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The Holy Nebulaic Republic of Incandescent Serenity
"All is Vanity"

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Miscellaneous:

National Anthem: Barber's Agnus Dei
Nation Flower: White Heather Flower Calluna vulgaris
National Animal: The Orla Whale Delphinidae Orla (Semi-Intelligent mammals indigenous to Serenity)
National Currency: The Diamond Finn
Predominant Race: Homo Sapien Nebulaeus
Homeworld(s): Holy Terra (Original), Serenity (Current).

"Encyclopedia: Incandescent Serenity"
Table of Contents:

01: Introduction:
01.1: Preamble
01.2: National Flag
01.3: Miscellaneous
01.4: Demographics
02: Serenity: The Homeworld
02.1: Introduction
02.2: Climate
02.3 Geography
02.31 Bodies of Water
02.32 Tropics
02.4: Abundant Resources
03: Inhabitants of The Incandescent Nebula
03.1: Serenitist Descendants: Basic Detail
03.2: Physiology
03.3: A Brief History
03.31: The Great Exodus
03.32: A New Home
03.33: The Technological Evolution: The First Hyperspace Test
03.4: Famous Members
03.41: Galan Rousse
03.42: High Commander Kadesh II
03.43: The Cores
03.5: The Hii'Ra: Basic Detail
03.6: Physiology
03.7: A Brief history
03.71: The Loss of The Hii'Ra
03.72: A Dark Change
03.73: Re-unification
04: Technology: Level of Advancement
04.1: The Gift of Hyperspace
04.11: Inter-Nebulae Navigation
04.2: Serenitist Habitation
04.21: Energy Sources
04.22: The Three Cities of Serenity
04.23: Settlements Outside The Three Cities
04.24: Energy Consumptions of Transportation
04.3: Weapon Advancement
04.31: The Lana-Class Ion Cannon
04.32: Torpedo
04.33: Kinetic Cannon
04.34: The Eligna-Class Ionic Pulsar Laser
04.35: Pulsar Laser
04.36: Plasma Cutter
04.37: Plasma Lancer
04.38: Rapid-Fire Solenoid Accelerator
04.4: Vessel Sub-systems and Defensive Counter-Measures
04.41: Direct Neural Interface
04.42: OMNI-Class Hyperspace Defence Field
04.43: POLAR-Class Super-Magnetic Defence Field
04.44: Pulsar Defence System
04.45: Static Hyperspace Inhibitor
04.46: Spirit Cloak Generator

05: Politics
05.1: Domestic Politics
05.11: The Council of the Three Cities
05.12: Prevailing Ideology
05.13: Economic Model
05.2: External Politics
05.21: List of Contacts
06: The IS War Machine
06.1: The Atmospheric Forces
06.2: The Incandescent Fleet
06.21: Strike Craft
06.22: War Frigates
06.33: Capital Ships
06.3: The Serenitist Defence Network

Serenity: The Homeworld

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>> Image of Sunrise over Serenity [Courtesy of the SerranTerran Energy Group] (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Retro_1989/600px-Hiigara_sunrise.jpg)

Serenity, pronounced [suh-ren-i-tee/sə-rěn'ĭ-tē], is the homeworld to Terran descendants of the ancient Utopian Commonwealth. Due to the surrounding nebula and close proximity to the galactic core, Serenity is both an object of great beauty and strategic importance. The world itself possesses no domestic civilization except that of the Terran colonists, leaving the habitat and environment extremely well preserved.

Climate:

Serenity enjoys a nearly uniform tropical climate, however polar regions are substantially temperate. Lush forestry, in particular rainforests, still adorn the majority of the planet's solid-surface, where other regions are more arid and desert-like. Serenity's stable climate is partly to do with a number of reasons: her orbit is ever so slightly closer to the nearest sun than earth's, producing the higher atmospheric temperatures. The planet is also only slightly effected by a tilt in her orbit, limiting the seasonal influence extended by the sun. This should, in all respects, limit the spread of lush forestry due to the lack of seasonal change, however the sheer volume of the planet's surface which is covered in oceans provides frequent and welcome monsoons.

Geography:

Serenity is, without a doubt, a beautiful world. Whether you're observing the Incandescent Nebula overhead at night or taking in the vast lush forestry, you cannot escape her beauty. Approximately 80% of the planet's surface is covered in deep blue oceans, which are obviously Serenity's most striking feature. Despite the dominance of water, there are still two sizable continents and thousands of unchartered Islands. A long and unpredictable volcanic era some ten-thousand years ago has left a great degree of very rich volcanic soil on the planet's land. The high volcanic activity, although now subsided, is attributed towards the core of the planet, which is larger to that of earth's in relation to the over-all smaller size of Serenity. Due to the larger core and presence of far denser metals in the center, gravity in Serenity is indistinguishable between that of earth's, despite the dwarf status.

Bodies of Water
The majority of the biological population inhabits Serenity's vast oceans, ranging from the indigenous Orla Whale which has been described as "Semi-Intelligent", to great shoals of fish similar to Earth's Tuna. Large continental shelves left untouched by civilization has proved an opportune home for coral reefs, which now are so vast and dominant they can now be identified from orbit. Aside from the oceans, there is a large quantity of both lakes, rivers and lagoons inland. This is mostly due to the common monsoons which drench the countryside.

Tropics
Perhaps the most benificial to the monsoons are the vast rainforests of Serenity, which are broken infrequently by her defining mountain ranges. Despite the prevalence of thick forestry, large sections of volcanic grassland and desert flood-plains prove more than adequate for the population's agricultural needs. Further to the north, the tropics break into more temperate climate zones before finally succumbing to tundra at the polar extremities.

Abundant Resources

The Incandescent Nebula and the Serene system are host to a variety of resources rare in other sectors of the galaxy. On Serenity herself, due to the mass of the planetary core, super-dense alloys are extracted not to deep underground from geothermal veins. her core, being the same age as the Nebula itself, is by far not the only source of these precious metals. Due to the heavy stellar forces in the region, pockets of asteroids rich in dense metals are common throughout Serenitist territory. Besides alloys, many identified ionized gaseous materials are harvested int he nebula for various uses. This is, by far, the most common resource throughout. Combined, the Nebula provides the Serenitist with everything they need to construct highly advanced Fleets, despite their relatively low population.

The Inhabitants of the Incandescent Nebula

Serenitist Descendants

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Galan Rousse, The voice of the people

Basic Detail:

Homeworld: Serenity (Disputed)
Language: Serenic (Evolved Pictish-English Hybrid)
Average Height: 1.95 Meters
Lifespan: 133 Terran YO (Approximate Average; Natural Causes)
Skin Colour: Fair to Tanned (Smaller Degrees of extremities)
Hair Colour: Various, Predominantly Brown.
Eye Colour: Blue or Green (Occasionally Grey or Brown)
Distinctions: Brighter Eye Colours, Larger Iris and Pupils, Higher physical Structure, Greater degree of physical uniformity (Compared to Humanity)
Races: Homo Sapien Nebulaeus: Primarily Ancient Celtic descendants. Others considered of mixed Terran ethnicity.
Religious Groups: Terranism (Dominant, 99.9% Approx.)
Famous Members: Galan Rousse, High Commander Kadesh, The Cores.

Physiology:

The physiology of the Serenitists, while nearly identical to that of there human ancestry, has suffered some minor changes over the millennia. During the great exodus, many of the ethnic minorities within the race were eliminated through inter-racial breeding. In the close-quarters of the transport ships, no geographical nor cultural boundries were known, and soon a single mixed-race stood dominant in the fleet. The resulting race was as described above; with few physiological variations. Their skin colour was largely tanned, although due to the common Caucasian populace of the fleet, fairer skin tones are also common. Hair colour has been the second most effected characteristic, tending towards dark blonde or brown. Fairer blonde and red hair colours have also been known to occur occasionally within the gene-pool. Life on Serenity has also reinforced these factors. The lack of divergance from the tropical climate has solidified the colour uniformity of the race across the planet.

Not all features of the Serenitists have came around through mixed-breeding. The taller nature of the Caucasian populace has prevailed, leaving the standard Serenitist standing ever-so slightly taller than the average human. This is also reflected in their build, where males are far more likely to be broad-shouldered and muscled than their female and human counter-parts. One feature in particular; their eye-colour, has evolved solely due to the great exodus itself. Generations of inhabitants within the Incandescent Nebula and the Inner-Rim have been bombarded with an over-whelming spectrum of stellar light and radiation. The prevalence of ultra-violet and long-wavelength light has increased the radius of the average Serenitist Iris, also amplifying the intensity of the colour. While Blue and Green are the most common eye-colours, intense browns and grays are still known to occur irregularly within the populace. Akin to the changes to the iris, the pupils of the Serenitist have also undergone minor change. Their dilation is now far more severe, thought to be a simple reaction to the sheer variety of light-spectrum's available for interpretation to the brain. Neither of these qualities have any official unwanted effects, and are known to increase the reaction-time of a person, particularly when outside the nebula in regular space.

A Brief History:

The Great Exodus
While the Serenitists only recognized themselves as a separate entity from the rest of humanity during their time in the Incandescent Nebula, their history as a people dates back to their time on planet Earth. The only records of this time are stored in the great library of serenity; a large virtual database separated from the rest of the mainframe. The library itself is free to the public, however it is widely accepted by the general populace to leave these times of pain and suffering behind them, and ignore the records. The reasons for the great exodus are many and complicated, however, it took place approximately some one thousand years ago. With the fall of the nations which safe-guarded the Terranist ideals and philosophies surrounding respect for their world, the ancestors were subjugated to dominance by the corporations of the past, who seek only to destroy Holy Terra. With the dissaption of Earth's natural resources and extreme over-population of the planet, the ancestors were basically wiped-out in their fight for survival. Those who had sworn their allegiance to the protection of their world were eventually surrounded and faced with extinction. Only one option remained; To take to the stars themselves. And so, the great exodus began.

>>A view of the great nebula from Serenity's orbit (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Retro_1989/NebulaBackground.jpg)

For generations the fleet fought their way amongst the warlike people's of the stars towards the light of the galactic core, absorbing the technologies of their enemies and allies regardless. Still, no world had been found which the exiles could call their home. Eventually, the great nebula was discovered, spanning a large section of the inner-rim of the galaxy. The nebula offered shelter from enemies, plentiful resources and infinite beauty. It was soon too become their new Terra. Their new home. Generations roamed the nebula, constructing new and more numerous ships to house their people, invisible from the outside world due to its density. Eventually, deep within the Incandescent Nebula, a new yet small solar system was found. The third world was declared their new home. She was Serenity.

A New Home
Serenity was heaven compared to the deteriorating Earth their ancestors had fled from. She was ideal in every way possible. Small, yet gravitationally equal, with a similar atmosphere and ecology. The first three great cities were founded, and named Lyonesse, Alexandria and Serendipity. Together the formed the governing colony of Incandescent Serenity, including the new world, solar system, and the colonized reaches of the nebula beyond. The people of Serenity are now at home, and are ready to take flight outside the safety of their nebula.
The Serenitist chronological system can also be dated back to the first inhabitants of the system. With each year on Serenity lasting approximately three-hundred and fifty days; the standard Incandescent year is similar to that of ancient earth's. The year of colonization was known as 0 SL (Sereniten Landfall), and thus all events prior to this are marked as negative (Year Quantity) SL.

The Technological Evolution: The First Hyperspace Test

The majority of modern day Serenitist technology was either absorbed into the Fleet or purchased during the great Exodus. The First Hyperspace test marked the begining of the first of the major technological leaps for the Exiles. Dated as far as -1137 SL, It is unknown whether the technology was accumulated through conflict or trade. Many popular theories, inspired by the records of the Eternal Library, state that the first Hyperspace Core in fact originated from the reverse-engineering of a long-abandoned ship found floating beyond the Orion arm.

Famous Members:

Galan Rousse
The elected voice of the people's of Incandescent Serenity. He speaks on behalf of the Council of the three Cities, however holds no greater power than any other citizen. He has, however, established a form of unofficial leadership among the Serenitist peoples, and held their faith for many years.

High Commander Kadesh II
High Commander Kadesh II was the leader of the fleet during the great exodus for his entire lifetime. He is seen amoung the peoples of Sernity as their saviour, having fought off those who would threaten their lives for as long as he could. It is now commomplace for all High Commanders of Incandescent Serenity to adopt 'Kadesh' into their title. 'Kadesh' is also commonly used to describe the messiah or a great leader of the Terran religion.

The Cores
Due to the complexity of the transport vessels used by the Exodus Fleet, countless great minds sacrificed themselves to integration with the ships. In other words, they became the ships living cores, safeguarding the civilian fleet for years and guiding the warships into battle. The names of all the Cores are etched into the great sandstone walls of the council buildings in each of the Three Cities

[I]The Hii'Ra (hai-rah/hī-rä)

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Basic Detail:

Homeworld: N/A
Language: 'Beast', Basic Sign Communication
Average Height: 2.50 Meters
Lifespan: 37 Terran YO (Approximate Average; Natural Causes)
Skin Colour: Black to Dark Blue/Purple (Grays with Age)
Hair Colour: N/A
Eye Colour: White (Occasionally Silver, Faint Blue or Faint Green)
Distinctions: Extremely Dark Skin, Mesomorphic Build, Higher physical Structure, Savage Nature
Races: Homo Desaevio Bestia: Evolved mutation of Homo Sapien Nebulaeus
Religious Groups: Beast Paganism (100% Est.)
Famous Members: Unknown

Physiology:

Radically different to that of their nearest kin; Homo Sapien Nebulaes, The Hii'Ra's most defining feature is their bestial appearance. They stand roughly two-hundred and fifty centimeters tall, towering over their ancestors. Muscle-mass is also produced approximately at a rate of nine-times faster than the average Serenitist. Combined, this requires the heart of the Hii'Ra to operate at speeds far faster than the modern human, limiting their lifespan. An expanded diameter of the hand houses large talons on each finger, although somewhere along the genetic process two fingers became fused together. This has left the Hii'Ra with four fingered hands, limiting their opposable-thumb dexterity. It does, however, encourage quadra-pedal movement while running, allowing the species to reach speeds far greater than that of humanity. Extreme muscle density and lightweight synthetically altered materials (Also in that of the chemical strengthening of the skeletal structure becoming part of the species inherent DNA) allow the Hii'Ra to leap astonishing distances and heights, tens of meters long. Perhaps inherited before genetic alterations, the large white eyes of the Hii'Ra allow for sight in apparent total darkness, through the interpretation of UV and other light-waveforms beyond that of human optics. it is, however, considered an adaptation of Homo Sapien Nebulaeus' optical evolution.

>> Image revealing the structure of the Hii'Ra [Source Protected] (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Retro_1989/Untitled-1-1.jpg)

The most significant alteration from human physiology is not as most would expect. Neurology of the Hii'Ra has exposed fundamental differences in the operation of their cognitive potential from that of Homo Sapiens. The Cerebellum is notably larger, increasing motor abilities and communication with the spinal nervous system. Such advances are also seen in the Parietal lobe, not only further enhancing coordination but navigation and other vital tracking devices. Mutation in the Temporal lobe also offers vastly improved auditory and vision interpretation, although sacrifices most vocal ability. Other areas of the Cerebral Cortex do suffer quite considerably, however. The frontal lobe itself, considered the area of the brain which identifies humanity, is drastically reduced. This is thought to be the forefront cause for bestial and savage Hii'Ra behavior. While still extremely intelligent, and able to outwit humans on several fronts, the effects of the frontal lobe limit any sort of advance in various fields, including but not limited to; Numeracy, Technology, Communication, Humanity, and Morality. The Occipital lobe however, does not seem to share these changes. Instead, it has reformed itself into an apparently more efficient manner, allowing the Hii'Ra to operate from visualized memory and assumptions, allowing them to be manageable by humans.
Besides the brain, little change has been endured by internal organs. Lung capacity has far increased in order to facilitate an adequate oxygen supply to the body. A primarily carnivorous diet leaves a smaller stomach, shrunk due to digestive rates and regularly liquidized sustainance, wither from origin or through mastication. Besides physical appearance, the upkeep of such large circulations and blood-flow requires a high degree of blood plasma in their diet. Thus, the Hii'Ra are described as Hematophagic, feeding off the blood of their prey.

A Brief History

The Loss of the Hii'Ra
Before they departed from the boundaries of Homo Sapien Nebulaic physiology, they represented the Hii'Ra clan aboard a convoy of exiled ships, during the Great Exodus. The convoy, of approximately fifteen-thousand souls, was lost during an early Hyperspace jump, presumed gone forever. Nearly a hundred years-later, however, the convoy met with the other Exiles at their only known rendezvous point. The changes which had undergone the Hii'Ra after countless years lost in Hyperspace were alarmingly obvious: initial scans showed extremely increased optical sensitivity, along with drastic developments in skin-pigmentation, thought to be a result of the high-radioactive exposure of the lost fleet. Different from their long-lost brethren, the Hii'Ra became increasingly isolationistic, separating themselves from the Great Exodus. Disassociated and splintered from the fleet, they plunged into the Incandescent Nebula first, and lost contact with the Exiles for a second time. They were not seen again for another three-hundred years, save for tales of savage raiders on the uncivilized edges of the nebula.

The Dark Change
The Hii'Ra had already undergone great genetic alterations during their first separation from the fleet. They soon became embroiled in war, lost in the nebula with no-ground to go to. The only law was the law of the pirates, who prayed on any vessel ignorant enough to venture forth into the Nebula's beauty. The haphazard genetic alterations of the passed now seemed small to what soon became potential through the absorption of enemy technology. Muscle tissue was replaced with synthetically modeled organic replacements. Skeletal structures were implanted with various cocktails of chemicals. Genes were spliced to leave no skin pigment at the mercy of reflecting light to a foe. A myriad of diseases, both Terran and alien, soon found home in their once delicate figures. But that did not stop them, it only gave birth to immunity. They then became invulnerable to biological attacks. And soon, they became biological harbingers themselves, each droplet of saliva a kiss of death for the enemy. Beauty soon became a word only for the Nebula, not for the Hii'Ra. Selective breeding and a brutal regime of survival of the fittest, bred the very finest warriors. Evolution was torn from millenia and crammed into a few-hundred years. Soon technology was forgotten, the Hii'Ra stole new vessels from merchants who stumbled upon the nebula.

Re-unification
As the Serenitists expanded throughout the incandescent Nebula, they found the derelicts of the ancient vessels of the Hii'Ra. They then found the carcasses of ships they had been preying upon, in their hundreds. Contact at first, was brutal and unforgiving. What the Hii'Ra, however, had lost in morality and dignity, they had not lost in memory. Soon they came to realize the Serenitist were their brethren, and even through years of war and savagery, they had not lost their loneliness. under the graceful arm of the Voice of Incandescent Serenity, Galan Rousse, the peoples were re-unified. It did not take the Serenitist long to realize he Hii'Ra's potential in combat. After all, they scarcely belonged to the throngs of civilization any more, their humanity long forgotten.

Technology: Level of Advancement

Although the exact Earth year of the present is not known by the Serenitists, historians estimate it to be somewhere around the year of 3300 AD. As such, the technology of the Serenitists is considered to be on a par with the expected course of Human development, even if at a tangent to the regular expected branch.

The Gift of Hyperspace:

The very first Hyperspace test by the Exiles took place approximately -1137 SL, although this is dispute. The common intellectual opinion is that the technology was derived from an abandoned vessel of unknown origin. Due to the practice of reverse engineering, the skilled mathematicians of the Exiled Fleet were able to rebuild the damaged entity, and utilize the Hyperspace Core. The initial test were extremely unpredictable and required a degree of energy barely attainable by the Exiles. Over the centuries the practice has become increasingly refined, although still limited to 'Short jumps' modern vessels can now recharge their Hyperspace core in a matter of minutes, and jump to a near pin-point location. This may seem a minor feat for over a thousand years of development, however the logistical practice of navigating through dense Hyperspace uninterrupted is a practice known to only an elite few space-worthy races.

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>>Image of the Incandescent Nebula

Inter-Nebulae Navigation
Within the nebula itself, navigation through both conventional and Hyperspace drives is near impossible without the SILYBS (pronounced; S-hill-ee-bhus), more commonly known as the Serenitist Inter-Light Year Beacon System'. This is partially to do with the sheer density and luminous and radioactive output of the clouds, which not only distorts sensors beyond recognition, but obscures any traces of optical 'landmarks' through the absorptive qualities of the cloud. The SILYBS itself comprises a series of beacons strategically placed throughout the Incandescent Nebula, which communicate to each other in an extremely odd manner. Without the knowledge of one of The Cores, it is for all purposes basically impossible to establish a pattern with which the beacons interact. Establishing a safe Hyperspace gateway transmission through the randomly dialled network, the beacons are constantly aware of each others positions without giving away their own. Due to the nature of Hyperspace, any distortions (i.e entrances and exits from Hyperspace in the local vicinity of the network) and detected almost instantaneously. Then, through the same practice as before, the position of the ship (Once, of course, an I.D has been obtained) is relayed to the vessel in question, along with the next set of coordinates for the jump. This complicated method of navigation is not only the most efficient, it also renders any enemy invasions of the nebula nearly completely void, giving the natives the complete advantage.
>>Image of a SYLYBS Beacon placement [Courtesy of The Incandescent Defence Network] (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/images/display.htm?concept_2.jpg)

Serenitist Habitation:

Energy Sources
All Serenitist habitats and cities both on Serenity, its outlying colonies and airborne elements in the Nebula utilize one-hundred per-cent renewable sources of energy. Fusion Reactors commonly power most Capital Ship class vessels and Space Harbours themselves, while other methods are employed in land-bound settlements. The Icarus program uses a network of some two-hundred satellites to redirect and super-concentrate the sun's energy down to Extreme-Tolerance Conduits on the planets surface. Further-more, the vast size and activity of the planetary core means that geothermal energy is the preferred source for each of the three cities. Oceanic located hydro and wind-power turbines also provide back-up-support and power for those regions where geothermal outlets are unavailable.

The Three Cities of Serenity
The three cities themselves on Serenity take the form of super-massive Arcologies. Each Arcology itself is approximately ten-kilometres high and fourteen-kilometres at its widest point (base). Design to minimalize the effect on Serenity's habitat of expansion, each Arcology is completely self-sufficient. Commonly powered with a Fusion-Reactor Core, the cities also receive solar bean energy from the Icarus Network, directed right in the tip of the super-structure. The beam is then absorbed through conduits, and utilized instead of power, as a replacement to artificial sunlight, minimizing the influence of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Geothermal stations located underneath the cities present a back-up power initiative and unique alloy extraction opportunities, a process that does not harm the outer environment. The Arcologies themselves consume a high degree of energy through proper air circulation, domestic energy requirements, pressure containment and artificial atmosphere generators. 'Sky Farms' within the structures produce a sufficient volume of agriculture, however much of farm produce still originates from the grasslands outside of the cities, which are ideal for cultivation.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_4ify7vDXrDs/RhhJSq-52_I/AAAAAAAAAU4/YVIELo4zyMI/s320/BionicTower.jpghttp://bp1.blogger.com/_4ify7vDXrDs/R31fUk048aI/AAAAAAAABjQ/hXj60b10wDA/s320/_crystalisland1.jpg
Left: Photograph of the Oceanic City of Alexandria Right: Photograph of the Incandescent City of Lyonesse

Settlements Outside The Three Cities
Townships and villages vast distances away from the jurisdiction of the Three Cities are becoming increasingly common. With the stabilization and planetary centralization of power, no-longer do all Serenitist inhabitants feel the need to remain near the governing bodies for protection and maintenance. Many Extra-Arcological settlements have emerged in recent years, gaining independence from the Council Jurisdiction over matters of local importance. Such settlements have recently become a fixture of much tourism over the years.

>> Image of Phoenicia, one of the first settlements to receive independent rule. (http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/tourism/images/City_Arts_Sciences.jpg)

[i]Energy consumptions of Transportation
The majority of transport on Serenity is powered via small-scale Fuel Cell power-plants, providing extremely inexpensive energy with zero carbon emission. Out of the atmosphere, ships are most commonly driven by highly advanced Ionic Thrusters. Powered usually by either Fusion reactors (In the case of vessels of Frigate to Capital Class) or Fuel-Cell power plants (used in all vessels below Frigate Class), the ionic thrusters commonly leave a trail of plasma behind due to the sheer volume of electromagnetic and wave activity. The sheer response time of the Ionic engines has ensured its place in Serenitist shipping for over a thousand years, and at its most evolved, produces the most maneuverable craft to date.

Weapon Advancement

The Firestorm-Class Ion Cannon
Arguably the most devastating weapon in the Serenitist arsenal, the Fusion-drive Ion Cannon's can pierce shielding and render target vessels crippled in a matter of seconds. The standard size of Ion Cannon employed by the Fleet requires an entire chassis housing to accommodate the weapon. thus, entire Frigates are used as manoeuvrable weapons platforms to move the cannons into battle. While smaller cannons have been theorized and tested, the Firestorm model currently used by Fleet remains at the forefront of battle due to its sheer destructive force. Regrettably, the power of the Ion Cannon limits itself to burst fire of mere seconds before it has to be shut-down to prevent over-heating. Larger cannon's than the Firestorm model have been declared impractical for this reason.

Torpedo
The Serenitist Torpedo has been the backbone of the Fleet since the great exodus. Capable of carrying a vast degree of warheads, including Plasma and Thermonuclear, the torpedo still serves as a formidable anti-shipping missile. Due to the short lifespan of deployed torpedoes, energy conservation is obviously not a major issue. Thus, high magnetic fields are generated by each munition covering the missile in an electro-static shielding, maintained by dispersed ionized gases. This serves as a primitive 'Energy-shield against ionic and metallic anti-missile based weaponry, however the missiles are still vulnerable to laser-fire. Due to most Capital-class ships being equipped with laser technology, the torpedo is largely reserved for use against strike-craft, and for disabling targeted components of low-armed enemy craft without causing fatal damage.

Magnetically Accelerated Cannon
The alternative to the Firestorm-Class Ion Cannon, the MAC is in effect a supersized Kinetic Energy Cannon. The weapon often requires an entire frigate chassis to accommodate it, and relies on a series of hyper-magnetic solenoids to project super-dense alloys at its target. MAC's have been reported to tear a hole straight through their target vessel, however are far less manoeuvrable than their Ionic counterparts.

Kinetic Energy Cannon
Perhaps the second-strongest armament of any Serenitist Capital ship is their Kinetic Cannons. Coming in a variety of sizes and formats, each cannon releases magnetic field propulsed kinetic projectiles. Similar to the design of land-based railguns, the cannons are capable of firing super-dense alloys at hundreds of kilometres per second, utilizing magnetic pressure. Like the Ion Cannons, the Kinetic Cannons are prone to over-heating, although they are far simpler to keep operational. This allows them to fire in the region of ever two-seconds continuously, delivering an overwhelming barrage against the enemy. Utilizing smaller munitions such as Flak ordnance, KEC's can fire far more rapidly due to its lower power requirements.

The Banshee-Class Ionic Laser
Effectively filling the gap between the smaller Pulsar Laser's and the Firestorm-Class Ion Cannons, is the Banshee-Class. Far more manoeuvrable and concentrated, the Banshee-Class is ideal for targeting more heavily-armoured subsystems at a longer range, with the capacity to immobilize ships rather than annihilate them altogether. A more common tactic used by Banshee-Class gunner-operators is to coordinate the lasers into a sectioning super-cut, spreading themselves across the different areas of the target.

Pulsar Laser
The Pulsar laser system is Ideal from pinpoint strikes against key Capital-ship class systems, projectile interception, and strike craft targeting. Coming in various sizes and strengths, usually from smaller Strike-craft mounted versions to Capital-ship class armaments, they are all based on the same principal. Similarly to the ion-beam, a low wave Ion Cannon with a far lower penetration capability is deployed to incapacitate lightly armoured craft. Reinforces by a concentration of multi-spectrum light waves into a single laser-system, the Pulsar laser is equipped with the benefits of both technologies.

Plasma Cutter
Regarded as a unique hybrid of both Plasma Bolt and Pulsar laser technologies, is the Plasma Cutter. Effectively a short-range plasma laser, the Cutter was primarily designed to project extremely high luminous-density superheated-plasma at enemy ships, notably at close range. The targets of the Plasma Cutter are commonly module subsystems and vulnerable armour points, intending to overload and produce breach-points. The history of the weapon dates back to the first miners of the Incandescent Nebula, who employed the technology to tear apart derelict hulks and collections of super-dense alloys. Now more common in the commercial sector, the Incandescent Resource Group equips most mining vessels with the high-powered equivalent of their descendants.

Rapid-Fire Kinetic Energy Weapon
Theprimary armament of the Razor Class Strike Craft, the RFKEW is primarily an anti-strike craft weapon. A rotational array fires solid projectiles using solenoid sequencers to deliver magnetic force. Similar to a scale-downed rail-gun, the kinetic projectiles can be fired in rapid succession with the only threat of over-heating coming from continually sustained fire.

[I]Vessel Subsystems and Defensive Counter-measures

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Retro_1989/Untitled-1.jpg
Image of an Integrated 'Core'

Direct Neural Interface
At the heart of every ship comparable to a Destroyer or above, is The Core. Effectively, a biologically-altered human being, with a limitless potential cognitive output. Neural augmentations integrate the host into every system of the ship, semi-permanently. Utilizing the virtual architecture of the ship's positronic core which would normally be inhabited by an AI entity, The Core is provided with near unmatched intelligence. This allows the concious being full access to every single sensor array, operation and transmission aboard the vessel, and the opportunity to analyse the data sub-real time. Serenitist Sensor arrays themselves are not vastly more advanced than that of other races, rather their potential is amplified by The Cores operations.

OMNI-Class Hyperspace Defence Field
Available only on ships equipped with both Fusion reactors and FTL Drives (Commonly Capital Ship Classes), the OMNI-Shield is a truly unique technology. A spectrum of Sub-space gateways are coordinated through the mastery of the ship's Core intercepting as many solid munitions and incoming objects as possible, diverting them via Hyperspace away from their target. The OMNI-Shield requires an immense volume of power however, and cannot be engaged alongside other systems of a similar scale, such as Gravity Wells and Cloaking Fields. The use of the OMNI-Shield also renders the Hyperspace Core of the user-vessel depleted, thus limiting any swift retreat from combat until the core has recharged.

POLAR-Class Super-Magnetic Defence Field
As indicated by the name, the POLAR-Shield is primarily a magnetic deflection shield. Operating through the immense electro-static expansion of the ship's gravity drives, it operates similarly to an extremely scaled-down Gravity Well Generator. Available on all ships equipped with Fusion Reactors (Frigate-Class and Above), it is a semi-effective method of re-routing incoming solid kinetic projectiles.

Pulsar Point Defence System
Operational on vessels equipped with several Pulsar Laser weapon platforms, the Defence-System prioritizes incoming kinetic munitions and in particular; enemy fighters and torpedoes. Not necessarily a complete sub-system, the PDS is a far less power-consuming alternative to the OMNI-Shield.

Static Hyperspace Inhibitor
Utilizing the Hyperspace Core of the user vessel, the SHI deploys a high-energy Gravity Well in sub-space, severely limiting or halting Hyperspace travel altogether. Combined with an enormous spectrum of high-agitation wave-frequencies the Hyperspace Inhibitor renders most Hyperspace cores unusable once activated.

Spirit-Class Cloak Generator
Employing technology akin to that of the POLAR-Shield, the Cloak Generator deploys a super-distortion field which actively bends light. This renders the object absorbed by the field invisible in most optical spectrum's, and also deflects sensory scans via the same method. The Generator also requires a large degree of power however, and cannot be operated alongside high-energy weapons systems and other Defence Field generating systems.

Politics

Domestic Politics

The original states which departed Terra in the Great Exodus were originally ultra-liberal, with near limitless political freedoms. However, the centuries of emergency rule in the stars have centralized the previously devolved system.

The Council of the three Cities
In the time of Serenity's settlement by the Exiles, three great cities were born. They came to be known as ''Serendipity', 'Lyonesse', and 'Alexandria'. Together, as rule was transferred from the fleet to the ground, the elders of each City united themselves in 'The Council of the Three Cities'. Now, each clan elder is elected into each city council, now with some nine seats. The council is represented by a head of state, dubbed; The Voice. He acts as an ambassador of the Council to the people and non-Serenitists, and is elected by the vote of the councillors.

Prevailing Ideology
The current council, dubbed 'The Seventh' (Councilors, once chosen, are rarely stripped from office by the people), is primarily concerned with Social Equality and the Environment.

Economic Model
The vast majority of Serenitist industry is controlled by Trade Syndicates. Thus, undemocratic private enterprise is illegal. Due to the push for efficiency within the companies, Syndicalism often encourages a form of Technocratic operative placement, where each person most fitting to a certain career will be voted into his/her position. Utilizing worker appointed positions, full consultations and voting is reserved solely for large-scale issues, so as to avoid the time-consuming management of voting over every single issue.

External Politics

Primarily through the interests of trade, and the growing pressure from the Incandescent Resource Group to establish mining operations outside the Nebula, the Ishmaeli Conference began. While not technically a conference, it was a series of First Contact meetings between Incandescent Serenity and other races, aimed at furthering diplomatic and trade opportunities. The outcome of the operation was an overwhelming success. Five Trade negotiations were closed, and a further contact of five more nations established. Only one, Caliiro, was ultimately hostile.

List of Contacts: (In Chronological Order)

The Dominion of Amazonian Beasts
The Clandom of Tidan
The Tau Empire
The United Arcologies of Commonalitariansim
Xiscapia
The Commonwealth of Firanja
The Confederacy of Caliiro
Coreworlds
The Dahanese Commonwealth
Feazanthia

KEY:
RED: Considered Hostile
Black: Neutral Relations
Green: Open Relations, establishment of trade
Blue: Considered Ally, Free-Trade enabled

The IS War-Machine

A force not to be reckoned with. The Armed Forces of Incandescent Serenity are composed of three entities: The Atmospheric Forces, The Incandescent Fleet and the Serenitist Defence Network.

The Atmospheric Forces

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The Incandescent Fleet

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Retro_1989/FleetSeal.jpg

Strike Craft

The 'Razor' Class Superiority Fighter (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/concept/images/prod_hw_screens_c_9.jpg)
Concept Artwork (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/concept/images/homeworld-fullsize11.jpg)
Role: Anti-Strike Craft Fighter
Crew: 1
Armament: Dual Light Rapid-Fire Solenoid Accelerator Kinetic Energy Weapon (KEW), Dual Anti-Fighter Missiles
Shields: None
Propulsion: Twin High Response Light Ionic Drive, Enhanced Manoeuvrability Thrusters
Additional: Pilot Ejector Seat

The 'Lancer' Class Ionic Strike Fighter (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/fighter_a8.gif)
Role: Ionic Strike Fighter and ECM platform.
Crew: 1-2
Armament: Concentrated Pulsar Laser, Additional Armament Racks
Shields: None
Propulsion: Twin High Response Light Ionic Drive, Enhanced Manoeuvrability Thrusters
Additional: Electronic Countermeasures Suite, Advanced Sensors Array

The 'Blackbird' Class Stealth Scout (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/scout03.gif)
Role: Infiltration and Advanced Surveillance strike craft.
Crew: 2
Armament: Electronic Warfare Suite, Plasma Cutters,Additional Armament Racks
Shields: None
Propulsion: Twin High Response Light Ionic Drive, Enhanced Manoeuvrability Thrusters
Additional: Electronic Countermeasures Suite, Advanced Sensors Array, Small Pressurized Transportation Suite, Carbon Composite Materials and Reduced IR/Electronic signal

War Frigates

The 'Firefly' Class Ionic Assault Frigate (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/images/relicectscomp3.jpg)
Frigate Group in Firing Formation (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/images/533091_20030827_screen038.jpg)
Role: Multi-role Assault and Breaching Frigate
Crew: 70 (Approx.)
Armament: Single 'Firestorm' Class Heavy Ion Cannon, Two 'Banshee' Class Ionic Lasers, Five Pulsar Laser Turrets
Shield: POLAR-Class
Propulsion: Heavy Ionic Drive/FTL Jump Drive
Additional: Medium-Small Marine Capacity/Transportation Facility

The 'Warrior' Class Kinetic Assault Frigate (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/images/hw2_0403-a.jpg)
Role: Multi-role Stealth Assault Frigate
Crew: 120 (Approx.)
Armament: Single Magnetically Accelerated Cannon, Two Torpedo Tubes, Two Kinetic Energy Cannons (KEC) capable of flak munitions, Three Pulsar Laser Turrets
Shield: POLAR-Class
Propulsion: Heavy Ionic Drive/FTL Jump Drive
Additional: Spirit-Class Cloak Generator

Capital Ships

The 'Retribution' Class Battle-Cruiser (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/v_bc01.gif)
Role: Capital-Ship Killer
Crew: 900 (Approx.)
Armament: Three Hyper-Mass Magnetically Accelerated Cannons, Five Torpedo Tubes (Plasma, Splinter, Thermonuclear Torpedoes), Four 'Banshee' Class Ionic Lasers, Seven Pulsar Laser Turrets
Shield: POLAR/OMNI
Propulsion: Capital-Ship Super-Heavy Ionic Drive / FTL Jump Drive
Additional: Human Core, Fire Control CIC, High Capacity Strike-Craft Bay, Pulsar Point Defence System, Static Hyperspace Inhibitor or Spirit-Class Cloak Generator

The 'Carthage' Class Battlestar (http://shipyards.relicnews.com/hw2/images/HW2_09_battle%20group.jpg)
Role: Fleet Command Ship, Strike-Craft Carrier, Capital-Ship Killer
Crew: 1750 (Approx.)
Armament: Nine-Dual Heavy Kinetic Energy Cannons, Six 'Firestorm' Class Heavy Ion Cannons, Ten Torpedo Tubes (Plasma, Splinter, Thermonuclear Torpedoes), Eight 'Banshee' Class Ionic Pulsar Lasers, Fourteen Pulsar Laser Turrets
Shield: POLAR/OMNI
Propulsion: Capital-Ship Super-Heavy Ionic Drive / FTL Jump Drive
Additional: Human Core, Fire Control CIC, High Capacity Strike-Craft Bay, Pulsar Point Defence System, Static Hyperspace Inhibitor or Spirit-Class Cloak Generator, Strike-Craft Manufacturing Facilities

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The Serenitist Defence Network

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