Fall of Cluster Empire (OU)

The Fall of Cluster Empire is a multi-system unification of the Lithan race, spread over thirteen inhabitable star systems of the Gaia star cluster. The Fall is an advanced politic and cultural entity. The lack of any real threat to the Lithans mean that, as a military state, The Fall are somewhat underpowered; however, the strong leadership of the Fortune line and Thirteen Starknights has allowed it to maintain its independence.

History
The Fall of Cluster was formed at the turn of the megaannum, making it around 1,300,000 years old. The Elder Dragons, fearing extinction, approached the Lithans with the offer of their hearts, and all the powers they grant, in exchange for preservation. The Lithans created the Lancieres, huge mecha that housed the dragons' hearts. The Lithans also gained psychic powers from their interactions with the dragons; the Lancieres are controlled by this force. The Fall operates on a dynastic basis, with family lines taking rule for five centuries before being changed. The current Dynasty is the Fortune line, which will be in place for another century.

Government
The Empire is ruled primarily by the parliament, which serves under the Emperor, Lord Luster Amazing Fortune. Lord Fortune rarely makes decisions without heavy consultation of the Parliament; a trait of Lithans is level-headedness and objectivity.

The Thirteen
The Thirteen are thirteen Lords and Ladies that form the ruling council of The Fall. Currently composed of six Ladies and seven Lords, with Lord Luster Amazing Fortune assuming head of the council. Historically there has never been Thirteen; only ever twelve, and the search for "The One" has lasted the entire duration of The Fall. However, Neutral Lucia has been chosen by Gildeon, a Lanciere, to take the title 'Excellent's One'.

Society and Culture
Clusterian society is arranged by way of Aristocracy, whereby your family lineage and the deeds your family have accomplished give you social kudos. The Lithan way of life means there is absolutely no internal conflict in The Fall, and the general populace, due to low numbers, are provided for amply by the state, which exports huge quantities of crystal, spice and fabric in exchange for food. Almost all Lithans within The Fall are vegetarian, as their respect for the sanctity of life outweighs their omnivorous nature. The majority of Clusterians lead simple, but fulfilled lives, choosing to study or practice arts. Some of the most famous tailors that export to fashion circuits on Malchior IV and other civilised worlds are based in The Fall.

Clusterians place importance on luxurious and opulent clothing and jewellery, but are generally not greedy, and can live humbly and meagrely.

Clusterians celebrate holidays at equinox and solstice. They also celebrate once a month, at the beginning, to herald a new 'Celestial Phase'. Cluster planets each have 13 months of 30 days, made up of 30 hours. Cluster Planets are mostly barren, save for sparse plant life on the equators. The main and most striking feature are huge mountain ranges of crystal, as well as vast deposits of crystal below ground. The Quartz Forest on Cumulus IX is one of the natural wonders of the galaxy.

Clusterians are indifferent to other races and peoples; they do not share much contact with them, aside of trade. However, their inherent value of all life means no hostility is ever felt, no matter how adverse a people seem to be.

Clusterian naming is both complex and simple. Generally, the last of a person's names is the most important, and carries the family title or some variation thereof. The prior names are a selection of concrete nouns and abstract adjectives, or names that have remained within the line for centuries. Names are important in Clusterian culture, but can seem odd and confusing to outsiders.

Technology and Economy
Clusterians do not care much for technological advancement, but this does not mean they are not technologically advanced. The majority of their efforts go into Medical Science and Mining operations, as crystal is The Fall's major export. They sell primarily to third-party companies that then sell on, as The Fall lacks the contacts with other civilisations to broker good deals. The Fall is very strong economically, as their expenditure is low, but their output is high. The Celestia is worth approximately 2.75 Aureus and 500 Yen.

The Lithans as a race rely primarily on psytech, or technology powered by the psychic force of the user. This psychic force can be stored very easily in the multitude of crystals found in The Fall, and used like a battery.

Clusterian mining operations are amongst the largest and most cutting-edge in the universe; the worlds that are uninhabitable have been all but cored in 4 of 13 systems in the Gaia Cluster, with plans set to core 14 more worlds by the end of the Fortune Dynasty.

Military
As a secluded and isolationist empire, The Fall does not rely on militaristic might, but does maintain a small army, known as the Chevaliers De L'étoile (lit. Knights of The Star). The army has a standing force of around 3000, with a possible draft of 200,000.

Despite low numbers, the main military might of The Fall lies with the Lancieres, huge mecha that are powered by the very hearts of Elder Dragons whose bodies have decayed. Most carry a lance and some sword variant, along with a shield. Some utilise psyonic weaponry, such as beam rifles, but most are specialised toward close combat, being light, agile and extraordinarily fast, relying on Lithan's natural ability to handle G strain.

Lithans themselves are highly adept fighters, should they be forced into combat. The nobility train in jousting, riding large, flightless birds akin to emu or ostrich, as well as training in swordplay. Every year, a swordplay tournament is held in the grounds of the Quartz palace to decide that year's Sword Saint. Lithans are also telepathic, using this to bombard their enemy with hostile thoughts, and telekinetic, allowing them absurd strength, the ability to stop incoming attacks and projectiles, and flight. Some Lithans are also able to fire psyonic blasts from their crests, though this is a rare talent.

The 'navy' of The Fall, so to speak, is nearly non-existent. Only two ships belong to the Government in a military capacity; the Stalactite, royal barge to the Fortune line, and Amethyst Arbour, a flagship that has the ability to carry all 13 Lancieres and the entirety of the Chevaliers De L'étoile. Amethyst Arbour is not furnished with any weaponry; hypothetically, the Lancieres would operate in space to counter any attack against the vessel.

Characters

 * Luster Amazing Fortune - Emperor of The Fall of Cluster and End's Thirteen, last of the Thirteen Starknights.
 * After Opulence Facade - Starknight, Strato's 9, Ninth of the Thirteen and mentor to Neutral Lucia. Sword Saint for 15 years running.
 * Arbatum Excellent Neutral Lucia - Child prodigy and Excellent's One, "The One" and First of the Thirteen. Selected by the Elder Dragon Gildeon.
 * Gildeon - The Elder Dragon that inhabits Neutral Lucia's Lanciere, and Hermit of Scales. Thought of as a demi-god by The Fall.