6F07.TXT

HD 6F07  Society of Equals, or George Orwell 5600AD

                     By

                Roger Myhre
                Ammerudgrenda 168
                0960 Oslo 9
                Norway


History. 
Society of Equals (SoE) are one of the oldest 
interstellar governments in Gvurrdon. It dates back to about 
year 400. Lack of records make this date uncertain. Neither 
are there any records available that tells who founded this 
government. 
 
In the latest 300 years it have stood as a steady rock in the 
usually fluctuating structure of the Vargr society. But this is only on 
the surface. It has gone through a lot of changes since it was founded 
years back. 
 
From 930 to 1030 it quadrupled in size, most of it can be 
explained by sharp charismatic increase in the leaders, but equally 
true is it that much of the territory fell for conquest. From 1030 to 
about 1110 there was little change in territorial boundaries. 
 
SoE had for a long time border disputes with Thirz Empire. In 
1109 when the old king of Thirz Empire died, plans for conquest in 
Thirz was laid. The young Vargr that inherited the throne was viewed as 
low-charismatic by the leaders in SoE. They counted on that his 
inexperience and relatively low charisma would make it an easy victory. 
 
In 1111 they attacked over a broad frontline. At first they 
penetrated relatively deep into Thirz territory, but then it stopped. 
Thirz through their contact with the Zhodani managed to regroup and 
rebuilt what they had lost of military material. The throne heir did 
also have excellent leader capability which helped win the war for the 
Thirz Empire. When peace came in 1116 SoE had lost about 47% of their 
territory. Most of it to Thirz Empire. A few worlds rebelled and 
proclaimed themselves independent. 
 
 
Government. 
Society of Equals are ruled by an elite council. This council are 
staffed by the most charismatic persons in the empire. There is one 
representative from each world. They have one vote every million 
inhabitant for the world they come from. Those worlds that do not have 
one million inhabitants have to group together so that they can get one 
or more votes. 
 
A council member sits until there comes another Vargr with higher 
charisma. As a rule of thumb, the one with the lowest charisma in the 
council must retire or withdraw if there is someone that have higher 
charisma. 
 
 
Equality, what equality? 
The gimmick with SoE is that before you can call yourself a 
worthy citizen of SoE, you have to be rated Equal. If a Vargr (or some 
other sophont) are going to have any of these careers he or she must be 
rated equal: Any military, Leader, Aristocrat and law enforcer. 
 
Even cubs from parents that have been rated equal must go through 
a test. Anyone that wants to may go through the test. It is usually 
taken at age of 16 to 18 years old. 
 
Not being rated equal do not spell disaster, but the choice of 
jobs are limited. For cubs to an aristocrat there will be a loss when 
the test fails. To be able to inherit the title and the estates the cub 
must be rated equal. If not, the cub will loose most of the 
inheritance. 
 
The law does protect the un-equal from abuse, but they must take 
what is second best. If a new world is to be colonized the Equals may 
choose first where they want to have their estates mines or what ever. 
 
Those who fail the test get their canines pulled. In this way 
there will be no question about their social status. Those who do not 
take this test usually becomes wanderers. When they are inside the 
borders of SoE they must wear a special head wear and belt. These are 
not treated like citizens, so they cannot get any work. However they 
are free to go where they please as everyone else. 
 
REFEREE: For characters that are born in Dzen Aeng Kho, they have 
to roll this task before they choose one of the following careers: 
Any military, Leader, Aristocrat and Law enforcer. 

         Difficult,End,Int,[Hazardous] 

Referee: On a major mishap roll 1D+1 and subtract STR, DEX and 
END of the indicated amount. Example: The PC rolls a 4. He must 
subtract 2 from STR and one from both DEX and END. For those who manage 
this task give a CHA+1 and a DM+1 on the enlistment roll on the chosen 
career. If the parents of the character is rated equal give a DM+1 on 
the above task. The parents are rated equal on a roll of 9+ on 2D. 
 
Ranking. 
An Equal ranks above an unequal vargr, but there are exceptions. 
For instance an Unequal vargr may own a starship and have a crew which 
is mixed with Equal and Unequal crew. This tend to be rare, but the 
situation exist. Because a vargr is unequal he or she are not prevented 
from starting their own business. Equal vargr that seeks employment 
with them are doing this on their own. And are not forced in any way to 
do so. 
 
 
Slavery. 
Only equals may have slaves. No citizen of SoE may become slaves, 
Equal or not. However there are rules about temporal slavery for 
unequals when they cannot pay for any damage they do on someone elses 
property. 
 
Slaves from outside are to be protected from hazards, but they 
can be put to dangerous and risky jobs. But only if they get neccesary 
safety equipment. A slave may also be sold further to others if the 
need arise. 
 
Slaves are slaves for life. If the owner decides he or she may 
free the slave from slavery. Usually slaves that have performed far 
beyond their required service are often set free. A slave that have 
been set free must get funds enough to survive a month. A free slave 
may applicate for citizenship and then also become an Equal if the test 
for that rating is passed. 
 
 
Military. 
The interstellar forces are financed by taxes of the different 
worlds. Council members have to contribute with their personal forces. 
How much they must contribute with depends on how wealthy and how large 
the population of his or hers world is. Low populated worlds usually 
only contribute with vargrpower that crew starships or are placed into 
infantry forces. More wealthy members contribute with starships. Larger 
starships like destroyers and cruisers are financed by the taxes. 
 
 
The insignia. 
The insignia symbols the canines of an equal. The canines are 
the symbol of strength and power. Who came up with the symbol is 
unknown, but the symbol is not as old as the SoE is. 
 
The teeth are white while the background is red, just like in the 
mouth of a Vargr. On military vehicles and starships the teeth are 
usually tipped with red so it looks like they have been drawn blood. 
The honorary guard have teeth painted in silver. This symbols their 
steel hard discipline and strength.