides in a group of judges appointed by the Premier. These judges make up a total of five courts, all of equal “rank.” When a trial reaches the intersystem level, the trial is held simultaneously with all five of these courts. During the trial, these courts have no contact with one another, and they observe the trial proceedings anonymously via electronic proxy. Once each court has reached a decision, a final decision is delivered based solely upon a simple majority of the five individual decisions made by the courts. 

[b][u][i]Tier 2—Systems Level[/i][/u][/b]
Local governments are comprised almost identically to that of the intersystem level of the republic. Systems are governed by senates, as well as a governor’s office. Systems hold sub-sovereignty status, and can act on their own accord as long as it does not interfere with the Valethian Constitution, or established intersystem law. 
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[hider=Species]
[center][img]http://orig08.deviantart.net/9ad6/f/2013/172/d/8/werewolf_by_silverbirch-d6a32cr.png[/img][/center]
The Val are a lupine-humanoid species with physiology akin to earth’s mammals. They breathe oxygen, and metabolize energy through the ingestion of other living organisms. The species is a generally strong and lean one, wherein an average male stands 2.1 meters tall, and weighs 140 kg. Females average 1.8 meters in height, and 112 kg. 

The musculoskeletal system is relatively strong and resilient, though not naturally suited to zero-gravity. Val are viviparous, and offspring are produced in litters of 1-4 cubs following a gestation period of six months. Though exceptions exist, the physiological tendency is for Val to mate for their entire adult life. 

The Val possess excellent hearing, smell, and eyesight. Their immune system is also hardy, and naturally responsive to many classifications of microbial. A harsh evolutionary crucible during the formation of the species has developed this trait. 
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[hider=Culture]
Modern Valethian culture has varied greatly from the warlike clan/family ethos that existed for the majority of the species’ existence. Prior to the Val expanding beyond their home planet, and even into the first iteration of Valethian intersystem governance, this primitive structure held sway. However, as the universe continued to expand for the Val, the adherence to the cultural pillars of the past proved more and more at odds with the success of the species. In response to this reality, a period of Valethian unification and rebirth occurred, where many of the ancient customs and schools of thought were cast away, and the species coalesced into a more singular body. 

This paradigm shift dovetailed directly with the adoption of the republican form of government for the Val, and a vigorous pursuit of individual freedom and prosperity. To the Val, the future was bright and promising, and they were going to achieve their best destiny with force of will. Interest in science, mathematics, engineering, and technological fields exploded, and a fresh wave of philosophical renaissance griped the populace. Quite literally, the Val viewed their potential amongst the stars. 

However, in spite of this unprecedented shift in culture, the Val still retain many of their core traits from their more primitive and violent past. They are a dogged, and often stubborn species. The bonds and associations of the ancient clans still exist, thought to a lesser extent, and Valethian politics often reflects this tradition. The Val can often be quick tempered, and violent. This is especially true in areas of the republic far from the civic-minded beacon of Glissau, where many of the shadows of Valethian history still caste their silhouette.  
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[hider=Organizations]
The New Star Party: The most prominent of the political parties formed during the fledgling days of the republic. Members of this party still hold most of the offices within the system and intersystem governments. Generally, New Star members identify with ideals of individual liberty and decentralized government.

The Quinring: An organization and political party that represents the more traditional culture of the Val. While no direct link has been as yet proven, many believe the Quinring sponsors domestic radicals in acts of terrorism and sabotage against the republic. 

The Extron and Unitis Corporations: These massive private companies own and operate the most advanced industrial conglomerates in the VUR. From robotics, biosciences, heavy industry, and chemical production, Extron and Unitis have their hands in it all. They hold huge political sway, so much so that some call for sweeping anti-trust legislation as a means to ensure fair and free markets.

Maleth Rokulval: An extremist organization of Valethian dissidents and terrorists that strive to return the Val to their ancient clan system. Their name translates roughly to “The Soul of the True Val.” Many Val that identify themselves as members of the Quinring, are also Maleth Rokulval sympathizers. 
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[hider=History]WIP[/hider]
[hider=Outlook]
Following the True Vacuum event, or Quantum Spacetime Anomaly (QSA), as it has most commonly come to be known amidst the Val, the VUR found itself a reeling nation, but one that maintained general law and order. The state of the economy fell sharply in the immediate aftermath of the QSA, but as the weeks passed, it rebounded to a state yet far from normalcy, but one where the functions of society and the republic could be sustained. 

The scientific community is still unsure of what exactly happened, but the general consensus is that some form of rift or anomaly forced a dramatic shift in the fabric and arrangement of spacetime. While the search for scientific answers continue, the current state of affairs vis-à-vis the VUR’s relative proximity to unknown factions of sentient beings has wholly consumed the attention of the nation. With the armed forces well-equipped, but woefully lacking in size to repulse a full-fledged invasion, the republic has initiated a drastic shift to a wartime footing. 

Initiatives ranging from dramatic calls for increased recruitment into the armed forces, the implementation of mandatory convoy protocols for merchant shipping vessels, to the commissioning of an unprecedented level of capital-class naval vessels, have all taken place in the wake of the QSA. Thus far, the Valethian people have responded with a unified determination to the new demands of their place in the universe, but all is not as balanced as it once was.

Shortly after the QSA, there was a drastic increase in dissenter agitation and terrorism within the outer systems of the VUR. Groups like Maleth Rokulval attempted to seize the opportunity for an uprising. Though no attempts to overthrow VUR governmental bodies were successful, the audacity of the attempts shocked the populace. Garrisons and security forces across the VUR are on high alert for domestic threats. 

Diplomatic contact with factions near to the VUR have been initiated, and envoys from Glissau have been dispatched to attempt peaceful détente agreements before war comes to a head. 
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[b]Technology:[/b] 
[hider=Important/Noteworthy Tech]
[b]-Tetra Matrix Polymers:[/b] The Val’s enormous leap forward in prosperity was quite literally built with Tetra Matrix Polymers. Using a proprietary process of quantum-level manipulation, Val physicists were able to perfect an atomic matrices that allowed for precise construction and adhesion of materials that were traditionally thought impossible to bond. With this technology, the Val are able to produce a near limitless combination of materials for application-specific uses. From highly durable crystal-laced ceramic ship armors, to paper-thin sheets of radiation deflecting shrouds, the Val enjoyed the most diverse and effective synthetic materials when compared to their former intergalactic trade partners. These polymers are widely used in both civilian and military applications. 

[b]-Tachyonic Particle Tunneling:[/b] Another Val innovation that was achieved to further the growing economic engine of intergalactic trade, Tachyonic Particle Tunneling, or simply Tac Tunneling, has all but replaced older FTL drives within the VUR. Using a combination of drive core that utilizes the unique nature of tachyon particles, coupled with the principle of quantum tunneling, the vessel is able to achieve speeds many magnitudes higher than that of light.

However, the physics of tachyon particles that allow for Tachyonic Particle Tunneling in the first instance, are also the source of the drives primary weakness. Since tachyon particles increase in speed as their energy [i]decreases[/i], Tac Tunneling cores must keep these particles highly energized when FTL speeds are not desired. In rare cases, vessels equipped with Tac Tunneling cores have accelerated out of control as a result of a catastrophic loss in primary and secondary power. 

[b]-Tachyon Burst Communication:[/b] A technology developed alongside with Tachyonic Particle Tunneling, these special transmitters utilize bursts of regulated and focused tachyon particles to transmit data across great distances. While not instantaneous when data is to be sent across hundreds of thousands of light-years, it is possible for reliable bursts to be sent a small magnitude faster than a Tac Tunnel equipped vessel could travel.  
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[b]Military Structure:[/b] 
[hider=Military Organization]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/ZAclPN6.jpg[/img][/center]
[center][i]The battlecruiser VRS Roost[/i][/center]

The military of the Valeth Unified Republic is proportionally small for an equivalent nation of similar size and economic stature. As mentioned in the Overview section, several external and independent factors during the birth of the republic allowed for the VUR to exist and flourish without substantial threat from outside entities. That being said, the VUR military apparatus is well-funded, well-supported by the populace, and very well equipped. This is particularly true in the aftermath of the True Vacuum event. 

There are three main branches of the armed forces: the Navy, the Systems Corp, and the Republic Commerce Corp. 

[b]-Navy[/b]
The Navy is by far the largest of the three branches, having the responsibility of patrolling and defending VUR space in both atmosphere and vacuum, maintaining the ability for offensive operations outside of VUR space in both atmosphere and vacuum, as well as operating as the transportation apparatus for the Systems Corp. The Navy also maintains the VUR’s main intelligence gathering division, the Fleet Intelligence Office. The VUR’s largest and most versatile infantry section, the Republic Marines, also fall under the navy’s umbrella. 

The organization of the navy falls into fleet classifications. Fleets are traditionally organized by the systems to which they are assigned to patrol and defend, though there are plans for a fleet that operates on a solely intersystem basis, and would be the VUR’s primary force for missions outside of friendly space. 

1st Fleet—
Based out of the VUR capital world of Glissau, 1st Fleet maintains the largest number or warships, marines, and auxiliary vessels within the navy. It also operates one of the VUR’s three super-capital class battlecruisers, the VRS [i]Praetor[/i]. 1st Fleet has also been tasked by Fleet Command to operate as the primary offensive flotilla should war come to the VUR. 

2nd Fleet—
Based out of the star system of Kadesh, 2nd Fleet is the smallest of the navy. Often 2nd Fleet is utilized as a tempering ground for new naval officers and ship commanders. 

3rd Fleet—
The second largest of the naval fleets, 3rd Fleet is based out of the Crion system. It maintains an important vigil along with its other duties—that of defending the strategically important Extron and Unitis orbital shipyards around the planet Espion. As such, it operates the remaining two super-capital class battlecruisers of the navy: the VRS [i]Roost[/i], and the VRS [i]Obsidian[/i].

4th Fleet—
Tasked with patrolling the Maw Frontier, the Val of the 4th Fleet receive the most duty missions, in proportion to their size, of any fleet in the navy. As the Maw Frontier holds the largest percentage of pirates, radicals, and political extremists within VUR controlled space, it has a very real prerogative to maintain vigilance. 

[b]-Systems Corp[/b]
The Systems Corp operates as the main military force for operating in atmosphere. It maintains forces for traditional waterborne navies, atmospheric capable aircraft, infantry, and innumerable other in-atmosphere equipment and material. For transportation outside of atmosphere, the Systems Corp relies totally on naval support.  

[b]-Republic Commerce Corp[/b]
The RCC is the second largest of the military branches. It is tasked with operating and securing public spaceports and spaceborne commercial hubs, enforcing trade laws, patrolling established shipping lanes. They are also the only policing force that has jurisdiction across all VUR systems. The RCC operates no capital class vessels, and must rely on naval support for operations that require such resources. 
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