WinTrees
03-03-2008, 01:38
Hi there.
For a while now I've been using the below as the 'bible' for my nation. I'm looking to update/improve on it now and I thought I'll shove it on here so people can have ago ripping it apart.
I'm open to suggestions, anything you think would give it an extra bit of flare or stuff that doesn't fit give us a heads up.
I've cleared it up a bit, but as this is a working document, there obviously some grammatical/spelling errors.
Cheers, have fun.
The Star Empire of Wintrees
Strength through shared walls.
The Empire is a collection of Colonies working under one banner to bring stability to their domain. Its leader Lord Antos Seric sleeps in eternity… neither alive or dead. He presides over an Empire at strife, those who fight for the return to the ways of old in the form of the commonwealth and those who defend the new order. A cold war rages within its own boarders, on every core world and on every outpost a civil war threatens to explode. Their concerns are, Yes the Empire provides security from the outside galaxy… but what could ever threaten the glorious Colonies of Wintrees?
The prophecy of the Nightstalkers reigns supreme in the sub-conscious of the citizens of the Empire. What keeps Our Lord Seric in power is fear, fear of the unknown that sits at the edge of the galaxy ready to destroy everything… Is it real? Or is it all in the imagination of a long dead alien race… but why are they dead?
The circle of questions with no answers stops the Empire from crumbling in on itself, how long this lasts however, it up to the people of the Empire… the nations that may have an interest in Wintrees and perhaps the Nightstalkers themselves.
Population and Colonies:
Population: 21 Trillion (Note, world memberships are registered addresses only, outlying colony and outpost residents are represented on the nearest crowd (main) colony.)
Note: Below are major 'Crowd Colonies', they are the 'states' as such of the Commonwealth, before the Empire. They still hold sway as major Colonies in the newly formed Assembly:
Keelth – The Star Empire of Wintrees Captialworld
Population: 5 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: The Captialworld (informally known as the Homeworld) is basically a huge city which reaches up to 30 miles into the sky at some points. Many people live on the planet without ever seeing the ground. All government functions are carried out on the planet as well as major corporations and trade unions operating from the planet. It has 5 habitual moons, of which many are festooned with planetary defense batteries.
Riga – Civic Colony
Population: 4.9 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: Bascially Keelth’s twin, to the extent that the seat of government can be moved here with little or no complications. It has 8 moons, of which only 3 are habitual. There are overcrowding problems on this world.
Snora – Civic Colony/Agriculture World
Population: 10 Billion
Notes: Primary fields, Snora provides the Empire with food, it also has a strong tourism industry. It is still recovering from a massive disaster reportedly perpetrated by Lord Seric.
Impal – Civic Colony
Population: 2 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: Much smaller then Keelth or Riga, this colony has 2 moons. Although mostly covered in cityscape, it is much less impressive. It provides a hub for small craft, most notably a large RAF base on the northern pole.
Pycon – Wintrees Colonial Forces Headquarters/Jumpgate Hub
Population: 100 Billion (Including moons)
Notes: If one was to say that Pycon no longer exsisted as a planet, you would have to stop and think before outright dismissing him. The planet has been mined, tunneled and reinforced to such an extent over the years that it is no longer a planet in its own right. It is the military hub for the military, and as such most people living on the surface have a connection of some sort. The atmosphere is all but gone, allowing starships to dock with the planet directly. The moons provide security, all 4 are habitual and house disaster shelters.
Sando Prime – Civic Colony/Agriculture World
Population: 17 Billion (Including moons)
Note: Although primarily a Agriculture world, Sando Prime is a center for military ground training, mainly in the mountain regions, although it has been known for large tracks of land to be closed for exercises. Of the 2 moons, 1 is habitual and houses a large military outpost.
Anpolaism – Civic Colony
Population: 1 Trillion (Including moons)
Note: Again, a large city sits at the center of the planets life, with smaller settlements dotted around some of the more inhospitable areas. 1 moon, which is a hive city.
Exon – Civic Colony
Population: 2.2 Trillion (Including moons)
Note: On the boarder of the Hades Cluster, Exon has a Red sky which. It is also known to be the criminal underworld of the Empire. As such most of its legit industry is bars and clubs. 2 moons, both habitual (although I wouldn’t recommend it)
Tucon – Leisure World/Education Center
Population: 1.4 Trillion
Note: Tucon is the center for the rich and powerful, although it is almost completely covered in cityscape it is a green planet, with rolling fields sitting onto of flat roofed buildings and animals wandering the streets (attended by robot controllers of course). It deals in tourism and is a center for the rich and famous. The Tucon Univeristy is a major education landmark in the Galaxy. It has no moons, although there is a major starport.It is located in the Hades Cluster.
Karzan – Civic Colony/Jumpgate hub
Population: 2 Trillion (Including moons)
Note: 5 moons, all habitual. There is nothing special about this colony, it is located in the Hades Cluster. It is the Jumpgate hub for the Cluster, most traffic passes through the space around Karzan.
New Brent – Civic Colony
Population: 1.8 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: 1 Habitual moon, this colony is self sustaining for the most part.
Tor – Classified
Population: Classified (Including moons… if there is indeed any moons)
Notes: Thought to still be in use by the military, civilian ships are restricted.
Other –
Wintrees operates outposts and small colonies (mining etc) on other worlds, the official count is 50, although many are nothing more then rocks and none are practically well defended.
There are 150 asteroids occupied by either the Wintrees military or corporations as spacedocks and depots. Most are heavily defended against pirate attacks.
Military and Technology:
Military:
Army: 10 Billion
Navy: 15 Billion
Air Force: 5 Billion
Ships/Technology:
Royal Andromeda Class
Length: 800m
Height: 400m
Width: 600m
Crew Size: 4000
Weapon Systems:
80 Missile Launchers
100 Railguns
Defense Systems:
Energy Shields
Air Group: 48 Vipers, 10 Raptors
The Royal Andromeda Class, is the latest ship to be introduced to the fleet, designed by ArmTech Fleet industries, it is a radical rethink of Wintrees Colonial Navy offensive doctrine. Its designed to operate with little support for an extend period of time with an eye to behind the lines skirmishes with the enemy. In a staged battle situation, the Royal Andromeda Class would be used to exploit the flanks and weak points of the enemy fleet (working primary with the Air Groups of supporting ships), smashing through the line and causing as much damage as possible.
The radical difference of appearance is an off shoot of the alien technology which was acquired to facilitate the design. The smooth design was felt to be more fitting of a craft of this type.
Its primary defense is speed, lacking the heavy armor employed on the slower moving King George Class and Vanguard Class battleships. Its energy shields provide a respectable amount of defense, however they cannot take a prolonged exchange of fire.
Its offensive systems, like all Wintrees ships, rely on Missiles and nuclear warheads for anti-capital ship actions and railguns for anti-missile and fighter defense.
There are currently only 4 vessels serving in the Wintrees Colonial Navy, and there are no plans to lay down any more.
King George Class
Length: 1200m
Height: 300m
Width: 400m
Crew Size: 3,200
Weapons Systems:
40 Missile Launchers
400 Railguns
10 Flak Turrets
Defence Systems:
Reinforced plated armour.
Air Group: 72 Vipers, 20 Raptors, 24 Jaguars
The King George Class is at the Carrier end of the ‘Battleship Spectrum’, meaning the ship was designed to operate a larger Air Group then the Vanguard Class parent class.
Its primary Defence is the infamous ‘Flak Wall’, which in theory is a wall of incoming fire created by the timed detonation of flak shells and railgun shells in a single sector. This wall of fire stops most incoming missiles and fighters moving through the firing solution. Doctrine dictates that the Air group would maintain the areas outside of this firing solution in ship-to-ship combat. In large engagements, the fleet would normally form up in a line so to secure each others flanks, in this formation only a few sectors are left undefended by the ‘Flak Wall’. Problems arise with this tactic when fighting an enemy employing energy weapons, in this case the armor of the ship plays a much more important role.
Offensive action, in most cases, would be deploying and controlling its air group. Historically they also serve as the flagship or a fleet, meaning that the ship says away from exchanging fire itself. Missiles are employed in direct ship-to-ship combat.
Vanguard Class
Length: 1000m
Height: 300m
Width: 500m
Crew Size: 2,200
Weapons Systems:
40 Missile Launchers
400 Railguns
20 Flak Turrets
Defence Systems:
Reinforced plated armour
Air Group: 48 Vipers, 10 Raptors
The Vanguard Class sits at the ship of the line end of the ‘Battleship Spectrum’, having 10 more Flak turrets then the King George Class gives it a better coverage in both ship to ship defense and offensive action. This is the mainstay of the Wintrees Colonial Navy, it is no an uncommon sight to see a Vanguard class monitoring jump points and major trade routes.
Ascot Class
Length: 800m
Height: 250m
Width: 300m
Crew Size: 800
Weapons Systems:
16 Missile Launchers
200 Railguns
4 Flak Turrets
Defence Systems:
Reinforced plated armour
Energy Shields
Air Group: 12 Vipers, 2 Raptors
The ascot class is considered a destroyer in the Colonial Navy, it was the first class to be designed solely for the use of the Wintrees Colonial Navy, as such it is starting to show its age. It still serves admirably as support vessels in a battle group, normally 2 Ascot classes would escort a single Vanguard. It lacks the offensive power of the Vanguard, and by association its defensive Flak Barrier, making this one of the weakest ships in the fleet.
There are 2 Ascot Class vessels permanently located at XSS1, HMS Concord and HMS Otter.
‘Viper’ GR2 Space Superiority Fighter
The Basic Fighter used by the Wintrees Colonial Fleet, because doctrine dictates that fighter formation should always be supported by a parent ship, they lack a FTL drive. This lightens them somewhat, making them much faster and maneuverable. FTL drives can be bolted on for certain situations. They lack energy shields. Offensive systems are primary duel linked railguns as well as the option to mount 4 anti-fighter missiles or 2 anti-ship missiles.
‘Raptor’ GR4 SWACS (Space Warning and Control System)
Designed as a general purpose craft, the Raptor is a small shuttle able to carry about 8 personal. It also doubles as the platform for the SWACS, a electronics package designed to provide support for Viper and Jaguar fighters operating away from their carrier. As well as boosting communications, they act as combat control and electronic counter measures. Powerful scanners also make them idea for Recce missions. Carries an FTL.
‘Cobra’ GR1 Space Superiority Fighter
A heavy fighter slowly coming into use on the King George Class, they are designed with an FTL drive and a larger missile rack/bomb bay. They are the fighter bombers of the fleet. They are able to carry the tactical nuclear warheads deployed by the Navy.
History
The Empire in the Stars: The brief History of the Commonwealth (later Empire) of Wintrees.
Prof. Henry Zachman.
School of State History & International Studies, The University of Tucon, Cartica City, Tucon.
The official history of Wintrees starts on 14 July 3320 (old standard), when the Laws of Colonization were approved by the newly formed Wintrees Colonial Assembly. Although this marks the official coming to power of the scattering of colonies throughout the Scutum-Crux Arm, the story of our nation starts long before.
Wintrees, in the far past was a fairly powerful nation on Earth, the birthplace of man. Although not the first, they were one of the few to establish a major research outpost on Pluto. The outpost was completed in 2060 and specialized in the observation of space outside of the sol system.
In 2094 200,000 Colonists were dispatched to the far reaches of the milky way galaxy from Earth. They hoped to create a number of habituate planets which could house the ever increasing population of the island nation of Wintrees. This action as long been attributed to the eventually downfall of Wintrees Earths’ (WE) economy and eventually the country, but more on this later.
For around 30 years, nothing was heard from the colonists, they were widely believed to have been lost in the coldness of space. The first transmission was received sometime in 3022 from ‘Keelth’ and the second in 3025 from ‘Riga’. Both transmissions were received by the Pluto outpost.
3048 saw the next step in the evolution of the colonies, the Articles of Colonization were signed between Keelth and Riga, as well as several smaller surrounding colonies. The articles laid down basic laws and trade agreements in the absence of reliable communication with Earth. Communication was still taking up to 3 years from the colonies to Earth.
3050 saw Earths response, it was not favorable. The Wintreesian Earth government protested the articles, fearing a loss of power over ‘their’ Colonies. Earth, and the ‘Free Colonies’ enter a defacto state of civil war. Repercussions were far from swift however, with space flight taking up to 20 years. Earth also had no space fleet capable of making the trip to Keelth/Riga. Diplomatic relations were in effect completely cut off.
As a military interest note, 3060 was the formation date of the Colonial Navy, with her first 3 starships being launched from Keelth. This was important, as it opened relations with several alien planets surrounding the Free Colonies.
Earth starships arrived in the Fairborn Nebula sometime in 3080, this was the first recorded star battle in Wintrees history. It was effectively an ambush by Free Colonies forces, using technology begged, borrowed or stolen from the alien races they had come into contact with. Improved engines meant the free colonials could intercept the Earth fleet while most of the crew slept in stasis. While some historians call this action a decisive battle, others have questioned the action, which was in effect the euthanasia of 30,000 countrymen. Although the day belonged to the Free Colonies, neither party had the stomach for a long drawn out war…
3082, improved communications (through a private venture) mean that a peace accord could be signed. Later in the year a change in government and policy meant that technology started to make its way back to Earth. In return, the Articles of Colonization were ratified.
In 3092 FTL engines started to be produced with the help of several alien races. The main contribution for the project, a working FTL drive, was provided by the aliens of the planet Snora, the closest planet to Keelth.
A year later, on Earth, the ‘Brent Uprisings’ started. It saw the destruction of the Wintrees Captial, Hampcourt, when a nuclear warhead was detonated in the city center by Brent rebels. Brent is understood to be a province of Wintrees which had demanded independence since its creation in the 1960s.
3100 saw the first FTL ship constructed on Earth and sent to Keelth, the construction had been slowed somewhat by the destruction of the capital and popular feeling that FTL technology shouldn’t be shared with the former ‘Free Colonies’. This is strange as it is believed that, at the time, it was widely known that the majority of the knowledge of FTL came from the Colonies and its contacts.
Regardless of popular feeling, the First FTL ship arrives at Keelth in 3102. The journey took only 2 years. Ironically the FTL ship arrived before the radio message from Earth informs Keelth of its departure.
3155 is still seen as a dark year in the formation of the colonies, as it marked the first Wintrees Navy blockade of the planet of Snora. Several cities were destroyed from orbit and the ‘First Keelth War’ takes place. Heavy loses are taken by both sides, although most of the fighting was centered on Snora.
It is still not understood why the war took place, the only information gleamed from records shows a influx of aliens onto Keelth during this time and demands made from Earth for a more open trade policy, instead of all trade coming through Keelth. It is likely that the war was over increasing influence the aliens of Snora were exercising over Wintrees as a whole. Although we will never know the exact reasons, what we do know is that the war never made front page news in either Keelth or Earth. It is impressive at this early stage how much control over information the military exercised on Keelth and the surrounding region.
Regardless, the war ended in 3159, reports of slavery and mass executions of the natives were suppressed, archeological digs however have uncovered mass graves outside of what is left of the Snora capital city.
A communications net was completed in 3160, providing almost instant communication between Wintrees and her colonies. When news filtered back to Earth of the First Keelth War, there was public outrage. It is not understood why news didn’t make it back faster, some believe there was a major cover up at the time, although of course, this is unproved and any answer is lost in the sands of times.
Public outraged built to a point later in the year were a 2nd Civil War was in effect in all but name.
War was, again, officially declared in late 3161 when Earth ships arrive at Keelth demanding the ruling council’s heads, ‘The Christmas Day Massacre’ took place, pitching aging Earth ships (almost 30 years old) against the battle-harden Colonial forces. Although the battle lasted well into Boxing day the Earth ships were completely destroyed and the Colonial Navy made the jump to Earth.
The fleet arrived in orbit above Earth, with only 5 months of travel time, in mid 3162. Wintrees holdings on Earth are attacked from orbit and troops are landed. The Wintrees Government is suppressed. The war, although one sided at the beginning, became static (similar to world war one), and eventually lead to the withdrawal of Colonial forces.
Although the 2nd Keelth war is seen as a Government victory, Colonial forces showed Earth as a whole that they had little control over the goings on in the colonies, it also showed everyone the children of Earth were now more powerful then the parents. Diplomatic relations were cut with little protest from Earth.
After 35 years (of which were still technically ‘war years’, as no peace was signed) of no communication, the Colonial Navy is ambushed and driven from Keelth. A coup on Earth had led to the use of 3rd party ships to attempt to bring the Colonies back under control. Riga offers no support too either side and Keelth is forced to capitulate at gun point. Peace accords are signed and Snora comes officially under the control of Keelth which is now under the banner of the “Commonwealth of Wintrees”, controlled directly from Earth.
The support from Earth over the following years means that more colonists can be found and landed on Impal, Pycon and Sando Prime. Later Anpolaism and Exon are landed on.
3320 marks a change in policy (200 years after the 2nd Civil War), which results in the Colonial regions being renamed ‘Wintrees Colonial Regions’ and the ‘Wintrees Colonial Assembly’ is founded to administer them. Laws of Colonization are written, giving more control over the affairs of the Colonies to the Assembly. The general public starts to recognize the colonies as a stand alone body and over the following years, policy starts to reflect this.
On a technical point, 3324 is the year Galactic Standard time is introduced in the Colonies, starting the clock from 0. Wintrees Earth adopts this shortly after.
23 marks the discovery of the ‘Hades Cluster’. This is a region near Impal which is a maze of Nebula, black holes and planets. Shortly after Tucon, Karzan and New Brent are colonized in the Cluster.
Planet Tor, is colonized in the Hades Cluster in 32. Unlike the other planets in the Cluster, artifacts are discovered on the surface. It appears to be the home planet of an ancient alien Empire. Aliens, assumed to be descendants of this Empire are found living in cave ‘cities’ deep under the ground. After 2 years of talks with the aliens, small instances of fighting takes place. The 1st Colonial War starts shortly after, with the Assembly fearing to the colonists’ lives. The war runs for 4 years, mostly in the caves with vicious hand to hand combat being the standard form of combat. The cave system is found to penetrate far into the core of the planet, using almost mythical technology to stabilize it. The peace is struck between the aliens, known as Mart’tuks, and the Colonial forces in 38. The planet is effectively left conqueror by the Colonials and the aliens are absorbed into the Commonwealth.
For an unknown reason, the colonies entered a state of alert in 39 (a year after the war). Many believe, as do I, that information found on Tor lead to this and the resulting military build up. The prophecy of the Nightstalkers is thought to be primary from this time. The prophecy, for those who are reading in our unions/empires, details the coming destruction of the universe by god like creatures that sleep in deep space. Although many indicators are listed in the text of when this might happen, none are fully understood.
On a military note, the Defense force headquarters is moved to Pycon in 44, which is quickly built up in to a massive military base. All civilians are expelled from the admittedly small colony. 5 years later the Colonies stand down from a 10 year alert and return to a peace standing. 3 elected governments reigned in the Assembly during this time and even after major demonstrations demanding that ‘our kids be returned home’ none revoked the alert. It has led many to believe, especially in resent years that the prophecy is true. I still have my doubts, but casualty figures for that period suggest something was going on that was kept from the public, I will be publishing a paper later in the year on this subject.
49 also saw the migration of the ‘Marts’ from Tor and 3 years later the eventual ‘Closing’ of the planet by the Wintrees Navy. Tor, like Pycon, is converted to a military base. Around this time Tor started to disappear from official records, to the point that around 57 it was officially struck of the list of colonies that appears on the Assembly building on Keelth.
60 is rightly named the start of the ‘Golden Age of the Colonies’, the next 800 years led to massive leaps in technology (Earth to Wintrees in 2 months) and civilian and military build up. This Included the completion of the Jumpgate system throughout the Colonies, reducing travel time for ships (and later people) to seconds rather then months.
Hades Cluster is formally militarized in 400 (although civilian colonies stayed civilian) and defenses are completed, such as mine field, space stations and fortifying natural barriers. It is widely accepted to be impossible to enter the cluster without the permission of the Colonial Navy. Due to this fact, Tucon becomes a safe heaven for the rich and famous from all over the galaxy.
500 marked the formation of the Science and Exploration Directorate, which launched hundreds of thousands of probes into the milky way, gaining favorable replies from many alien races.
890 – Our Lord Antos Seric is born on Earth. He is reputably the last Wintreesian to be born on the planet. 2 months later Earth is abandoned, the last man literally turning the light off as he left.
910, an outpost is lost, although with several ships in deep space. No reason is presented. Predictably, the Colonies go to a state of alert. 3 fleets are dispatched to the location of the outpost and contact is lost.
The infamous ‘Oblivion’ message is transmitted in 913 by the Wintrees Assembly Speaker, Lord Winslow. Mass panic ensues after civilians on Keelth are given ‘mere hours to live’. 3 weeks later, the statement is retracted and Lord Winslow steps down from the Speaker’s seat. The total cost of the panic was 2,000 lives throughout the Colonies. That year the state of alert is revoked after public out cry.
911 – Our Lord Antos Seric is commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Army.
922 – Our Lord Antos Seric leaves the army as a Major, and becomes chief representative for Tucon. 10 years later he is expelled from his Assembly seat and exiled after allegations of the illegal use of ‘Magik’, cuasing several square miles of Snora’s surface to be destroyed in a huge fireball. 500 Trillion credits worth of damage is recorded although his part in the disaster was never proven.
940 – Our Lord Antos Seric returns to the Colonies after the destruction of the Assembly and death of the Governor. He takes power, some say illegally, and for security measures fails to recreate the Assembly. The term Empire starts to be used.
In 944 the first seeds of rebellion sprout, with a attempt to overthrow the Our Lord Antos Seric in his seat of power on Keelth. The mission involved 3000 soldiers from the 14th Infantry Division as well as support from several Vanguard battleships. It was repulsed by guards at the Imperial Palace and resulted in the purging of vast amounts of the military high command.
Another attempt in 947 by several high ranking officers led to an explosion in the Imperial Palace. The day after the RPA (Royal Protection Agency) was founded and given full control of security on Keelth. They later extended to a small space fleet and several hundred Clone Soldiers.
In 955 RPA takes control of the Jumpgates, they now operate an army of over 22 million loyal clones.
956 marks the year of several fleet engagements between rebels and RPA forces. It is estimated that there are now over 400 rebel starships, worrying 2 are Royal Andromeda Class. They do no pose a threat to the Empire.
1260 – Present day.
For a while now I've been using the below as the 'bible' for my nation. I'm looking to update/improve on it now and I thought I'll shove it on here so people can have ago ripping it apart.
I'm open to suggestions, anything you think would give it an extra bit of flare or stuff that doesn't fit give us a heads up.
I've cleared it up a bit, but as this is a working document, there obviously some grammatical/spelling errors.
Cheers, have fun.
The Star Empire of Wintrees
Strength through shared walls.
The Empire is a collection of Colonies working under one banner to bring stability to their domain. Its leader Lord Antos Seric sleeps in eternity… neither alive or dead. He presides over an Empire at strife, those who fight for the return to the ways of old in the form of the commonwealth and those who defend the new order. A cold war rages within its own boarders, on every core world and on every outpost a civil war threatens to explode. Their concerns are, Yes the Empire provides security from the outside galaxy… but what could ever threaten the glorious Colonies of Wintrees?
The prophecy of the Nightstalkers reigns supreme in the sub-conscious of the citizens of the Empire. What keeps Our Lord Seric in power is fear, fear of the unknown that sits at the edge of the galaxy ready to destroy everything… Is it real? Or is it all in the imagination of a long dead alien race… but why are they dead?
The circle of questions with no answers stops the Empire from crumbling in on itself, how long this lasts however, it up to the people of the Empire… the nations that may have an interest in Wintrees and perhaps the Nightstalkers themselves.
Population and Colonies:
Population: 21 Trillion (Note, world memberships are registered addresses only, outlying colony and outpost residents are represented on the nearest crowd (main) colony.)
Note: Below are major 'Crowd Colonies', they are the 'states' as such of the Commonwealth, before the Empire. They still hold sway as major Colonies in the newly formed Assembly:
Keelth – The Star Empire of Wintrees Captialworld
Population: 5 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: The Captialworld (informally known as the Homeworld) is basically a huge city which reaches up to 30 miles into the sky at some points. Many people live on the planet without ever seeing the ground. All government functions are carried out on the planet as well as major corporations and trade unions operating from the planet. It has 5 habitual moons, of which many are festooned with planetary defense batteries.
Riga – Civic Colony
Population: 4.9 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: Bascially Keelth’s twin, to the extent that the seat of government can be moved here with little or no complications. It has 8 moons, of which only 3 are habitual. There are overcrowding problems on this world.
Snora – Civic Colony/Agriculture World
Population: 10 Billion
Notes: Primary fields, Snora provides the Empire with food, it also has a strong tourism industry. It is still recovering from a massive disaster reportedly perpetrated by Lord Seric.
Impal – Civic Colony
Population: 2 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: Much smaller then Keelth or Riga, this colony has 2 moons. Although mostly covered in cityscape, it is much less impressive. It provides a hub for small craft, most notably a large RAF base on the northern pole.
Pycon – Wintrees Colonial Forces Headquarters/Jumpgate Hub
Population: 100 Billion (Including moons)
Notes: If one was to say that Pycon no longer exsisted as a planet, you would have to stop and think before outright dismissing him. The planet has been mined, tunneled and reinforced to such an extent over the years that it is no longer a planet in its own right. It is the military hub for the military, and as such most people living on the surface have a connection of some sort. The atmosphere is all but gone, allowing starships to dock with the planet directly. The moons provide security, all 4 are habitual and house disaster shelters.
Sando Prime – Civic Colony/Agriculture World
Population: 17 Billion (Including moons)
Note: Although primarily a Agriculture world, Sando Prime is a center for military ground training, mainly in the mountain regions, although it has been known for large tracks of land to be closed for exercises. Of the 2 moons, 1 is habitual and houses a large military outpost.
Anpolaism – Civic Colony
Population: 1 Trillion (Including moons)
Note: Again, a large city sits at the center of the planets life, with smaller settlements dotted around some of the more inhospitable areas. 1 moon, which is a hive city.
Exon – Civic Colony
Population: 2.2 Trillion (Including moons)
Note: On the boarder of the Hades Cluster, Exon has a Red sky which. It is also known to be the criminal underworld of the Empire. As such most of its legit industry is bars and clubs. 2 moons, both habitual (although I wouldn’t recommend it)
Tucon – Leisure World/Education Center
Population: 1.4 Trillion
Note: Tucon is the center for the rich and powerful, although it is almost completely covered in cityscape it is a green planet, with rolling fields sitting onto of flat roofed buildings and animals wandering the streets (attended by robot controllers of course). It deals in tourism and is a center for the rich and famous. The Tucon Univeristy is a major education landmark in the Galaxy. It has no moons, although there is a major starport.It is located in the Hades Cluster.
Karzan – Civic Colony/Jumpgate hub
Population: 2 Trillion (Including moons)
Note: 5 moons, all habitual. There is nothing special about this colony, it is located in the Hades Cluster. It is the Jumpgate hub for the Cluster, most traffic passes through the space around Karzan.
New Brent – Civic Colony
Population: 1.8 Trillion (Including moons)
Notes: 1 Habitual moon, this colony is self sustaining for the most part.
Tor – Classified
Population: Classified (Including moons… if there is indeed any moons)
Notes: Thought to still be in use by the military, civilian ships are restricted.
Other –
Wintrees operates outposts and small colonies (mining etc) on other worlds, the official count is 50, although many are nothing more then rocks and none are practically well defended.
There are 150 asteroids occupied by either the Wintrees military or corporations as spacedocks and depots. Most are heavily defended against pirate attacks.
Military and Technology:
Military:
Army: 10 Billion
Navy: 15 Billion
Air Force: 5 Billion
Ships/Technology:
Royal Andromeda Class
Length: 800m
Height: 400m
Width: 600m
Crew Size: 4000
Weapon Systems:
80 Missile Launchers
100 Railguns
Defense Systems:
Energy Shields
Air Group: 48 Vipers, 10 Raptors
The Royal Andromeda Class, is the latest ship to be introduced to the fleet, designed by ArmTech Fleet industries, it is a radical rethink of Wintrees Colonial Navy offensive doctrine. Its designed to operate with little support for an extend period of time with an eye to behind the lines skirmishes with the enemy. In a staged battle situation, the Royal Andromeda Class would be used to exploit the flanks and weak points of the enemy fleet (working primary with the Air Groups of supporting ships), smashing through the line and causing as much damage as possible.
The radical difference of appearance is an off shoot of the alien technology which was acquired to facilitate the design. The smooth design was felt to be more fitting of a craft of this type.
Its primary defense is speed, lacking the heavy armor employed on the slower moving King George Class and Vanguard Class battleships. Its energy shields provide a respectable amount of defense, however they cannot take a prolonged exchange of fire.
Its offensive systems, like all Wintrees ships, rely on Missiles and nuclear warheads for anti-capital ship actions and railguns for anti-missile and fighter defense.
There are currently only 4 vessels serving in the Wintrees Colonial Navy, and there are no plans to lay down any more.
King George Class
Length: 1200m
Height: 300m
Width: 400m
Crew Size: 3,200
Weapons Systems:
40 Missile Launchers
400 Railguns
10 Flak Turrets
Defence Systems:
Reinforced plated armour.
Air Group: 72 Vipers, 20 Raptors, 24 Jaguars
The King George Class is at the Carrier end of the ‘Battleship Spectrum’, meaning the ship was designed to operate a larger Air Group then the Vanguard Class parent class.
Its primary Defence is the infamous ‘Flak Wall’, which in theory is a wall of incoming fire created by the timed detonation of flak shells and railgun shells in a single sector. This wall of fire stops most incoming missiles and fighters moving through the firing solution. Doctrine dictates that the Air group would maintain the areas outside of this firing solution in ship-to-ship combat. In large engagements, the fleet would normally form up in a line so to secure each others flanks, in this formation only a few sectors are left undefended by the ‘Flak Wall’. Problems arise with this tactic when fighting an enemy employing energy weapons, in this case the armor of the ship plays a much more important role.
Offensive action, in most cases, would be deploying and controlling its air group. Historically they also serve as the flagship or a fleet, meaning that the ship says away from exchanging fire itself. Missiles are employed in direct ship-to-ship combat.
Vanguard Class
Length: 1000m
Height: 300m
Width: 500m
Crew Size: 2,200
Weapons Systems:
40 Missile Launchers
400 Railguns
20 Flak Turrets
Defence Systems:
Reinforced plated armour
Air Group: 48 Vipers, 10 Raptors
The Vanguard Class sits at the ship of the line end of the ‘Battleship Spectrum’, having 10 more Flak turrets then the King George Class gives it a better coverage in both ship to ship defense and offensive action. This is the mainstay of the Wintrees Colonial Navy, it is no an uncommon sight to see a Vanguard class monitoring jump points and major trade routes.
Ascot Class
Length: 800m
Height: 250m
Width: 300m
Crew Size: 800
Weapons Systems:
16 Missile Launchers
200 Railguns
4 Flak Turrets
Defence Systems:
Reinforced plated armour
Energy Shields
Air Group: 12 Vipers, 2 Raptors
The ascot class is considered a destroyer in the Colonial Navy, it was the first class to be designed solely for the use of the Wintrees Colonial Navy, as such it is starting to show its age. It still serves admirably as support vessels in a battle group, normally 2 Ascot classes would escort a single Vanguard. It lacks the offensive power of the Vanguard, and by association its defensive Flak Barrier, making this one of the weakest ships in the fleet.
There are 2 Ascot Class vessels permanently located at XSS1, HMS Concord and HMS Otter.
‘Viper’ GR2 Space Superiority Fighter
The Basic Fighter used by the Wintrees Colonial Fleet, because doctrine dictates that fighter formation should always be supported by a parent ship, they lack a FTL drive. This lightens them somewhat, making them much faster and maneuverable. FTL drives can be bolted on for certain situations. They lack energy shields. Offensive systems are primary duel linked railguns as well as the option to mount 4 anti-fighter missiles or 2 anti-ship missiles.
‘Raptor’ GR4 SWACS (Space Warning and Control System)
Designed as a general purpose craft, the Raptor is a small shuttle able to carry about 8 personal. It also doubles as the platform for the SWACS, a electronics package designed to provide support for Viper and Jaguar fighters operating away from their carrier. As well as boosting communications, they act as combat control and electronic counter measures. Powerful scanners also make them idea for Recce missions. Carries an FTL.
‘Cobra’ GR1 Space Superiority Fighter
A heavy fighter slowly coming into use on the King George Class, they are designed with an FTL drive and a larger missile rack/bomb bay. They are the fighter bombers of the fleet. They are able to carry the tactical nuclear warheads deployed by the Navy.
History
The Empire in the Stars: The brief History of the Commonwealth (later Empire) of Wintrees.
Prof. Henry Zachman.
School of State History & International Studies, The University of Tucon, Cartica City, Tucon.
The official history of Wintrees starts on 14 July 3320 (old standard), when the Laws of Colonization were approved by the newly formed Wintrees Colonial Assembly. Although this marks the official coming to power of the scattering of colonies throughout the Scutum-Crux Arm, the story of our nation starts long before.
Wintrees, in the far past was a fairly powerful nation on Earth, the birthplace of man. Although not the first, they were one of the few to establish a major research outpost on Pluto. The outpost was completed in 2060 and specialized in the observation of space outside of the sol system.
In 2094 200,000 Colonists were dispatched to the far reaches of the milky way galaxy from Earth. They hoped to create a number of habituate planets which could house the ever increasing population of the island nation of Wintrees. This action as long been attributed to the eventually downfall of Wintrees Earths’ (WE) economy and eventually the country, but more on this later.
For around 30 years, nothing was heard from the colonists, they were widely believed to have been lost in the coldness of space. The first transmission was received sometime in 3022 from ‘Keelth’ and the second in 3025 from ‘Riga’. Both transmissions were received by the Pluto outpost.
3048 saw the next step in the evolution of the colonies, the Articles of Colonization were signed between Keelth and Riga, as well as several smaller surrounding colonies. The articles laid down basic laws and trade agreements in the absence of reliable communication with Earth. Communication was still taking up to 3 years from the colonies to Earth.
3050 saw Earths response, it was not favorable. The Wintreesian Earth government protested the articles, fearing a loss of power over ‘their’ Colonies. Earth, and the ‘Free Colonies’ enter a defacto state of civil war. Repercussions were far from swift however, with space flight taking up to 20 years. Earth also had no space fleet capable of making the trip to Keelth/Riga. Diplomatic relations were in effect completely cut off.
As a military interest note, 3060 was the formation date of the Colonial Navy, with her first 3 starships being launched from Keelth. This was important, as it opened relations with several alien planets surrounding the Free Colonies.
Earth starships arrived in the Fairborn Nebula sometime in 3080, this was the first recorded star battle in Wintrees history. It was effectively an ambush by Free Colonies forces, using technology begged, borrowed or stolen from the alien races they had come into contact with. Improved engines meant the free colonials could intercept the Earth fleet while most of the crew slept in stasis. While some historians call this action a decisive battle, others have questioned the action, which was in effect the euthanasia of 30,000 countrymen. Although the day belonged to the Free Colonies, neither party had the stomach for a long drawn out war…
3082, improved communications (through a private venture) mean that a peace accord could be signed. Later in the year a change in government and policy meant that technology started to make its way back to Earth. In return, the Articles of Colonization were ratified.
In 3092 FTL engines started to be produced with the help of several alien races. The main contribution for the project, a working FTL drive, was provided by the aliens of the planet Snora, the closest planet to Keelth.
A year later, on Earth, the ‘Brent Uprisings’ started. It saw the destruction of the Wintrees Captial, Hampcourt, when a nuclear warhead was detonated in the city center by Brent rebels. Brent is understood to be a province of Wintrees which had demanded independence since its creation in the 1960s.
3100 saw the first FTL ship constructed on Earth and sent to Keelth, the construction had been slowed somewhat by the destruction of the capital and popular feeling that FTL technology shouldn’t be shared with the former ‘Free Colonies’. This is strange as it is believed that, at the time, it was widely known that the majority of the knowledge of FTL came from the Colonies and its contacts.
Regardless of popular feeling, the First FTL ship arrives at Keelth in 3102. The journey took only 2 years. Ironically the FTL ship arrived before the radio message from Earth informs Keelth of its departure.
3155 is still seen as a dark year in the formation of the colonies, as it marked the first Wintrees Navy blockade of the planet of Snora. Several cities were destroyed from orbit and the ‘First Keelth War’ takes place. Heavy loses are taken by both sides, although most of the fighting was centered on Snora.
It is still not understood why the war took place, the only information gleamed from records shows a influx of aliens onto Keelth during this time and demands made from Earth for a more open trade policy, instead of all trade coming through Keelth. It is likely that the war was over increasing influence the aliens of Snora were exercising over Wintrees as a whole. Although we will never know the exact reasons, what we do know is that the war never made front page news in either Keelth or Earth. It is impressive at this early stage how much control over information the military exercised on Keelth and the surrounding region.
Regardless, the war ended in 3159, reports of slavery and mass executions of the natives were suppressed, archeological digs however have uncovered mass graves outside of what is left of the Snora capital city.
A communications net was completed in 3160, providing almost instant communication between Wintrees and her colonies. When news filtered back to Earth of the First Keelth War, there was public outrage. It is not understood why news didn’t make it back faster, some believe there was a major cover up at the time, although of course, this is unproved and any answer is lost in the sands of times.
Public outraged built to a point later in the year were a 2nd Civil War was in effect in all but name.
War was, again, officially declared in late 3161 when Earth ships arrive at Keelth demanding the ruling council’s heads, ‘The Christmas Day Massacre’ took place, pitching aging Earth ships (almost 30 years old) against the battle-harden Colonial forces. Although the battle lasted well into Boxing day the Earth ships were completely destroyed and the Colonial Navy made the jump to Earth.
The fleet arrived in orbit above Earth, with only 5 months of travel time, in mid 3162. Wintrees holdings on Earth are attacked from orbit and troops are landed. The Wintrees Government is suppressed. The war, although one sided at the beginning, became static (similar to world war one), and eventually lead to the withdrawal of Colonial forces.
Although the 2nd Keelth war is seen as a Government victory, Colonial forces showed Earth as a whole that they had little control over the goings on in the colonies, it also showed everyone the children of Earth were now more powerful then the parents. Diplomatic relations were cut with little protest from Earth.
After 35 years (of which were still technically ‘war years’, as no peace was signed) of no communication, the Colonial Navy is ambushed and driven from Keelth. A coup on Earth had led to the use of 3rd party ships to attempt to bring the Colonies back under control. Riga offers no support too either side and Keelth is forced to capitulate at gun point. Peace accords are signed and Snora comes officially under the control of Keelth which is now under the banner of the “Commonwealth of Wintrees”, controlled directly from Earth.
The support from Earth over the following years means that more colonists can be found and landed on Impal, Pycon and Sando Prime. Later Anpolaism and Exon are landed on.
3320 marks a change in policy (200 years after the 2nd Civil War), which results in the Colonial regions being renamed ‘Wintrees Colonial Regions’ and the ‘Wintrees Colonial Assembly’ is founded to administer them. Laws of Colonization are written, giving more control over the affairs of the Colonies to the Assembly. The general public starts to recognize the colonies as a stand alone body and over the following years, policy starts to reflect this.
On a technical point, 3324 is the year Galactic Standard time is introduced in the Colonies, starting the clock from 0. Wintrees Earth adopts this shortly after.
23 marks the discovery of the ‘Hades Cluster’. This is a region near Impal which is a maze of Nebula, black holes and planets. Shortly after Tucon, Karzan and New Brent are colonized in the Cluster.
Planet Tor, is colonized in the Hades Cluster in 32. Unlike the other planets in the Cluster, artifacts are discovered on the surface. It appears to be the home planet of an ancient alien Empire. Aliens, assumed to be descendants of this Empire are found living in cave ‘cities’ deep under the ground. After 2 years of talks with the aliens, small instances of fighting takes place. The 1st Colonial War starts shortly after, with the Assembly fearing to the colonists’ lives. The war runs for 4 years, mostly in the caves with vicious hand to hand combat being the standard form of combat. The cave system is found to penetrate far into the core of the planet, using almost mythical technology to stabilize it. The peace is struck between the aliens, known as Mart’tuks, and the Colonial forces in 38. The planet is effectively left conqueror by the Colonials and the aliens are absorbed into the Commonwealth.
For an unknown reason, the colonies entered a state of alert in 39 (a year after the war). Many believe, as do I, that information found on Tor lead to this and the resulting military build up. The prophecy of the Nightstalkers is thought to be primary from this time. The prophecy, for those who are reading in our unions/empires, details the coming destruction of the universe by god like creatures that sleep in deep space. Although many indicators are listed in the text of when this might happen, none are fully understood.
On a military note, the Defense force headquarters is moved to Pycon in 44, which is quickly built up in to a massive military base. All civilians are expelled from the admittedly small colony. 5 years later the Colonies stand down from a 10 year alert and return to a peace standing. 3 elected governments reigned in the Assembly during this time and even after major demonstrations demanding that ‘our kids be returned home’ none revoked the alert. It has led many to believe, especially in resent years that the prophecy is true. I still have my doubts, but casualty figures for that period suggest something was going on that was kept from the public, I will be publishing a paper later in the year on this subject.
49 also saw the migration of the ‘Marts’ from Tor and 3 years later the eventual ‘Closing’ of the planet by the Wintrees Navy. Tor, like Pycon, is converted to a military base. Around this time Tor started to disappear from official records, to the point that around 57 it was officially struck of the list of colonies that appears on the Assembly building on Keelth.
60 is rightly named the start of the ‘Golden Age of the Colonies’, the next 800 years led to massive leaps in technology (Earth to Wintrees in 2 months) and civilian and military build up. This Included the completion of the Jumpgate system throughout the Colonies, reducing travel time for ships (and later people) to seconds rather then months.
Hades Cluster is formally militarized in 400 (although civilian colonies stayed civilian) and defenses are completed, such as mine field, space stations and fortifying natural barriers. It is widely accepted to be impossible to enter the cluster without the permission of the Colonial Navy. Due to this fact, Tucon becomes a safe heaven for the rich and famous from all over the galaxy.
500 marked the formation of the Science and Exploration Directorate, which launched hundreds of thousands of probes into the milky way, gaining favorable replies from many alien races.
890 – Our Lord Antos Seric is born on Earth. He is reputably the last Wintreesian to be born on the planet. 2 months later Earth is abandoned, the last man literally turning the light off as he left.
910, an outpost is lost, although with several ships in deep space. No reason is presented. Predictably, the Colonies go to a state of alert. 3 fleets are dispatched to the location of the outpost and contact is lost.
The infamous ‘Oblivion’ message is transmitted in 913 by the Wintrees Assembly Speaker, Lord Winslow. Mass panic ensues after civilians on Keelth are given ‘mere hours to live’. 3 weeks later, the statement is retracted and Lord Winslow steps down from the Speaker’s seat. The total cost of the panic was 2,000 lives throughout the Colonies. That year the state of alert is revoked after public out cry.
911 – Our Lord Antos Seric is commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Army.
922 – Our Lord Antos Seric leaves the army as a Major, and becomes chief representative for Tucon. 10 years later he is expelled from his Assembly seat and exiled after allegations of the illegal use of ‘Magik’, cuasing several square miles of Snora’s surface to be destroyed in a huge fireball. 500 Trillion credits worth of damage is recorded although his part in the disaster was never proven.
940 – Our Lord Antos Seric returns to the Colonies after the destruction of the Assembly and death of the Governor. He takes power, some say illegally, and for security measures fails to recreate the Assembly. The term Empire starts to be used.
In 944 the first seeds of rebellion sprout, with a attempt to overthrow the Our Lord Antos Seric in his seat of power on Keelth. The mission involved 3000 soldiers from the 14th Infantry Division as well as support from several Vanguard battleships. It was repulsed by guards at the Imperial Palace and resulted in the purging of vast amounts of the military high command.
Another attempt in 947 by several high ranking officers led to an explosion in the Imperial Palace. The day after the RPA (Royal Protection Agency) was founded and given full control of security on Keelth. They later extended to a small space fleet and several hundred Clone Soldiers.
In 955 RPA takes control of the Jumpgates, they now operate an army of over 22 million loyal clones.
956 marks the year of several fleet engagements between rebels and RPA forces. It is estimated that there are now over 400 rebel starships, worrying 2 are Royal Andromeda Class. They do no pose a threat to the Empire.
1260 – Present day.