mercianworldbuildingblog

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Just a quick language tree I am working on showing the development of the Mercian language. Figured it was about time for an update.

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Arquitens class Light Cruiser

Description

Developed initially for service with the Galactic republic the Arquitens class light cruiser was a versatile vessel which later served with the Galactic empire, and spawned a number of related designs which saw further use in the imperial navy, and imperial remnant forces following the battle of Endor.

Initially the ship was developed to fill the roles of escort for larger capital ships as part of a battlegroup, and in more isolated regions as an independent warship capable of operating on its own for extended periods.

Following the declaration of the new order the new Imperial navy made extensive use of the Arquitens. Employing them primarily as patrol ships in quiet under populated sectors. However the ships cramped layout, lack of fighter carrying capacity, and light armament eventually saw the class phased out. With a planned replacement eventually entering service as the 546 class cruiser, a larger ship which heavily resembled an enlarged Arquitens. Surviving ships of the class remained in service for decades. Though the class was considered long past its prime by 10 BBY.

Length 325m

Width 210m

Height 88m

Crew 100-750 depending on variant.

Speed class 2 hyperdrive, class 12 backup.

Armament x4 twin light turbolaser batteries, x4 heavy quad laser cannon batteries, missile launchers.

Embarked craft varies depending on era.

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Character Profile: Jean Villenvue

Born: 1611, 31 years old as of 1642

Place of Birth: Leoncei Touloun

Parents: NA

Biography

Born in the nation of Gaul Jean experienced a relatively average upper middle-class upbringing. Following basic education she attended medical school in Mercia. Spending eight years in earning her doctorate as a master surgeon. However, as a foreign student the Mercian government required that she spend a further eight years working for the Mercian government to pay of her tuition loans.

By 1642 Jean had just a few months left of her government service. She had been working aboard a number of medical ships, spending much of her time in humanitarian work. As a result she saw no action in the battle of Ragnarök, but was soon inducted into the navy and assigned to HMS Rose.

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Character Profile - Luke Val’Kant

Born: 1606, 36 years old as of 1642

Place of Birth: Bolkan Mercia

Parents: Fae, and Sarnit Val’Kant

Biography

Born to a lesser family of nobility and the second of four children Luke’s father served in the navy as captain of a cruiser during much of his early childhood. While his grandmother on his fathers side had served as captain in the battleline in 1588. Hearing tales of naval service from an early age Luke felt that the navy was his calling, and that he was destined to command his own ship one day.

Luke joined the navy in 1624, attending the naval war college and graduating in 1627. In 1628 he was stationed aboard the cruiser Furious as gunners mate, serving in this capacity for several years until he was made gunner in 1633.

Luke’s career was continually frustrated by his lack of patronage in the navy, his grandmother and father having long since retired, he had few in higher ranks who could help advance his career. Thus he continually found himself being passed over for promotion in favor of officers his junior but who had better connections.

Promoted to sub commander in 1639 and stationed aboard the fourth rate Teifi, which immediately deployed to the Ragnarök system as part of a force sent by the government to reinforce the Mercian presence in the system. He was again promoted to commander in 1641 and made gunner, taking the role after his predecessor suffered a heart attack and was dismissed.

During the battle Luke scored a number of hits to enemy ships, despite the age of Teifi and the ships limited armament. After the battle he felt that he was in line for promotion to his own destroyer, much to his disappointment he was made only first officer aboard a destroyer. With a much senior engineer as his commanding officer.

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Character Profile – Issak Stone

Born: 1589, 53 years old as of 1642

Place of birth: Odunanga Albion

Parents: Perc and Shertlie

Physical description

198cm tall, grey hair worn in a ponytail, green eyes, fair skin, thin and lithe.

Biography

Born as a highlander on the Mercian world of Albion Stone grew up helping tend to his families herds of Albion cattle. Always fighting with his father over his future Issak would leave his family at sixteen years old, being told never to return. He eventually joined a Minoan merchant ship and left Albion never to return.

For the next several decades Stone would serve on a number of Merchants, both Minoan and Mercian, receiving an education in navigation, engineering, and general ship handling. He joined the Mercian merchants guild in 1622, and was rated a master in 1626, commanding his own merchant ship in 1627.

The first imperial war saw the Mercian navy short of crews and officers, and to fill their ranks they offered positions to merchant officers. Stone joined the navy in 1633, being rated as chief engineer aboard the 3rd rate Valiant. Although he saw no action he proved a capable officer, and remained in the fleet post war still serving aboard Valiant.

In 1636 the Valiant was deployed to the Trent system, and he was on the planet on leave when the Hebridean battlefleet arrived in its bid to take the system. Valiant was forced to leave without retrieving her crew still on the planet. And Stone lead the Mercians in helping to defend the planet from the Hebrideans, seeing fierce action in heavy ground and orbital combat. For his actions he was decorated by the Trent government post war.

Stone was promoted to Master in the navy in 1639, and in that year was assigned to the 4th rate HMS Camdeen destined for the Ragnarök system.

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Characters

Main Characters Issak Stone – Captain of HMS Rose, began as master aboard the cruiser Camdeen during the battle of Ragnarok. Luke Vol’Kant – First officer of HMS Rose, served as a gunner aboard a cruiser during the battle of Ragnarok. Paul Hawkins – Gunner, lieutenant aboard HMS Rose. Stationed aboard Rose during Ragnarok. Hiskin McHenry – Engineer, Lieutenant aboard HMS Rose. Stationed aboard Rose during Ragnarok. Jeanne Villenvue – Surgeon, Lieutenant. Previously served as doctor aboard civilian vessel. Pressed into naval service. Minor Characters Admiral Ghetty – Commander of Ragnarok station during battle with flagship aboard HMS Demigod. Captain Tomelin – Captain of HMS Camdeen, killed during battle of Ragnarok. Commander Lille – First Officer of HMS Camdeen, killed during battle of Ragnarok.

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HMS Rose

Rose is the ship where much of the first book takes place. The ship is a destroyer, a small and relatively fragile type of ship which began as a simple craft intended to act as a ftl capable torpedo boat, but since then the ship has grown to become a highly versatile ship which has unofficially begun to take up some of the roles typically reserved for smaller cruisers. This post gives a basic list of the ships capabilities. Class-type 22 destroyer Dimensions-98m x 27m x 39m, main hull-98m x 21m x 21m Crew- 45-50 total. As of 1642 Rose possessed 48 officers and crew. 5 officers, Captain, first officer, chief engineer, gunner, surgeon. 10 warrant Officers, x3 helmsman, x2 navigator, x2 gunners mates, x2 engineers mates, x1 purser. 33 Enlisted Crew Armament- x10 60mm guns, four per broadside, single chase gun at either end. X4 launchers, x2 foreward and x2 aft. 40 torpedoes and 24 seekers carried. Single reactor fitted with output of 6 gigawatts per second at max capacity. Speed of .24 C. with gravitic impellers, .6 C. without, and ftl rating of 12. Range of roughly 60 light years at cruising speed until fuel replenishment become necessary. Embarked craft-x2 skiffs, due to flagship fittings a third hangar has been added capable of holding a launch. Rose has seven decks in total, although only three of them are full decks running the length of the ship, the others make up her ventral and dorsal superstructure. The decks are from top to bottom as follows, flying bridge, gallery, upper deck, mid deck, lower deck, hangar deck, flight opps. Flying Bridge- No.1 airlock, flying bridge, sensor mast maintenance access. Gallery- Admirals cabin, flagstaff quarters, head, greatroom. Upper deck- bridge, captains walk and cabin, head, senior officers cabins x3, warrant officer cabins x3 four occupants each, wardroom, head, officers head. Mid deck- Sickbay, surgeons quarters, galley, messhall, head, gundeck access, No.1 – No.4 crew messes eight occupants each, reactor room access. Lower deck- Forward cargo bay, life support, electronics and computer room, fabricator room containing two small units, aft cargo bay, head. Hangar deck- N0.1, No.2 and No.3 hangars, airlocks. Flight opps- flight operations control, all shuttle operations are controlled from here.

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Galactic Trade

As most star systems and planets are self sufficient in terms of their daily needs of basic food, technology, and raw materials, trade between systems comes in four primary categories. These are high technology, rare resources, luxury goods, information and entertainment. And passenger carrying, while not trade, is also a common practice throughout the spacelanes. High Technology This includes most highly complicated or expensive technology such as ships, weapons, AI, projectors, vehicles. Anything requiring a highly specific manufacturing process and skilled labour to complete. Rare Resources Materials that are rare in nature, or difficult to make by man. This includes various radioactive materials, compounds or meta materials. Things that can be used for local production, but can not be sourced domestically. Luxury Goods Foods, clothes, art, vehicles, as well as plants and animals from some worlds, are renowned for their quality and fetch high prices. Even if a world has the capacity to create a similar product certain brands or planetary products have high status among the elites of many systems. Information and Entertainment News, correspondence, diplomatic communication, scientific documentation, star chart updates, and entertainment are all routinely carried by ships computers as they carry actual physical cargo and then uploaded onto system networks upon arrival for moderate prices.

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Timeline of universe

Noteworthy dating systems GST Standing for Standard Galactic Time GST is the generally accepted universal standard dating method. It uses the date of the first flight between the Solar and Centari star systems following the end of the second dark age as its zero year. Standard Terran days of 24 hours of 6o minutes, and a year of 365 days are used. A <, or > placed before or after GSt is used to show whether the date takes place before or after year zero Some scholars further divide GST into a third era, splitting the period before the dark age into its own dating system known as Archaic year. This treats the solar flare which struck earth and caused the first dark age as its zero year, neatly encompassing all of humanities murky history before that into its own separate era. However others argue this adds unnecessary complexity to the dating system. Using the present dating system the present year is 1989. UY (Mercian dating system) Standing for Unification year the UY system uses the unification of the island of Midan under a single government as its zero year. Unsurprisingly the UY system uses the Mercian time measurements as its basis, days of 25 hours made up of 50 minutes apiece and 375 days in the year. The current date in the UY system is 1642. Brief time line (GST) <0AY All of human history before the solar flare which struck earth and crippled its planet wide computer network, ending the first great age of humanity. Up until this point most solar bodies had been colonized, and sleeper ships dispatched to many near earth systems. 6078-3784 <GST Humanity gradually recovers from the first dark age. On many of the worlds settled by humanity unique and diverse cultures develop, while on others human settlements perish without contact with the homeworld. Towards the end of this period the cult of the Terran lords comes to power on Terra and begins expanding outwards throughout the Sol system. 3908-3784 <GST Terran vessels using sublight drives only make tentative contact with human settlements in the Centari system. Contact remains only periodic however and knowledge of eachothers existence hardly affects either systems populations or governments. 3784-2893 <GST The development of FTL cannon technology leads to the period known as the millennial wars. This is a somewhat misleading term as the conflict between the Solar and Centari civilizations was not a long continuous conflict lasting the entirety of the period. In fact initial relations between both sides began cordially enough, with trade and diplomatic relations being opened between the various states existing in both systems. Conflict initially arose between the two systems over colonizing rights for neighboring systems before becoming increasingly heated as the period reached its climax. Full blown fighting between unified Solar and Centari coalitions only breaking out in the 3400s and gradually escalating in size and scale since then. 2893 <GST In the climactic end of the millennial wars period the Centari beat back a Terran armada which attempted to conquer their system and launches their own invasion of the Sol system. Both sides use kinetic megaton yield weapons on one another planets and wipe out most space-based infrastructure. Prior to this the majority of the FTL cannon network connecting human settled worlds had been destroyed by both sides, with some worlds even deliberately cutting themselves off from the greater galaxy in an attempt to avoid the chaos engulfing humanity. 2893-0 <GST With most worlds suffering horrific damage in the millennial wars, cut off from one another, lacking space-based industry and infrastructure, and unable to rebuild themselves, humanity descends into a second dark age. Many worlds descend into very primitive states, maintaining only a dim memory of the past. While some worlds maintain at least a degree of technology most lack the collective knowledge or capability to expand their tech bases for some time and most worlds loose the capability for spaceflight all together. However as the second dark age reaches its end many worlds manage to piece themselves back together again. 0 GST> Second dark age comes to an end as the Centari worlds rediscover FTL capability. As travel both within and outside the system expands more and more worlds are rediscovered and FTL technology is disseminated to many of them. After a brief period of peace humanity again plunges into violence and warfare as many attempt to forge new empires or assert their dominance over the other. 723 GST> Shipboard FTL technology is developed, allowing ships to travel without the use of static FTL cannon. A surge of human colonization outside the core begins and the first superstates emerge and begin an even greater period of conflict. 1145 GST> The Union of worlds is formed by several smaller states in an effort to stand against their collective enemies. The Union quickly grows in power and by 1207 has come to rule over the entirety of the core systems of humanity. 1258 GST> The Union reforms its government to become a true superstate, abandoning the confederal structure of its past. Thus reformed the Union declares that it represents the pinnacle of human government and declares its will to bring its light to all human settled worlds. Ensuring that the horrors of past conflict will never again bring humanity to the brink of extinction. 1258-1563 GST> The Union expands aggressively in several crusade like waves of conquest. Many worlds it conquers lack the strength to seriously oppose them, this changes when the Union clashes with the Corinthian Confederation, a polity formed by many smaller states expressly to oppose the Union. In a series of costly wars the Union fails to bring the Corinthians into the fold and this humiliation leads to serious soul searching within the nations government. 1400s-1880 GST> Technology begins to plateau, the limits of what is possible with present understanding of technology being reached with no completely new technological advancements being made. A general period of peace, without major conflict, reigns from the late 16th century onwards. 1563 GST> The Union begins a period of more gradual, thought out, expansion. Giving time for many states outside the Union to prepare themselves for the time when they are next on the superstates hit list. The Union grows adept at applying its immense economic muscle to bring new members into the fold, rather than its still impressive military might. 1880-1989 GST> Major technological advancements which began in Mercia and the Hebridean Republic shatter the general order of things. Suddenly fleets which had been built up by the major powers over centuries are rendered obsolete. Small powers see their chance and hastily adopt the new technologies, while its takes larger powers like the Union much longer to overhaul their own tech bases which have grown set in their ways. The sudden end of the long period of near peace which has reigned for centuries promises to see a renewed great age of conflict, with old powers disappearing, new ones emerging, and only the strongest surviving the crucible of war.

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Nations List

This lists the major nations which border, or are in the same stellar area of Mercia, a myriad of small single system polities exist in the galaxy, as well as other larger powers, but they will not feature here. Furthermore this list gives only a general overview of the major galactic players to familiarize the reader with the setting somewhat. Kingdom of Mercia Holding a strategically and economically valuable position along an important trade route connecting the Barbarossan empire with the core worlds Mercia possesses military and economic power beyond what a nation with its size and resources would typically command. The kingdom possesses a strong military, and still claims a number of neighboring imperial systems, as well as occupies the vital Ragnarok system deep within the empire. Its relations with its other neighbors, especially the Hebrideans is frosty at best. Barbarossan Empire In a long period of decline recent technological advances have exacerbated the empires problems as much of their navy is now considered hopelessly obsolete. A string of weak emperors have hampered reform efforts, with authority devolving to the various Margraves of the imperial marches and local fleet commanders. Recently with the ascension of emperor Herman IV things have begun to change, with the young and headstrong emperor attempting to restore the power of the crown over the nobility and navy. He considers Mercia’s independence and seizure of imperial territory an affront to the honor of the empire, and is determined to make right the mistakes of his ancestors. Hebridean Republic Sandwiched between the Barbarossan empire and the sprawling Union of Worlds the Hebridean Republic until recently appeared set on the path of eventual absorption by one or both powers, possessing resources to limited to oppose the might of either galactic power. However the recent technological advances which were spearheaded by Hebridean and Mercian scientists have reversed this position. With the nation now looking to expand itself into new areas, even clashing with the strength of the Union on several occasions recently. Though its failure to seize the Trent systems Republic has somewhat tarnished their reputation in the eyes of many. Mycenaean Kingdom Lying on the very edge of “civilized” space the Mycenaean kingdom has little trade with the outside world and though it holds jurisdiction over many systems none of these worlds are especially wealthy. The kingdom thus looks to expand into the richer coreward areas of the galaxy. This has brought Mycenae into conflict with the Barbarossan empire and Mercian kingdom as it has begun to encroach into their neighborhood. While not possessing a massive navy it is strong enough to cause worry for either power should they be distracted elsewhere. Trent Systems Republic Small and relatively poor Trent owed its continued independence from the Union largely due to its lack of anything the Union would want. It was fortunate then that the extension of the Enlil-Mercia traderoute was not discovered until sixty years ago. By which time the Union had become distracted from further expansion by internal issues. The republics newfound wealth, although allowing it to build up its defenses, soon drew the attention of the Hebrideans. Which were anxious to claim as much valuable real estate as possible. Although much of their fleet and orbital economy was destroyed Trent managed to beat back the invaders. Humiliating the proud Hebrideans and earning themselves much acclaim. Since then the nation has signed an alliance with the Mercians and is struggling to rebuild their military for the next round of inevitable conflict. Star League of Minos Formed initially by a number of worlds in an attempt to stave off annexation by the Union the Minoan league was quickly found to possess abundant natural resources and to have access to effective trade routes. The league exists primarily as a mercantile state, possessing the largest merchant fleet in the galaxy. It has leveraged its enormous economic might to all but guarantee its continued independence from the Union, as invading such an important trade partner would cause disaster for the Unions economy. Union of worlds The Union rules over a vast amount of space, roughly half of all worlds settled by humans are ruled, to some degree, by the Union. At its core the Union rules over the longest inhabited systems in the galaxy, including Sol itself, the planet of Terra serving as the capital of this massive nation. Possessing unparalleled wealth, population and millennia of culture, history and baggage. The Union considers itself the pinnacle of human achievement, and considers its expansion to rule over all of humanity to be its destiny. As such for much of its existence the Union has steadily expanded outwards, gobbling up any systems which stood in its way. Brutally conquering and subjugating any who resisted, and only mildly oppressing those which welcomed them. With recent technological advancements outside the Union many nations have seen their chance at preventing their eventual incorporation into the Union, and have been fervently arming themselves with the best weapons money can buy. Attempts have been made to catch up, but some within the Union have begun to voice the opinion that perhaps their era of dominance is at an end.

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Kingdom of Mercia

Mercia is a small star nation existing in the far future which claims dominion over eight star systems, though only three of these, the Mercia, Albion, and Cambrii systems, are inhabited. The nation is young, being just over fifty years old, gaining its independence from the much larger Barbarossan empire in a brief war. Despite its brief period of independence Mercia has been settled for many thousands of years and has a well-developed culture, language and society. Mercia has generally tense relations with the aforementioned Barbarossan empire, claiming a number of worlds in the empires possession while the empire in turn refuses to recognize Mercia’s independence. Treating them as a rebellious province and not a nation on equal status with their own. The nation is a monarchy and possesses a strong nobility, however the common citizenry has representation in government in the form of a lower house of government. Its economy is heavily reliant on trade and taxation of trade routes which pass through its territory. It is brief and doesn’t really explain to much I know, but its just a quick initial post to get things going.

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Introduction

In this blog I am going to explore and develop the universe where a series of books I am writing are going to be set. 

Synopsis

It is the far distant future many thousands of years from now. Humanity has spread and settled many thousands of star systems, experiencing a number of disasterous periods in the process where galactic civilization all but collapsed and the human race faced extinction.

At the time the first books are set there exist a number of different nations, each with their own history, language, culture and goals in the setting of the world. These will all be explored at a later date. 

The universe uses semi-hard technology, combining real world physics with a bit of handwavium technologies to solve a number of issues, namely FTL travel, anti-gravity and lifespan. Again, future blog entries will explain how this all works. 

Most of the stories I plan on writing will follow the naval careers of a small number of main characters as they navigate the constantly changing political and military landscape of the universe, stay tuned for entries explaining who these characters are and how they interact in the setting.