Kyburg Dynasty

Theme
Concept: Empire at the End

History

The Kyburg Dynasty is the ruling power within what remains of the Terran Bubble, having established itself as the new Imperial Line after the dissolution of the Norouzi Dynasty following the destruction of fabled Ardakan during the First Ouster War. From their capital on Karinthia, the Kyburgs have with varying degrees of success attempted to hold back the dual tides of Ouster subversion within and Outsider encroachment outside the slowly but steadily eroding bubble. Although it once appeared that the new Dynasty might restore human space to its old glories, such thoughts are now seem little more than idle fancy or pure foolishness.

The last fifty years have seen startling reverses for the Empire's power and the loss of whole regions to the increasingly inhuman Ouster movements or the mysterious Outsiders. Refugees have poured into the inner worlds in ever greater numbers, and whole flotillas of military warships have deserted their assigned duties, turning to banditry and even attempting break through the Outsider envelopment and out into what perhaps might be safe space beyond in the deep unknown.

With the defeat of last year's offensive at Mimosa and within the clouds of Hercyina Silva, the situation has now reached a breaking point which even the increasingly ruthless efforts of the Imperial Secret Police and Fleet Morale Section seem unable to hold back for much longer. The Archdukes who were left behind amongst the cold dead and the broken starships scattered over Mimosa had been the hope of the Dynasty, and Emperor Farzad was not long in following his sons after what official reports say was a sudden illness and whispered rumor declares suicide.

The Empire's remaining forces can only delay the inevitable now and no amount of propaganda can keep that from the public. For every citizen who takes that fact with grim resignation, another plots rebellion or treason. The Outsiders might be unfathomable, but the Ousters were once human and rumors of their subversive influence in the refugee camps and riot battered cities of the mainland are a dime a dozen.

With the Emperor's death, his third child the Archduchess Tereza took up the duties of the tarnished Iridium Throne. There was little to do but to fight to the last, denying the Dynasty's enemies within and without so long as loyal soldiers remained to protect the dying realm. Escape was impossible, the Outsider envelopment now too old and too strong. Surrender to the Ousters unthinkable.

And then in an instant everything would change.

Stats

Population: Rank 5 (7)

The Imperial Mainland and the surrounding regions are all that remain of the once wide Terran Bubble, but they are a vast and heavily populated remnant none the less.

Transhumanism: Rank 1 (2-1)

As genetic modification is closely associated with the Ouster Movement, anything beyond the most basic of processes is generally illegal or subject to almost unimaginably draconian controls within Dynasty controlled space.

Infrastructure: Rank 5 (2+3)

Damaged by internal turmoil and Ouster attacks, even the industrial capabilities of the Imperial Mainland have slowly but surely eroded over the generations.

Growth Potential: Rank 0 (2-2)

Swamped with refugees and plagued by deserters and raiders, there's little enough chance of development even within the numerous systems still controlled by the Dynasty.

Military Support: Rank 5 (5)

Over the last few years the Imperial Fleet suffered from severe shortages in necessary war materials. After Mimosa, what would have become another year of shortfalls became one of surplus.

Space Fleet: Rank 6 (4+2)

What remains of the Imperial Fleet, engaged with the impossible task of maintaining order inside the bubble as well as holding off the enemies pressing at its edges.

Diplomacy: Rank 2 (2)

The Foreign Ministry is nothing more than a shadow of its former self these days, as the secret police and military openly use force to control subject territories that once would have been managed using a careful diplomatic touch.

Espionage: Rank 2 (2)

The Imperial Secret Police are never short of work these days, although their effectiveness has often been called into question.

General Advancement: Rank 1 (4)

Technology under the Kyburgs is if anything less able than it was under the Norouzi, as war and hardship take their toll on infrastructure and research alike.

Unique Technologies: Rank 1 (2)

Although in years past the Dynasty dabbled in wonderweapons and curiosities with hopes of finding a war winning device, a lack of breakthroughs or useful discoveries led to a focus on refining existing conventional technology.

Emergent Technologies: Rank 2 (3)

As much a thorn in the side of the Dynasty's attempts to maintain order as they are invaluable to its defense.

Magic: Rank 0 (0)

The conflict over the suppression of the Psi Factor was a leading cause in the downfall of the Norouzi, and lead to the First Ouster Movement. The Imperial Secret Police are tireless in their pursuit of possible espers.