Республика Элизиум
“Destruction leads to rebirth. Only through the flames is one truly reborn.” - Joseph ‘Elysium’ Youngblood, 2458
History
The Elysium Project, also known as the Elysium Republic, was an ideological, spiritual and recolonization project started by the artist Joseph ‘Elysium’ Youngblood in 2460, 33 years before the official founding of the Elysium Republic. Youngblood was a Trans-Solar Federation naval veteran of the Cygni Campaign. Youngblood’s service history is not clear; some claim that he was medically discharged for insanity while others uphold he was discharged due to a heart injury sustained in the field from shrapnel.
Youngblood claimed to have had an ‘awakening’ during his time in the Federation navy. Youngblood claimed that humanity was at its last steps, being unknowingly abused and enslaved by greed, want, ideology and 'Xenos'. All these factors, to Youngblood, is why the Cyngi Rebellion happened and further divided humanity. This awakening was the start of his own ideology centered on what he considered to be natural morality and human survival.
The projects early years were plagued with misfortune as Sol-Gov cracked down on the formation of the project in any way they could, viewing it as a second planned rebellion. The movement became less of a peaceful political philosophy as it had started and instead became a new movement all together. Youngblood and five other men lead an expedition out into deep space in 2493, bringing what money and ships they had to spare.
The plan? Recolonization.
A declaration of Elysian independence was declared once the first colony of Monarch was established - but this declaration went unrecognized by Sol-Gov. It was upon this moment the founders decided on a flag for the Republic; settling on the current national flag. The five stars depicting the five founders of the Republic while the colors, white, green and gold, were to symbolize purity, life and prosperity. The flags sole purpose was to be flown in battle to distinguish the few ships the Republic had against the expected Federation navy.
Yet no Federation vessels came to suppress the rogue citizens. The colony was too far away for Sol-Gov to be concerned, viewing it as a benefit that these dissidents had left Federation space while the new colony was out of the U.S.S.P’s limited naval logistics range. This left the new Republic isolated from the major empires in the fringe of the galaxy.
The Republic started as a fringe group with only a few hundred people. The Cyngi Rebellions harsh treatment lead refugees seeking opportunity to flee to the Republic. Many from zealous religious groups, radical Sol nationalists that were alienated from the Federation by Xenos and a few ex-Soviets seeking shelter from the economic struggle and purges back home. Quickly the project swelled in size, advertising itself back on Earth, Mars, Cygni and other planets as a ‘frontier colonization project’. The advertising worked, Sol-Gov viewing the exodus as a benefit just as it had before. Radicals would leave the Federation, solving the issue of rebellion in the core industrial planets.
Youngblood would pass away in 2501 along with three of the other founders in the following years. The last founder to survive was the youngest of the group, Gwyden Young, who is the current sitting president of the Republic as of 2528. The Republic is approaching its 70th anniversary of its founding, already sporting a few colonized worlds and three functioning space ports. The Republic has struggled with keeping its militias under control, resulting in constantly souring relations with Xenos as their state continued to expand its reach.
Culture
The Republic's culture is relatively new and artificially constructed. Elysian society runs off an idea of unofficial hierarchy and elitism despite the Republic's actual democratic nature. Those who hold high positions run off a system of prestige, populism and image rather than personal wealth or authority. Elysian society values the artist and the writer more than the industrialist or general. Industrialists are seen as people who exploit ones labor while generals are seen as too aristocratic and despotic in nature.
Elysian culture is an oddly unique one; the Union of Soviet Socialist Planets describes it as a fascist hierarchy in disguise while the Trans-Solar Federation calls it extremist and anarchic in nature. Elysian culture values women and men as equals, all humans being created equal and the Elysian people are described as ‘overly friendly’ by foreign humans.
In most cases non-humans find themselves as being treated worse than second class citizens. Many Elysian citizens refuse to work or negotiate with non-humans unless it is required even when outside of the Republic. Some are militantly opposed to Xenos and are openly violent against even the most passive beings. Other Elysians, such as the founder Gwyden Young, take a more passive approach of dealing with non-humans as a means to an end. This idea however is not considered to be popular.
The Elysian idea of fashion is best described as a modernized view of history. Many Elysians dress in Victorian era outfits and uniforms. Many militia sport green and gold or black and gold dress uniforms, reminiscent of old revolutionary uniforms from Sol history. Bicorn, tricorn and slouch hats are typically worn with dress uniforms or those wishing to show a professional image. Others opt for simpler Victorian era clothing with a beret or workman cap. Casual wear like jeans, tank tops and other informal clothes are typically shunned by most members of society.
Demographics
Over 92% of the Elsyium Republic are comprised of humans. The vast majority were Sol-Gov civilians prior to their migration but a small minority of Soviets populate some regions under the Republic.
The 8% of the Republic That is not human is oddly comprised of contract workers typically employed in Elysian urbanization projects and station maintenance. Non-humans hold no basic rights besides what is agreed upon in their contract - which comprises of limited travel in the Republic and a separate contractual-based court system for non-citizens.
The forcing of these contracts are typically considered to be contractual slavery due to the inability to break the contract and the outrageous lengths of time labeled in them. Many contract workers will never live long enough to see their contract end. Some Xenos are forced into contracts after being captured during Prospero Order raids, adding further credence to the claims of work slavery despite the Republic's claims of 'humanitarianism'.
Most non-humans are composed of Plasmaman and Greys, those being the more ‘tolerated’ people groups. Some Vulpkanin and Unathi are hired as well but intergalactic commissions on basic rights has found many non-humans, especially Vulpkanin and Unathi, are subject to the aforementioned contractual slavery.
Language
The Elsyium Republic has two official languages and one non-official language. The two officially recognized languages are Sol-Common and the constructed state language of Elysian. Neo-Russkiya/Neo-Russian is considered an unofficial language and is only taught in some Elysian education systems such as on planet Ruthenia. The Elysian language is very similar to Galactic-Common but is often seen as a more ‘posh’ bastardization of the Common tongue rather than its own distinct language.
Elysian vs Common -
Elysian, “I saw the founder on the farseer. My troth is completely to the Republic. Tis the 70th yeartide after all!”
Common, “I saw the founder on the television. My loyalty is completely to the Republic. It is the 70th anniversary after all!”
Elysian, “The Elysian wordcraft is much better than the Common wordcraft. Elysian is learned while Common is fey and for the uncultured peasants. It should not continue to offstand.”
Common, “The Elysian language is better than the Common language. Elysian is more intelligent while Common is strange and for the uncultured peasants. It should not continue to remain.”
Political and Economic System
The Elysium Project is best described as a Guided Democracy or a Democratic Republic with a semi-free market protectionist system.
The Elysium Project stands between a planned economic system and a free market based system. The Elysian state interferes only on imported goods and taxes them heavily. Certain products such as Cybersun products are outright banned and considered to be contraband. Shellguard and Einsteins Engines are given a special ‘Trusted Company’ status, leading to a notably lower import tariff on their shipped goods. The Republic does not produce most of its own equipment in its borders and is left making do with older equipment besides engines from Einstein's Engines and some of the newest weapon technology courtesy of Shellguard Munitions.
The Republic tends to confuse outsiders with its strange interventionist free market system yet its support of unions and worker syndicates. Workers, artists and militia members tend to unite under decentralized unions to represent their interests. These unions tend to be responsible for who is elected to the People’s Council, the governing body of the Republic.
The founder holds a life long seat as the executive of the People’s Council but holds no power besides to host hearings from the People’s Council and act as a deciding vote in the case of a tie. Most voting is done via public referendum except for certain issues such as foreign relations, issues of defense or issues of central planning which are proposed and decided by the Council during their meetings that occur twice a year. 2/3rds of the Council need to vote in favor of a motion for it to carry.
Voters are divided into blocks depending on one’s citizen number given upon receiving citizenship. Members of the Cabinet are elected by the citizens of the Republic. There is one member for every 5,000 people, resulting in a total of 1,349 councilmen. Despite the huge number of Councilmen laws are typically decided with efficiency due to both the Republic’s instilled values and societal cohesion. While political parties are banned via the founding document, the Elysium Declaration, there are still loose political blocks. These blocks typically are divided by main issues and overlap many of times.
Traditionalists - Traditionalists are considered the conservatives of the Republic. Vows of isolation from the galactic multi-system corporations and Traditionalists tend to support harsher restrictions on migration as not to undermine the founding principles of the Republic.
Cooperationists - Cooperationists are one of the smallest voting blocks. Cooperationists seek a less isolationist Republic. While Cooperationists are still distrusting of non-humans they take a notably passive approach when dealing with non-humans. Cooperationists view that trade with these Xenos are needed to maintain independence and develop an economy.
Constructivists - Constructivists argue the construction of a more centralized and solid state is needed to maintain independence. Constructivists distance themselves heavily from Communist ideas but support a planned economic system and further limitation of imported goods such as from Einstein’s Engines or Shellguard. Constructivists argue That the Republic must begin to industrialize to stand as a fully independent nation and not rely on others for its supplies - even if it undermines the artsy culture of the Republic.
Elysian Revolutionary Guards - Typically comprised of pro-militia voters this political alliance tends to vote in favor of organizing standing military units, hostile action towards Xenos in the region and support for independent armed syndicates of armed civilians and workers. While originally one of the most obscure and culturally isolated groups during the alliance’s formation their numbers have grown in recent years as military operations by Sol and the Soviets ramp up. They are believed to have actively worked with the now defunct National Collectivist Front within the U.S.S.P. Details on this link are questionable and outdated - while it is known that the political leadership of the Vanguard and Front have had contact with each other in the past. Some believe National Collectivist politicians within the Union continue to maintain contact with the Republic; but this claim does not appear to have substantial evidence backing it.
Foreign Relations
The Elysium Republic is not a recognized galactic government by any large, notable governments in the galaxy. Many corporations show distaste for the Republic, including Changs, Waffle Co, Donk Co and Cybersun. Shellguard Munitions, Einstein’s Engines and Nanotrasen are viewed by the Republic as ‘Trusted Corporations’ but these corporations continue to distance themselves from the Republic.
One corporation that has had notable background dealings with the Republic is the Prospero Order, a slaver and mercenary group that has had notable money exchanges with the Republic. Many ‘less capable’ slaves that the Order do not see fit to keep are sold into contractual slavery in the Republic. Humans are typically bought, freed and offered citizenship in the Republic. While many Elysian citizens do not trust the Order many industrialists and councilmen see them as necessary honor fighters providing manpower for Elysian urbanization.
The only tolerable relationship the Republic has is with the Grey Technocracy. The Technocracy views the Republic as an interesting sociological case; studying the strange human nations artificially made culture, language and belief system. While being viewed with distrust Technocracy ships are the only exception to the Republic’s strict anti-Xeno relations belief.
Kidan Clans are often regarded by the Republic as Interior life forms and deserving of their near extinction at the hands of the Trans-Solar Federation. Yet the Skrellian Central Authority is seen as the instigators of conflict in the Kidan-Wars, Youngblood himself believing they purposefully used the Federation as cannon fodder for their own goals rather than humanities.
The Elysian founders watched in horror as IPC models flooded the market and began to strike in 2525. This synthetic awakening was viewed as a front against humanity; the architects of IPC intelligence and manufacturing. For years, unofficial economic support was given to companies like Nanotrasen and even underground political movements in the Federation to suppress synthetic rights movements.
The Vulpkanin Assembly was viewed in a similar light; the strange furred beings found themselves credited with the very death of Federation cultural cohesion. The Vulp displacement was viewed as responsible for the death of Sol-Common as an official language in the Federation while some radicals even go as far as to blame Vulps participating in the Federation navy to be spies for their own personal goals.
The Shoal were quickly alienated from trading with the Republic as even peaceful vessels were eradicated after entering Elysian space. Vox raiders typically avoid the Republic as little material wealth can be gained due to the cost of life accompanied. Armed citizens are known to treat all Vox weather trading or raiding the same. A greeting of a hellfire of bullets.
Unathi pirates on the other hand see the Elysians as a worthy foe due to their resilience. While most Unathi pirates understand the lack of material wealth gained from raiding the Republic there is a sense of honor to be gained in fighting an armed to the teeth enemy. Elysian commanders have been known to engage in honor duels with Unathi pirates.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Planets views the Elysium Republic with the utmost distaste; outright advocating for the wiping of the perceived ‘fascist state’ off the map.
On the other hand the Trans-Solar Federation continues to view the Republic as an insignificant rebellious state that, while insignificant, has had a negative adverse effect on their politics.
The Elysium Republic’s official support for the U.S.S.P’s National Collectivist Front, a radical wing of the U.S.S.P's Communist party, and official support for Sol-Gov’s Anti-Xeno League puts them actively at odds with both galactic powers; the Republic actively trying to destabilize both with their subversive actions.
Elysium Republic Military
The Elysium Republic has no standing army to speak of and only sports a standing navy and marine force of unknown size. The reason as to why it is so hard to estimate the size of the Elysian military is the fact that civilian volunteers and vessels make up the majority of the Elysian Marine Corps and the Elysian Republican Navy.
Elysian ground forces estimates range from a few hundred thousand men strong to a million men strong. Reports from inhabited systems near the Republic describe their volunteer navy as being a ragtag force of converted civilian ships. Sol experts estimate the Elysium Republic as having at least two hundred unofficial patrol craft, twenty cruises, fifteen frigates, four battleships - one being unofficial as it is privately owned, and boasts two modern carriers as well as three privately owned escort carriers. Some reports claim Republic patrol vessels will openly disguise themselves as civilians only to turn and fire on Xeno ships in the area thus engaging in acts of piracy.
The civilian militia force makes up the vast majority of Elysian military forces. The largest groups of Militiamen are the 2nd Minutemen Brigade, 25th Jacobin Regiment, 11th Old Guard and the 13th Green Coat Brigade. The largest of them all is a unit called the 1st Elsyian Vanguard, started by the founder Yuri Kyril - also known as ‘the great dissenter’.
The 1st Elysian Vanguard is considered the most prestigious and elite unit of the Republic but is also known to house the most radical beliefs. The Vanguard are often the ones credited for raiding Xeno shipping, housing U.S.S.P defectors, working with human separatists outside of the Republic and even harassing corporate stations such as ones owned by Nanotrasen. They are typically identifiable by their black and gold uniforms they sport.
The Republic relies off a system of asymmetrical warfare just as the U.S.S.P does but with more of an emphasis on self organized militias leading by task rather than a central command structure attempting to enforce a sort of order - such as the U.S.S.P’s NKVD and actual standing army, the Red Army. Even navally the Republic maintains an asymmetrical warfare tactic of hit-and-run swarms unlike the large battle fleets of other major galactic powers.
The Republic instills an idea reminiscent of ancient Sol history to do with a hastily made but well trained militia being ready on a minutes notice. While being seen as impractical by some; many outsiders note how effective this strategy is at catching foreign pirates and invaders off guard as any citizen could possibly be an enemy as militiamen come out of the woodwork to destroy the enemy. Only then to dissipate and return back to civilian life as if nothing had even happened.
Notable Elysium Republic Planets/Stations
Monarch, Capital Planet - Monarch acts as the housing for the People’s Council and the main hub for Elysian inter regional trade. The planet’s natural beauty has been kept in order by building limitations imposed and the lack of large mega cities on the planet.
Liberté, Space Station - Liberté is known to be the main entry point into the Republic and is highly militarized. The station is commonly seen as a mix of a naval station yet also an art exhibit. The architecture varies based on wing; some reminiscent of ancient Sol building styles while others reflect abstract, gothic or constructivist architecture.
New Lexington, Hive World - New Lexington acts as the only major hiveworld in the Republic. The planet was once regarded as a barren, dry and rocky wasteland but the recent Elysian urbanization project has resulted in a planet suitable for life.
Ruthenia, Industrial World - Ruthenia is an oddity within the Republic. Ruthenia is inhabited mostly by Soviet refugees and defectors. The world is known to be a hotbed of tension between new and old Soviet immigrants due to distrust between each other. Ruthernia is one of the few industrial worlds and despite its considered ‘ugliness’ by Elysian citizens outsiders see the industrial world as a rather livable world with minimal pollution and beautiful industrial architecture.