From: Robertson, Brendan <Brendan.Robertson@d...>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 15:40:45 +1000
Subject: Achmaenid Persian Empire
Ah, ha! The Persian empire I'm familiar with. With regard to getting them into space, they would have to be an offshoot of the Islamic Federation, as it is this area of control they would come from. How about this? ----- Having finally had enough of their "elected" warlords, the people in the area which was known as Persia before the 20th Century revolted in an attempt to return to a simpler way of life which their ancestors knew & has been heavily documented in literature. Unfortunately, the newly formed IF couldn't have 40% of their population base leaving its control, & the insurrection was bloodily put down. As exterminating the revolutionaries would have as detrimental effect on it's economy as letting them secede, after the bloodshed the people were given a (generous from the IF perspective) offer. The IF would resettle those who "volunteered" onto a world with semi-arid mediteranian (sp) climate & give them semi-autonomy with regards to local government as long as they received 10% of the worlds GDP in perpetuaty as "tribute" for recolonization costs. Even with the crushing burden that the tribute would cost, several million people took the opportunity to establish their own eden according to the old laws (and too many Hollywood movies). The current situation is like stepping back into a time machine. Outside the starport enclaves (walled 23rd century cities), firearms are banned & unauthorised possession or use is punishable by death (only lifted in times of external invasion). This has led to the redevelopment of the arab composite bow & armed combat skills of the pre-16th century. If you get out a history book of Persia, the political & military situation is identical, although the economic system is sufficiently advanced to generate considerable offplanet income while still leaving the average citizen with their own home & land (slavery is illegal, however). Tourists are common for those seeking to revisit the ancient past, but all visitors must sign an indemnity agreement regarding accidental death or injury, as there are bandit groups & occassional city state wars. Even the bandits haven't attempted to acquire modern weaponry, as they realise that the planetary defence force would come down on them terminally should they attempt this. Customs House is extremely efficient, as many offworld traders can't attest to (executed), and have even managed to track a cloaked ship inside the atmosphere which attempted to land (escaped after fighters started strafing it while it was still cloaked). ----- How about that Beth? It should give you the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the NRE. 'Neath Southern Skies http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~denian/ ***** Cmdr Robertson - GCV Southern Skies Fleet Admiral Doyle - NKV Vesuvius (La Fayette invasion force) Gunslinger, Emperor & all-around demigod. [quoted original message omitted]