Difference between revisions of "Free Worlds League"
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{{Update Needed|[[Field Report: FWLM]], [[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]}}
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{{Update Needed|[[Field Report: FWLM]]|[[Era Report: 2750]]|[[Empire Alone]]}}
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{{InfoBoxState
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| crest = [[File:Fwl.gif|Crest of the Free Worlds League]]
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| image = Free Worlds League logo.png
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| factionname = Free Worlds League
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| Founded = [[2271]];<br />[[3139]] (re-formed)
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| year = [[3025]]
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| Dissolved = [[3079]]
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| timeperiod = [[2271]] – present
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| capital = [[Atreus (FWL)|Atreus]]
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| classification = [[Successor State]]
 
 
| systems = 330+
 
| systems = 330+
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| capital = [[Atreus]]
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| population =
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| rulertitle = [[Captain-General]]
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| currency =
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| military = [[Free Worlds League Military]]
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| language =
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| secretservice = [[SAFE]]
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| demonym =  
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| Head of State = [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]]
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| cintel =
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| commander    =
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| army = [[Free Worlds League Military]] (FWLM)
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| navy =
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| mintel = [[SAFE]]
 
}}
 
}}
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The '''Free Worlds League''' is one of the five [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]]. Its capital is [[Atreus]] and the League is ruled by a [[Captain-General]], leaders of [[House Marik]].  
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The '''Free Worlds League''' is one of the five [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]]. Founded in [[2271]] it is the oldest of these realms, and unlike the others is technically a federation of smaller states ruled by a democratic Parliament rather than a single nation under one Great House. In practice, the League has usually been a ''de facto'' military dictatorship under the [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captains-General]] of [[House Marik]], although their authority has been more contested than that of other House Lords. This internal strife and the League's strength as a mercantile and industrial power have arisen from the same source: the sheer diversity of the League's member provinces.
  
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The Free Worlds League is notable as the first successor state founded in the [[Inner Sphere]]. It is multicultural, with strong European, American and Indian influences. It also traditionally offered great autonomy to its component regions, like the [[Duchy of Oriente]], [[Principality of Regulus]], and [[Duchy of Andurien]].
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From before the [[Age of War]] through the [[Star League]] and [[Succession Wars]] eras, the Free Worlds League held its own against its external enemies but was plagued by factionalism and occasionally civil war. The mid-[[thirty-first century]] seemed to herald a new golden age for the League, as Captain-General [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] strengthened federal authority and the [[Clan Invasion]] resulted in the League's economy booming from arms exports. But providing a haven for the [[Word of Blake]] following the [[ComStar Schism]] ultimately led to the realm's undoing, as Blakist activity during the [[Jihad]] ravaged the League and finally led to its balkanizing in [[3079]].
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For the next six decades three of the main microstates of the former League fought and maneuvered against one another, until [[Jessica Marik]] of [[Oriente Protectorate|Oriente]] succeeded in reuniting most of the former League in [[3139]]. Over the next eleven years the reborn Free Worlds League endured an invasion by [[Clan Wolf]] and managed to reabsorb another [[Regulan Fiefs|wayward province]], though its unity and overall survival remained dubious at times.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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===Creation===
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{{Main|History of the Free Worlds League}}
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The Free Worlds League was a federation that was initially created by three existing nations, the [[Marik Republic]], [[Federation of Oriente]], and [[Regulan Principality]]. Three nations, formed in the wake of the [[Terran Alliance]]'s internal struggles, signed the [[Articles of Unification]] (also known as the Treaty of Marik) in [[2271]], creating the League even before the establishment of the [[Terran Hegemony]]. As influential as [[Detlev Marik]], [[Tomás Allison]], and [[Raju Selaj]], the leaders of their respective nations, were, the League owes just as much to [[George Humphreys]], the man who negotiated between the three leaders.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 11-13, “To the Stars”</ref>
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The Free Worlds League was founded in [[2271]] with the signing of the [[Treaty of Marik]] between the [[Marik Republic]], [[Federation of Oriente]], and [[Principality of Regulus]]. The new nation came together when it conquered the [[Stewart Commonality]] in [[2293]].
  
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The League's first war occurred in [[2293]] against the [[Stewart Commonality]]. That nation's dictator, [[David Genovese]], refused the League's peaceful entreaties. In September, [[Captain-General]] [[Juliano Marik]] led a force in what came to be known as the [[Stewart War]]. Marik's forces were easily victorious and the League annexed the six-world Commonality. This marked the first time the League Parliament named a Captain-General to lead military forces in battle. As proscribed by the League constitution, Marik returned control of the [[Free Worlds League Military]] to Parliament at the end of the war.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 11</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 13, “First Blood”</ref><ref name=POC>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', pp. 6-7, “Politics of Command”</ref>
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The League found tougher opponents in the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. The League warred with the Capellans over [[Andurien]] and the worlds near it time and time again. The [[Age of War]] began as a conflict over Andurien, and the peace that ended the [[Third Andurien War]] paved the way for the creation of the [[Star League]].
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===Early Years===
 
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In [[2306]], the League signed the [[Ryerson Accord]], which brought the nation into direct conflict with the [[Sarna Supremacy]] as allies of the [[Capellan Hegemony]]. Parliament elected [[Danak Selaj]] Captain-General. Selaj was a failure. By the end of the 2300s, the position of Captain-General all but belonged to [[House Marik]], who had been granted the right of first refusal.<ref name>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 13</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 17, "Timeline: Ancient History" & p. 82, "Captain-Generals in History"</ref>
 
  
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In the 2360s, Captain-General [[Allan Marik]] undertook a series of military campaigns that added a number of Capellan planets to the Free Worlds League. In [[2367]], the five Capellan nations united under [[House Liao]] as the [[Capellan Confederation]]. [[Chancellor]] [[Kurnath Liao]] attacked the League in [[2398]] with [[Andurien]] as the focus of his offensive. The six-year struggle marking the beginning of the [[Age of War]].<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 17, "Timeline: Ancient History"</ref>
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House Marik took great pride in the Star League, but it was destroyed in the [[Amaris coup]]. The five [[Successor States]] fought three Succession Wars from [[2785]] to [[3025]] to determine who would become the next [[First Lord]], each more inconclusive then the last. The League was forced to largely stay out of the conflicts of the early thirty-first century because of internal problems, including the [[Marik Civil War (31st c.)|Marik Civil War]] and the [[Andurien Crisis]].
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===Age of War===
 
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While the 24th century marked a new era in the history of the [[Inner Sphere]], it also marked a transfer of power in the League. Allan Marik was replaced by his son [[Peter Marik]] as Captain-General. Peter was appointed in 2396 as many in Parliament feared such a conflict was imminent. Peter immediately went to the Andurien front and prosecuted an incredible campaign, despite the fact that larger realms with larger military forces meant ever-bloodier battles. After a defeat on [[Kwamashu]] in [[2401]] gave [[Hered Selaj]] room to angle for the Captain-Generalcy himself, Peter went directly for [[Sian]], the Capellan capital, and earned a victory there. Chancellor [[Aleisha Liao]] sued for peace in [[2404]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 14-15, "The Andurien Crisis"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 15</ref>
 
  
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Peter Marik returned to [[Atreus]] a victor and a hero. He continued to prosecute military actions against the Capellans and [[Lyran Commonwealth]], unfazed by Parliament's ratification of the [[Ares Convention]] in [[2412]]. Parliament began reining Peter in, first with an oversight committee in [[2413]], then with the passage of the [[War Powers Act]] in [[2418]]. When the Lyrans attacked again in [[2420]], Peter refused to serve as Captain-General with the War Powers Act in effect. Unwilling to repeal the law, Parliament appointed one of Peter's subordinates, [[Joseph Stewart]], Captain-General. Stewart was a disaster and the League was fortunate the Lyrans were distracted by the [[Draconis Combine]]. Stewart's failure did wonders for Peter's popularity, as many Members of Parliament became convinced that only a Marik could effectively serve as Captain-General.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 15-16</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 18, "The Age of War"</ref>
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The [[Clan Invasion]] proved a boon to the Free Worlds, as its industry provided the war matériel the other [[Inner Sphere]] powers needed to stave off the [[Clans]]. Even when Captain-General [[Thomas Marik]] launched a punitive invasion in [[3057]] for the death of his son, the League earned a quick victory and settled back down to peace.
  
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Peter Marik was assassinated in [[2422]]. The Lyrans invaded in [[2427]] and Parliament asked [[Terrence Marik]] to lead the defense, and he refused. When more League worlds were lost, Parliament repealed the War Powers Act. As soon as Terrence was notified, he took over as Captain-General, took control of the FWLM, and blunted the Lyran advance. Terrence's younger brother [[Peter Marik II|Peter]] succeeded him in [[2440]] and led an offensive against the Lyrans. Parliament passed the [[Liberation Act]] in [[2448]], which allowed citizens of conquered planets to become full League citizens. This staunched the flow of refugees leaving newly-conquered League systems and the economy flourished. Peter retired in [[2452]] with the League at the height of its power.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 16</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 18-19</ref>
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The [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] tore the Free Worlds asunder, both from within and without. The provinces warred with one another and split apart in the 3080s, though they still banded together for mutual defense. In [[3139]], [[Jessica Marik]] reunited some of the former Free Worlds provinces under her leadership.
  
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Peter was succeeded by [[Geralk Marik]], who became known as "the Bloodthirsty" due to tactics he used against the Lyrans. In [[2459]], Geralk personally led the invasion of [[Loric]]. In [[Battle of Loric|that battle]] the [[LCAF]] deployed [[BattleMech]]s for the first time. A mere company of 'Mechs turned the tide against Marik's conventional forces and Geralk himself was killed when a 'Mech stepped on him. The Lyrans tried to press their technological advantage, but did not have enough BattleMechs to do more than blunt the League invasion.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 16</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 19 & 21, "Paradigm Shift"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 20</ref>
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In [[3148]], the reborn League faced invasions from the [[Marian Hegemony]], [[Regulan Fiefs]], and [[Duchy of Andurien]], managing to defeat them all and invade the Regulan Fiefs. The state surrendered to the Free Worlds League following an invasion that was sparked by the assassination of Jessica Marik. The Regulan Fiefs were granted provisional status within the League for a period of ten years, after which they would be allowed to request full membership. By then, Andurien was the only former province of the League still out of the new.<ref name=SFortress>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 54</ref>
  
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The nineteen-year-old [[Simone Marik]] succeeded her father as Captain-General. She focused the League's attention on technological innovation and improving education with an eye toward enhancing the nation's long-term economic situation. Simone was ousted by Parliament in [[2475]] due to her disastrous foreign relations, especially with respect to the [[Capellan Confederation]], which culminated in Chancellor [[Jasmine Liao]] rejecting an offer to jointly attack the [[Terran Hegemony]] in exchange for [[Andurien]] and the surrounding systems. Simone's insane brother [[Carlos Marik|Carlos]] became Captain-General and planned an attack aimed at conquering [[Terra]]. The Hegemony discovered this plot and launched a raid that decimated the naval task force in the [[Oriente]] system. A third sibling, [[Brion Marik|Brion]], seized power with backing from Parliament and House Marik, and Carlos went into exile in the [[Magistracy of Canopus]]. The new Captain-General quickly negotiated a peace settlement with Director-General [[Theodore Cameron]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 17</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 21</ref>
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==Military==
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{{Main|Free Worlds League Military}}
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Throughout its history the military of the Free Worlds League mirrored that of its government.  Superficially under the control of Parliament, the FWLM answered to the Captain-General, with the [[League Central Coordination and Command]] group issuing orders on their behalf. Along the border with the Lyran and Capellan states were military districts, each commanded by a [[Marshal (rank)#Free Worlds League Military|Marshal]], who carried out the LCCC's directives and exercised broad authority to respond to enemy incursions.
  
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===Star League===
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However, only a fraction of the FWLM were federal troops, or League forces, answerable (and loyal) only to the Captain-General and the LCCC and funded by the federal government. The rest were provincial troops, raised, equipped and organized by each province for their own self-defense. In times of need the provincial armies could be mustered and placed under the command of the Captain-General, but starting in the [[thirtieth century]] this right began to be questioned. With the passage of the [[Home Defense Act]], any province which could muster a majority in Parliament could declare up to three-fourths of its provincial forces unavailable, severely curtailing FWLM operations. Increases in the number of federal troops and the powers of the Captain-Generalcy finally culminated in the [[Military Reorganization Act]] of [[3046]], which officially removed the federal-provincial divide and placed all units under the authority of the LCCC.
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[[Albert Marik]] succeeded his father in [[2511]]. In [[2528]] the League again went to war with the Capellans over Andurien. In [[2531]], Director-General [[Ian Cameron]] abruptly invited Albert and [[Mica Liao]] to [[New Delos]] to negotiate the end of the [[Second Andurien War]]. The [[Treaty of New Delos]] surprisingly ended not only the war, but various border disputes that had gone on for years. This was followed by the five-year-long [[Third Andurien War]], which began in [[2551]]. To conclude that war, Albert Marik willingly gave [[Terrence Liao]] control over [[Andurien]] in exchange for Liao joining an alliance with the League and Terran Hegemony in what would become the [[Star League]], which would unite all of humanity under its banner. For that sacrifice, Ian Cameron agreed to only recognize a Marik Captain-General as the representative of the Free Worlds League. This gave the Captain-General purely political power for the first time and forced the League to make the position permanent. Over the coming years, Ian Cameron and Albert Marik negotiated, cajoled, bribed, and manipulated the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[Federated Suns]], and [[Draconis Combine]] into joining the Star League.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 17-18</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 21-22</ref>
 
  
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====Reunification War====
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The Free Worlds League Military placed a strong emphasis on combined-arms tactics, with almost all of their regiments featuring a large number of infantry, armor, and aerospace assets, as well as one of the largest navies in the Inner Sphere. The focus on BattleMechs, however, did exist within their elite regiments, including the [[Knights of the Inner Sphere]].
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{{Main|Reunification War}}
 
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Ian Cameron made the [[Pollux Proclamation]] in [[2575]], signaling his intent for the Star League to rule over all of humankind, one way or another. The realms of the [[Periphery]]&mdash;the [[Taurian Concordat]], [[Magistracy of Canopus]], [[Rim Worlds Republic]], and [[Outworlds Alliance]]&mdash;refused the Star League's peaceful entreaties to join, preferring their own, hard-fought independence. The Star League and armies of its member nations launched a coordinated assault in [[2576]] known as the Reunification War. Captain-General [[Marion Marik]], who had succeeded her father a few years prior, led the assault into Canopus. The technologically- and numerically-inferior Periphery realm had little hope, but fought tenaciously in defense of their homeland. Marik all-but abandoned the Free Worlds League to Parliament and threw herself into the campaign. She ensured that Canopians were treated with respect and that the dictates of the [[Ares Conventions]] were followed. Her forces captured [[Canopus]] in [[2584]] and the entire Magistracy was secured by [[2588]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 19</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 22-23, "The Star League Era"</ref>
 
  
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[[Melissa Humphreys]] was appointed as the military governor of the Magistracy. She took to her work with a genuine passion. At her urging, the League invested heavily in rebuilding Canopian industry. Canopian self-rule was restored in [[2604]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 19, "Military Occupation"</ref><ref name=HBHMBacklash>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 23 & 26, "Backlash"</ref>
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===League General Accounting Office===
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The League General Accounting Office was created in [[3043]] after several years of negotiations.
  
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====Recession====
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This department would pay large dividends for [[Thomas Marik (False)|Thomas Marik]] when he later introduced the [[Military Reorganization Act]]: By using their control over the Free Worlds League's procurement efforts, the LGAO influenced many MPs into voting in favor of the [[Addendum to the Incorporation]].<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 53</ref>
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The Magistracy's new factories were superior to the League's aging infrastructure and Leaguers began buying Canopian goods. This hurt the League's economy, but the tipping point was the introduction of a Star League currency in [[2623]]. The ten-year recession became the focus of Parliament. The longer the recession went, the more radical the remedies proposed became, and the more MPs began to sign on to them. Led by the Regulans, MPs advocated for protectionism, or even pulling out of the Star League. The League did not fully recover until the late 2640s, when new exploration and settlement of previously uninhabitable planets spurred economic growth.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 20, "Economic Crisis"</ref><ref name=HBHMBacklash />
 
  
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====The Scourge of Death====
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==Government==
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Extremism was not limited to Parliament. A number of acts of terrorism occurred in the 2660s, though most groups were poorly organized and easily broken up. One exception was the Scourge of Death. The Scourge's first terrorist act was the exploding of a bomb at the main starport in [[Atreus]] in [[2667]]. The organization's crowning achievement was the assassination of Captain-General [[Terrence Marik]] at a family estate on [[Marik]] in [[2678]]. The bomb blast killed almost all of the members of the Marik family. Only [[Gerald Marik]], a cousin to Terrence, survived, coming back from the brink of death with the help of bionic implants.<ref name=HM2022>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 20 & 22, "The Scourge of Death"</ref><ref name=HBHM26>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 26, "The Scourge of Death"</ref>
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The government of the Free Worlds League was ostensibly a federal republic, with each province accorded a measure of self-rule while the representative Parliament served as the supreme federal authority, though for much of its history it operated under the martial law of a Captain-General. Membership within Parliament was determined by the amount of taxes paid into the Treasury, although every province was guaranteed at least one Member of Parliament (MP). Parliamentary districts or "wards" were based on wealth, population and other factors, with the Supreme Court overseeing redistricting every ten years.  Most MPs were determined through democratic principles, though given the wide variety of planetary governments and traditions within the League - from military dictatorships to theocracies - that did not hold true for all. This mixture of regional and federal authorities, with some individuals holding multiple positions within the overlapping layers of bureaucracy, led to a continual struggle for prominence.<ref name=HMTFWL59>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 59</ref><ref name=HBHM78>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 78</ref>
  
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As Captain-General, Gerald focused on eradicating the Scourge of Death. The Marik Militia and SAFE were given free rein to do what they needed. Civil liberties were ignored, the [[Magistracy of Canopus]] was raided, and Marik allies were angered. The Scourge's base of operations was destroyed, but a raid on [[Westover]] uncovered shocking evidence; the leaders of the Scourge were the Selaj family.<ref name=HM2022 /><ref name=HBHM26 />
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At the federal level, a struggle for power between the legislative (Parliament) and executive (the Captain-General) existed almost as soon as the nation was formed. The relative dominance of either side waxed and waned over the centuries, though, in general, the Captain-General gained more and more authority.<ref name=HMTFWL59/><ref name=HBHM78 />
  
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The Free Worlds League was headed for civil war. On 1 October [[2679]], Gerald convened a military tribunal that convicted the three leaders of the Selaj family ''in absentia''. Their sentence was death. As the Regulan forces dug in, Gerald succeeded in convincing the leaders of the Star League not to participate in an internal Free Worlds matter. Gerald led the Marik forces into the Principality in December 2679. A number of Regulan troops did not wish to defend their leaders, so they defected. Marik had won by January [[2680]]. [[D'mir Selaj]] committed suicide rather than be captured, but [[Puraj Selaj|Puraj]] and [[Rajneesh Selaj|Rajneesh]] escaped into Canopus.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 22, "On the Trail of the Scourge"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 26-27, "The Scourge of Death"</ref> Gerald appointed the Schenk family as the new rulers of Regulus.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 24</ref>
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===Parliament===
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[[File:FWL Parliament.jpg|right|thumb|The Marik Parliament]]
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According to the [[Treaty of Marik]], Parliament was the supreme governing body of the Free Worlds League. Parliament had the power to pass laws, create taxes, and decide on appropriations. In each two-year session, Parliament elected a Speaker, who then appointed Ministers to oversee the nine federal agencies: [[Minister of Communications (Free Worlds League)|Communications]], Defense, Energy, Foreign Affairs, Human Services, Intelligence, [[Minister of Justice|Justice]], [[Minister of Taxation|Taxation]] and Trade.  These appointments also had to be ratified by Parliament, though compared to the fights over the Speakership many of these votes were perfunctory. The Speaker and nine Ministers formed the League Council, which enjoyed broad customary powers.  Although any MP could introduce any bill, tradition dictated that only the League Council introduce treaties, budget proposals, and tariff bills. Additionally, League Council members were guaranteed a hearing by Parliament and so their proposals were more likely to be voted on.  Per the Act of Incorporation, at least one of the nine Ministers had to come from each of the three founding League provinces, which itself often served as a source of conflict.<ref name=HBHMP>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 78, 82–84: "Parliament"</ref>
  
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Gerald remained paranoid, believing every setback to be part of a conspiracy. He maintained the heightened security and increased the budget of SAFE. It became a common belief in the Free Worlds that Gerald's paranoia was a result of his use of bionics, leading to a League-wide stigma against bionic implants.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 23</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 27, "Descent"</ref>
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After the [[Charter of Incorporation]] was put into effect in 3139, the number of MPs was reduced to a single MP per planet rather than being determined by taxes.<ref>''Shrapnel'', Issue #6, p. 92: "Persuading Parliament: A Lobbyist's Guide to Atreus"</ref>
  
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[[Elise Marik]] succeeded her father in [[2703]]. She was every bit as ruthless and paranoid as her father. Elise's purges were even worse. Her brother [[Oliver Marik|Oliver]] initially attempted to oppose her in Parliament, but went into exile in the [[Terran Hegemony]]. Parliament had had enough in [[2728]] and dissolved the position of Captain-General. Elise led troops against Parliament and dissolved the body. That was the last straw for Oliver, who returned to lead a rebellion. The rebels captured Elise in [[2730]], but her son [[Bertram Marik|Bertram]] took over as military commander. Bertram liberated his mother in February [[2734]], though her imprisonment had left her mentally unstable and unfit for leadership. Though Bertram was still ambitious, he reached out to Oliver and his son [[Boris Marik|Boris]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 23-24</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 27 & 29</ref>
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In addition to the main Parliamentary body, the League also had the Lords of the Realm, a body composed of [[Nobility#Free Worlds League|nobles]] who were at least planetary rulers. This body functioned in an advisory role to Parliament and could not vote. The Lords were not paid for their service, so few choose to actually attend any given session. Nonetheless, the prominence of the members and their presence at court ensured the Lords were given more media attention than the importance that the body merited.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 84: "Lords of the Realm"</ref>
  
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The two sides reached a peace. The [[Treaty of Verona]] was signed on 20 May 2734. Bertram became Captain-General, though he restored Parliament and rolled back many of the changes Elise and Gerald introduced. Oliver and Boris surrendered. Oliver was executed, and Boris was killed during an escape attempt.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 24</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 29</ref>
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===Captain-General===
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{{Main|Captain-General of the Free Worlds League}}
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Constitutionally, the Captain-General had only the power to oversee military matters when so appointed by Parliament. The Captain-General originally held a one-year term that could be renewed indefinitely. However, eight centuries of Parliamentary acts resulted in much greater power for the Captain-General.<ref name=HBHMCG>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 78: "The Captain-General"</ref>
  
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====Fall of the Star League====
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House Marik had a virtual stranglehold on the Captain-Generalcy, though there was no constitutional authority behind that, only historical precedent. Only two non-Marik Captains-General were ever appointed, and both were disastrous. The [[Succession Act of 2310]] essentially allowed House Marik the ability to select a member of their family to be Captain-General.<ref name=HBHMCG />
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Bertram Marik had a quiet reign, though the same cannot be said of his successors. His son [[Ewan Marik|Ewan]] was a boor and a lush who repeatedly insulted his fellow Council Lords, resulting in poor diplomatic relations. Ewan's son [[Kenyon Marik|Kenyon]] was a better ruler, but he had a personal vendetta against [[Aleksandr Kerensky]], the Commanding General of the [[Star League Defense Force]] and Regent for [[Richard Cameron II|Richard Cameron]]. When the [[Territorial States]] rebelled, the Free Worlds did nothing. When [[Stefan Amaris]] launched [[Amaris Coup|a coup]], the Free Worlds did not recognize Amaris as the rightful [[First Lord]], but Marik refused to let Kerensky use Free Worlds systems as staging grounds for the Terran Hegemony's civil war.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 26-27</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 29-30</ref>
 
  
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The Council Lords stripped Kerensky of his commission and appointed [[Jerome Blake]] to rebuild the shattered communications network. Blake subsequently founded [[ComStar]]. Each Council Lord returned to his or her capital and declared themselves First Lord. Kerensky took most of the SLDF and went into exile beyond the Inner Sphere. The groundwork had been laid for a new era of warfare.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 28</ref><ref name=HBHM30>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 30, "Endgame"</ref>
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The formation of the [[Star League]] made the Captain-General a permanent position. Because of an agreement with [[House Cameron]], the Marik Captain-General was recognized as the Council Lord from the Free Worlds League on the [[Star League High Council]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 18: "Forging the New Alliance"</ref> Following the fall of the Star League, Parliament passed [[Resolution 288]], which gave the Captain-General broad powers "for the duration of the crisis". These powers included the ability to convene and dismiss Parliament, supreme authority over the Free Worlds League Military, the right to choose one's successor, and the authority to nationalize industries associated with military production.<ref name=HB:HMp81>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81</ref><ref name=HBHMCG />
  
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Kenyon used the looming crisis to convince Parliament to pass laws that gave him more power. The most famous and far-reaching was [[Resolution 288]]. Passed on 19 December [[2784]], Resolution 288 gave the Captain-General incredible power, including the right to convene and dismiss Parliament at will, the ability to appoint his or her successor, and sole direction of the FWLM.<ref name=HBHM30 /><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "Resolution 288: Key Points"</ref>
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Two laws passed in the 3030s gave the Captain-General unprecedented power. The [[Internal Emergency Act of 3030]] was passed in response to the [[Andurien Secession]]. The law stripped all of the provinces except the [[Duchy of Oriente]] and [[Principality of Regulus]] of their autonomy, subjecting them to the rule of the Captain-General.<ref name=HB:HMp81/> The [[Addendum to the Incorporation]], passed in [[3037]] at the insistence of Captain-General [[Thomas Marik]], removed the ability of Parliament to use finances as a measure of checking the Captain-General's power and gave him veto power over every law passed by Parliament.<ref name=HB:HMp81/><ref name=HBHMCG/>
  
−
===First Succession War===
+
===Provinces===
−
The [[First Succession War]] began in the Free Worlds League when the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] launched an invasion of [[Bolan]] in [[2785]]. Kenyon Marik ordered the use of nuclear weapons during that battle. When the Lyrans responded in kind, he declared that the Lyran use of weapons of mass destruction abrogated the [[Ares Conventions]] and he was free to do the same, a precedent in which the other House Lords followed suit. Through the initial stages of the war, the League focused on claiming former Hegemony worlds and defending against the Lyrans. Kenyon ordered his troops to target infrastructure, believing that he could win by denying his enemy the ability to create weapons of war. Again, his peers copied this strategy.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 30-31, "First Succession War"</ref><ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 28</ref>
+
The number of provinces within the Free Worlds League grew dramatically from its founding, from just 15 in [[2571]] to 154 in [[3025]]. Except for expansion into the former [[Terran Hegemony]] though, most of this growth came about from the fragmentation of larger polities. The vast majority of provinces also contained no more than one or two planets.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 62</ref> By [[3067]] the League had increased to 161 provinces, but for the most part was still dominated by the major provinces of the realm.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 62–68</ref>
  
−
By November 2787, the Lyrans were distracted by war with the Kuritas, and the former Terran planets were occupied. Kenyon seized that moment to turn the FWLM against the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Though there were setbacks and raids with the Lyrans, the League was able to seize many systems from the Capellans, including the Andurien worlds. The offensive was stalled in [[2793]] because of a successful Capellan raid. Following that, the FWLM paused to consolidate their gains.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 29</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 31-32</ref>
+
;Marik Commonwealth
 +
One of the three original founders of the League, the [[Marik Commonwealth]] was the personal demesne of House Marik and the heart of the League.  Its capital, [[Atreus (FWL)|Atreus]], served as the headquarters for the military and the federal government.  Safeguarded from the ravages of the Succession Wars, the Marik Commonwealth became the richest of the provinces, with a dynamic economy and vibrant culture. Within Parliament, the Commonwealth had the largest (and most unified) number of MPs.
  
−
The FWLM did not do as well on the Lyran front. An assault on [[Hesperus II]] in [[2794]] failed to land ground troops. Following that battle, the League offensives slowed down considerably. The Lyrans conquered the Bolan Thumb in [[2811]], though they suffered heavy losses.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 29, "Father and Son"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 32</ref>
+
;Principality of Regulus
 +
Second of the founding members, the [[Principality of Regulus]] was originally a mercantile alliance ruled over by House Selaj, until their growing opposition to House Marik's rule (culminating in their support for the infamous "Scourge of Death" terrorist group), instigated their forced deposition by Captain-General [[Geralk Marik]]. The succeeding House Cameron-Jones was initially loyal to House Marik, though they too eventually grew apart over time and Regulans once again became known for their regionalism. The Principality was second only to the Marik Commonwealth in terms of economic output.
  
−
On 16 May [[2821]], the League signed a peace treaty with the Lyran Commonwealth. A similar document was signed with the Capellans in November of that year. The armistices did not reflect a desire for peace between the belligerents; rather, they had beaten themselves almost to oblivion and need a respite to recover so that they could war again.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 30, "The Second Succession War</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 35, "Timeline: First Succession War"</ref>
+
;Duchy of Oriente
 +
The [[Duchy of Oriente]] was the third founder of the League.  Formerly the technological and industrial center of the League, the Duchy of Oriente was ravaged during the Succession Wars, especially by the [[Capellan Confederation]]. House Allison once ruled the Duchy until their last heir died fighting against House Liao in [[2845]]; their position was later taken up by House Halas, a MechWarrior family endorsed by House Marik. A desire for revenge against the Capellans often saw Oriente MPs allying with the Marik Commonwealth in Parliament, though they were not above wielding their power as a "swing vote" between the Commonwealth and Regulus for their own purposes.
  
−
The war devastated the League's infrastructure. Whole planets were abandoned or forgotten. Captain-General [[Charles Marik]] ordered scientists and engineers to work on military concerns, forgoing reconstruction of civilian infrastructure. The Marik attempted to return SAFE to its former glory because he believed that the intelligence service would be important for the next conflict. He also sought the to glean information about enemy troop movements from his sister [[Jeanette Marik|Jeanette]], who had joined [[ComStar]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 31</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 36</ref>
+
;Duchy of Andurien
 +
Once a minor member of the League, the [[Duchy of Andurien]] was initially partitioned off to the Capellan Confederation during the Star League era, only to be reborn during the First Succession War and become one of the strongest in the Free Worlds League. Chaffing under the rule of the transplanted House Humphrey and the federal government, the fiercely independent Anduriens would make their bid for independence in the [[Andurien Secession]].  The ten-year conflict resulted in the province's forceful reintegration into the League and the disbandment of its military, along with an increased presence of [[SAFE]] operatives.
  
−
===Second Succession War===
+
;Other Provinces of Note
−
Charles Marik used the information he was getting from ComStar in [[2830]]. In response to Lyran troop movements, he declared war on the Commonwealth, marking the League's entry into the [[Second Succession War]]. The League and Commonwealth traded worlds and continued the total war mentality from the previous conflict. In time, Charles began to suspect that his enemies were receiving similar intelligence from ComStar.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 32</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 36</ref>
+
The [[Stewart Commonality]] was the first to be annexed by the nascent Free Worlds League; thereafter it became a strong supporter of the Marik Commonwealth.  The [[Duchy of Graham-Marik]] was also a stalwart friend of House Marik, being related by blood, and the province was created from a small part of the Commonwealth as thanks to House Graham's support. The [[Abbey District]] was also historically a Marik ally, coming to prominence after the discovery of valuable rare earths within its territory, as was the [[Border Protectorate]] (not to be confused with the [[The Protectorate|Protectorate]], formerly ruled by [[Anton Marik]] until his [[Anton Marik's Revolt|failed rebellion]] caused the province to come under direct federal rule).  The [[Duchy of Tamarind]], while often positioning itself as a swing vote in Parliament, was reasonably friendly to the Marik government.
  
−
Charles hatched a plot to gain evidence that ComStar was leaking information to other nations. Codenamed Operation Cookie Jar, Charles had the Marshall of Oriente send a false message that a Star League cache had been found on [[Cursa]]. A Capellan force invaded the system in March [[2837]], only a few months after the message was sent. Marik's response was to destroy the station orbiting [[Oriente]], killing all the ComStar personnel inside, including his sister Jeanette. Several hours later, on 19 March, ComStar declared a communications interdiction, refusing to send interstellar messages. The League's military preparation suffered catastrophically and SAFE began a shadow war with ComStar [[ROM]]. The League was attacked by all four other [[Successor States]] and lost a number of systems to the Lyrans and Capellans. When Parliament blocked funding for the FWLM, Charles was forced to acquiesce to ComStar.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 32-33, "At War with ComStar"</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 36</ref>
+
After the scourging of the Regulan Principality, several new provinces were created.  The [[Rim Commonality]] maintained close ties with Regulus and was a frequent opponents of the Mariks in Parliament.  The [[Principality of Gibson]] was ardently hostile to Regulus, although this cooled somewhat following the discovery of SAFE infiltrators within the Gibson government. Conversely, the [[Free Regulan States]] were successfully infiltrated by Regulan agents, which turned the pro-Marik government into an ardent supporter of Regulus.
  
−
Though communications were restored on 9 November [[2838]], Charles still had problems with Parliament. Accomplishing little on the capital and faced with severe morale problems, Charles took to the front lines on [[Irian]] in [[2842]]. About the same time, Marik's allies in Parliament succeeded in passing appropriations for the FWLM. The Captain-General held out until reinforcements arrived, a symbol of the League's war efforts everywhere. The war cost the life of [[Harlan Allison]], however. The last Allison Duke of Oriente died fighting on [[New Delos]] in [[2845]]. Parliament appointed [[Blair Halas]] as his successor. Though the appointment was meant to drive a wedge between Marik and Oriente, Charles and Blair quickly became allies. By [[2860]], the League had recovered most of the worlds they lost to the Capellans. In [[2863]], the Second Succession War ended.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League'', pp. 34-35</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 36-37</ref>
+
The [[Duchy of Orloff]] was once a part of Oriente before gaining independence in a peaceable split, and with which it maintained friendly relations. The [[Sirian Concordance]] was formerly of the [[Terran Hegemony]] until their seizure during the Succession Wars. While having strong democratic traditions, Sirian MPs frequently quarreled with each other, preventing any sort of unified bloc. Both the [[Zion]] and [[Ohrensen]] provinces were gained via subterfuge at House Liao's expense, although at times their loyalty to the League was questioned.
  
−
===Third Succession War===
+
While not exactly a province, the [[Silver Hawks]] was a coalition of independent worlds with common interests.  Comprising [[Danais]], [[Shiloh]], [[Amity]], [[Callison]], and [[Kalidasa]], the Silver Hawks frequently voted as a bloc in Parliament, typically in opposition to military adventures directed at the Lyran and Capellan states.
−
The Free Worlds League entered the [[Third Succession War]] in [[2869]] with the invasion of the [[Isle of Skye]]. Though the invasion was successful, the Lyran counterattack was also a success. The use of troops from the [[Duchy of Andurien]] to garrison the Skye worlds, and their subsequent defeats, turned the Humphreys family against the Mariks, specifically Captain-General [[Marie Marik]]. The 3rd War was characterized by a tacit return to the Ares Conventions because technology and factories and even clean water had become too important to destroy.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 37-38</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 40</ref>
 
  
−
The League signed the [[Concord of Kapteyn]] on 13 October [[3022]], which entered the nation into an alliance with the Capellans and the [[Draconis Combine]] in response to the signing of the [[Federated Commonwealth Alliance Document]]. The 3rd War did not so much end as it ground to a halt around [[3025]]. The League has gained a number of worlds from both the Lyrans and Capellans.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 42 & 46-47</ref>
+
==Economy==
 +
The economy of the Free Worlds League, historically lacking in heavy industry, was long defined by its dedication to technological innovation and free trade, built on the strength of the [[M-Bill]].  This latter philosophy was in direct opposition to the stifling tariffs and customs laws of the [[Terran Alliance]] and inspired by the works of Arthur J. Bodhran, whose book ''Conflict in the Marketplace'' advocated that a ''[[w:Laissez-faire|laissez-faire]]'' approach could more effectively wage "economic warfare" than the traditional military approach to defeating enemies. The unrestricted and unregulated commerce of the early Free Worlds League led to a booming economy and a drastic shrinkage in the number of trading companies as competitors forcibly acquired or drove each other out of business.  Concerns about this state of affairs led to numerous debates in Parliament, although every attempt to introduce regulation was defeated.<ref name=HMTFWL123>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 123</ref>
  
−
====Anton's Revolt====
+
After the Free Worlds League conquered the [[Magistracy of Canopus]] during the Reunification War, it invested heavily in rebuilding the Periphery state's shattered economy. The Magistracy returned the favor by using its cheaper labor and rebuilt infrastructure to out-compete Free World businesses which, combined with a stronger Lyran economy, plunged the League into a ten-year depression.  Protectionism began to take hold within Parliament, although its promoters remained in a minority compared to the Free Trade advocates.  That all changed in [[2622]] when Edmund McVey Hassan's book ''Chains of History'' was published, eloquently arguing that the current unregulated economy had only benefited the wealthy elite at the expense of the masses.  It also argued that membership in the Star League had eroded the Free Worlds' technological edge and was a future threat to its' political and cultural identity.  Overnight the Protectionists came to power in Parliament, and while Star League law prevented tariffs between member states, the Protectionists succeeded in creating subsidies, low-interest loans, and other government regulations to support Free Worlds businesses. Protectionist control in Parliament lasted a generation before fracturing over arguments about long-range financial planning.<ref name=HMTFWL124>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 124</ref>
−
[[Janos Marik]] became the Captain-General on 2 September [[2991]]. At his side during his inaugural address was his brother, [[Anton Marik]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 47</ref> Janos promoted Anton to the rank of general in [[2991]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 49</ref> In January [[3002]] he put his brother in charge of the Capellan front.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 52</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', p. 8</ref>
 
  
−
Anton became increasingly dissatisfied with his brother's tenure and coveted the Captain-Generalcy for himself. With backing from Capellan [[Chancellor]] [[Maximilian Liao]] and [[ComStar]], Anton declared himself Captain-General on 22 May [[3014]]. Anton grossly overestimated his support within the Free Worlds League, however. Not only did Anton garner very little support, Janos surprisingly received military aid from the [[Principality of Regulus]] and the [[Sirian Concordance]]. Anton's most powerful support came from Liao, in the form of [[Wolf's Dragoons]]. [[Jaime Wolf]] and Anton had a disagreement about strategy in February [[3015]]. Wolf refused Anton's orders and departed to deal with a Loyalist offensive. As the mercenary [[DropShip]] took off, Anton ordered the Dragoons' dependents executed for treason. Upon hearing of this, the Dragoons turned around and marched on [[New Delos]]. After a three-day fight, [[Natasha Kerensky]]'s [[Black Widow Company]] killed Anton Marik. Six weeks later, the rebellion was over.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 54-55</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 45-46, "Anton's Revolt"</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', p. 9</ref>
+
The Succession Wars were something which baffled Free Worlds traders, whose entrepreneurial and business mindset simply couldn't comprehend warfare lasting as long. The Proscription Act, forbidding the sale or import of many goods from the other Successor States, marked a sharp and drastic return of previous Protectionist economic policy. Many trading firms were forced to end all foreign trade, try to circumvent it illegally, or simply go out of business.<ref name=HMTFWL125>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 125</ref> A measure of relief came during the [[Third Succession War]] as tentative mercantile relations resumed with the League's neighbors, bringing in much-needed foreign currency.<ref name=HHM123>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 123</ref>
  
−
===Fourth Succession War===
+
The [[Fourth Succession War]], and with it the formation of both [[FedCom]] and the [[Kapteyn Accords]], threatened the Free Worlds' economy with ruin as both major alliances were strongly protectionist.  Instead, a number of factors played into the revitalization and expansion of the Free Worlds economy.  Largely untouched by the Fourth Succession War and [[War of 3039]], the League was able to sell its military products to the other Great Houses, who were in desperate need to replenish their forces. Even the League's own [[Andurien Crisis]] helped spur economic growth, not just in production of war matériel but also investment for later reconstruction.  The increase in federal power, and with it new regulations such as a League-wide minimum wage and mandated vacation laws, brought increased prosperity to the League and its citizens.  It was the [[Clan Invasion]] however which really jump-started the economy, as the Free Worlds League became the arsenal which supplied the FedCom and Combine's efforts to resist the Clan invaders.  This policy continued after the threat of the Clans abated, helping to catapult the economy and raise the average wage of League citizens to its highest level since the Star League era.<ref name=HHM123>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 123</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 42</ref>
−
In [[3028]], Prince [[Hanse Davion]] and Archon [[Katrina Steiner]] launched a joint military operation that became known as the [[Fourth Succession War]]. The main targets were the [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Capellan Confederation]], Marik's erstwhile allies in the Concord of Kapteyn. Though reluctant to do so, Janos ordered the FWLM into action. Operation Dagger was a poorly planned offensive against the Lyrans with no objective other than assisting the Combine.<ref name=HBHM46>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 46, "Fourth Succession War and Bloody Andurien"</ref>
 
  
−
The League unexpectedly found itself under assault from the [[Tikonov Free Republic]]. The surprise assault threatened supply lines. Coupled with the threat of the [[Federated Suns]]' advance, Marik ordered a general withdrawal from a number of worlds near [[Terra]].<ref name=HBHM46 /><ref name=FMFWL9>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', p. 9, "Crisis and Renaissance"</ref>
+
===Manufacturing Centers===
 +
The Free Worlds League has traditionally lagged behind the other Great Houses in manufacturing, using trade to make up the difference.  In [[3025]], there were seventeen [[BattleMech]] manufacturers within the League with either full or partial production lines running, building an estimated 500 'Mechs per year. Of the twenty-four different 'Mech models produced natively, the most common were ''[[Stinger]]s'', ''[[Wasp]]s'', ''[[Locust]]s'', ''[[Hermes II]]s'', ''[[Griffin]]s'', ''[[Wolverine]]s'', ''[[Warhammer]]s'', and ''[[Orion]]s''.  The exception to this trend was the League's aerospace industry, which had helped earn it the reputation as the "Gateway to the Stars."  In 3025, even after the devastation of the Succession Wars, there were eight different factories producing a total of 325 [[aerospace fighter]]s annually and ten active shipyards capable of building [[DropShip]]s and [[JumpShip]]s at a rate of eight and three a year respectively.<ref name=HMTFWL114>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 114</ref>
  
−
===Andurien Crisis===
+
The economic growth of the thirty-first century, especially as a result of the Clan invasion, massively increased the productivity of the FWL industries: by [[3067]], half of all 'Mech production within the Inner Sphere came from the top ten League 'Mech manufacturers.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 127</ref>  The aerospace industry similarly underwent a revitalization, reacquiring the ability to refit and build [[WarShip]]s for the first time in centuries. The FWL navy went from ten WarShips in [[3059]] to forty WarShips by [[3067]], making it the fastest-growing in the Inner Sphere and numerically superior to any other Successor State.<ref>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', p. 117</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 144</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 135</ref>
−
{{Main|Andurien Secession}}
 
−
In September [[3030]], the [[Duchy of Andurien]] seceded from the League. The breakaway duchy allied with the [[Magistracy of Canopus]] and started a war with the badly-weakened Capellan Confederation. Janos had Parliament push though the [[Internal Emergency Act]], which took away the rights off the provinces, except for Regulus and Oriente. Later that year, Janos suffered a stroke. His son [[Duggan Marik|Duggan]] and nephew [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]] struggled for ''de facto'' control of the League until [[Thomas Marik]] returned from his service to ComStar to take over.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 49</ref><ref name=FMFWL9 /><ref>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 45, "The Internal Emergency Act of 3030"</ref> Unknown to almost everybody, the man who became Captain-General was not really Thomas Marik. ComStar had instituted an elaborate ploy and substituted a double for the real Thomas Marik.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 66, "The Serpents Within"</ref>
 
  
−
The FWLM went into action in [[3034]]. Thomas directed the loyal elements of the FWLM to cut the duchy off from their allies. Thomas' success was almost cut short by a bomb blast on 1 June [[3035]]. The bomb killed Janos and Duggan Marik and was believed to have killed Thomas as well. Duncan, having been responsible for the explosion, was unscathed. He declared that Andurien was to blame and took the reins of power. He prosecuted a more direct campaign that Thomas did and led from the front, though the fighting was tough against the seasoned and entrenched [[Defenders of Andurien]]. The reemergence of Thomas Marik on 5 December [[3036]] seemed a godsend to Parliament. Duncan was stripped of his title and Thomas became Captain-General. Duncan remained at the front, attempting to regain the leadership of House Marik with a victory, but died in battle on [[Xanthe III]] on 4 February [[3037]]. Thomas used his popularity to push the [[Addendum to the Incorporation]] through Parliament. This new law gave him new powers, including a veto over Parliament. The League completed the conquest of Andurien in [[3040]].<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 49-50</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', pp. 9-10</ref>
+
====3067====
 +
;Heavy Aerospace Industry<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 14</ref>
 +
* [[Illium Naval Yard]]
 +
* [[Imstar Aerospace]]
 +
* [[SelaSys Incorporated]]
 +
* [[Technicron Manufacturing]]
  
−
===Eagle Rising===
+
;Major Defense Industries<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 14</ref>
−
The League had little participation in the [[War of 3039]] because of the Andurien Crisis, though they did raid the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and [[Capellan Confederation]].<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 50</ref><ref>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 63 & 120-122</ref>
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 +
* [[Adam Tech Industries]]
 +
* [[Andurien AeroTech]]
 +
* [[Brigadier Corporation]]
 +
* [[Brooks Incorporated]]
 +
* [[Corean Enterprises MacAdams-Suharno]]
 +
* [[Deller-Bingham-Fouts]]
 +
* [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
 +
* [[Exeter Organization]]
 +
* [[Gibson Federated BattleMechs]]
 +
* [[Grumman Amalgamated]]
 +
* [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 +
* [[Kali Yama - Alphard Trading Corporation]]
 +
* [[Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated]]
 +
* [[Kallon Industries]]
 +
* [[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]]
 +
* [[Ronin Incorporated]]
 +
* [[Quikscell Company]]
 +
* [[Technicron Manufacturing]]
 +
{{div col end}}
  
−
The [[Clan Invasion]] had no direct impact on the League. Instead, the Free Worlds League was able to benefit from it tremendously. Thomas Marik struck a deal to supply the [[Federated Commonwealth]], [[Draconis Combine]], and [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] with Star League-era military hardware. In return, Thomas' son [[Joshua Marik|Joshua]] began undergoing treatment for his leukemia at the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]]. The League's military industrial complex expanded rapidly, and the war-ravaged nations bought whatever they could, even after the [[3052]] [[Truce of Tukayyid]]. In 3052, Thomas betrothed his illegitimate daughter [[Isis Marik]] to [[Sun-Tzu Liao]], the heir-apparent of the Capellan Confederation.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 50 & 52</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', pp. 10-11, "The Clan War and its Aftermath"</ref>
+
==Culture and Society==
 +
Unlike the other Successor States, there is no overarching Terran-based culture that defines the Free Worlds League. Instead the League is composed of a diverse array of peoples and traditions, from Eastern European to Indian, with the expectation of tolerance for different points of view. Though English is the official language and ''lingua franca'' of the League, many others are spoken widely throughout the realm, including Czech, Arabic, and Urdu.  This mixing of cultures has allowed for greater expressions of individuality and consideration of different ways of thinking among the population, while simultaneously leading to greater disunity and hindering the ability to swiftly rally towards a common purpose.<ref name=HMMTFWL75>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', pp. 75–77</ref><ref name=HHM108>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 10</ref>
  
−
3052 also saw a schism within [[ComStar]]. The new [[Primus]] instituted reforms aimed at demystifying the order, but many strenuously objected. A former member of ComStar, Thomas granted the exiles who were calling themselves the [[Word of Blake]] a home on [[Gibson]].<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 52</ref>
+
If there is said to be an underlying culture to the state it is its entrepreneurial spirit; a popular stereotype has it that the people of the Free Worlds League have trouble embracing philosophies which can't be expressed in terms of revenue and cost. A belief in the free market and that any person could "make it" formed the foundation of the League, which was seemingly justified given the prosperity of the Star League era.  The onset of the Succession Wars was a rude shock for the more utopian beliefs in the free market's ability to solve any problem, though it did not wholly extinguish the spirit.<ref name=HMMTFWL75/>
  
−
In [[3057]], Thomas Marik learned that Joshua was dead and had been replaced by a body double on the orders of [[Archon-Prince]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]]. Thomas ordered a retributive strike in conjunction with the Capellans. The goal of [[Operation Guerrero]] was to reclaim the worlds lost in the Fourth Succession War. The League's task was made considerably easier by [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]]. After Thomas went public with Victor's perfidy, Katherine launched her bid for power and seceded the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth. Eager to be seen as a peacemaker, Katherine ceded Thomas the worlds his father had given up to hers twenty-five years prior. Thomas declared victory and stopped his invasion, leaving Sun-Tzu Liao in the lurch. Liao was unable to complete the conquest he had begun, leaving a number of worlds without a Great House suzerain. This region of space came to be known as the [[Chaos March]].<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 52-53</ref><ref>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', p. 11, "Operation Guerrero"</ref>
+
A more surprising undercurrent in League society is a discrimination against bionic enhancements.  While replacement organs and limbs on account of injury are largely accepted by all except fringe fanatics, those who attempt to ''enhance'' the human body are met with bigotry and even violence.  Part of this discrimination comes from the moral question of how much a person can replace of themselves before the human condition no longer applies to them. Part has to do with the fact that bionic replacement surgery is largely limited to the wealthy, creating further separation between the "haves" and "have-nots."  Attitudes towards bionics varies between worlds: from tolerance towards all but the most visually apparent enhancements, to outright hostility at even the suspicion of improvement.<ref name=HMMTFWL75/><ref name=HHM119>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 119</ref>
  
−
Following the [[Battle of Coventry]], Inner Sphere leaders met on [[Tharkad]] for the [[Whitting Conference]]. At that conference, the heads of state decided that they needed something drastic to effectively combat the Clans; they resurrected the [[Star League]]. The Captain-General contributed troops to eradicate [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] in [[Operation Bulldog]] and [[Task Force Serpent]].<ref name=HBHM53>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 53</ref>
+
The motto of the Free Worlds League was "United We Stand."<ref>''BattleTech Primer'', 2019 ed., p. 11: "House Marik (Free Worlds League)"</ref>
  
−
The League largely stayed out of the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Thomas' sister [[Kristen Marik|Kristen]] was killed while commanding her [[mercenary unit]]. One of her daughters, [[Alys Rousset-Marik]], survived. In [[3067]], Alys formally proposed repealing Resolution 288 to Parliament. The Great Debate occupied Parliament for much of the year, but no repeal was made.<ref name=HBHM53 /><ref>''Field Manual: Update'', pp. 143-144, "The Great Debate"</ref>
+
==Era Maps Gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:FWL2366.jpg|Free Worlds League at its founding in 2271
 +
File:FWL2571.png|Free Worlds League after the Age of War in 2571
 +
File:FWL2596.png|Free Worlds League after the [[Reunification War]] in 2596
 +
File:FWL2822.png|Free Worlds League after the First Succession War in 2822
 +
File:FWL2864.png|Free Worlds League after the Second Succession War in 2864
 +
File:FWL3025.png|Free Worlds League after the Third Succession War in 3025
 +
File:FWL3030.png|Free Worlds League after the Fourth Succession War in 3030
 +
File:FWL3058.png|Free Worlds League after Operation Guerrero in 3058
 +
File:FWL3067.png|Free Worlds League after the FedCom Civil War in 3067
 +
File:FWL3130.png|former Free Worlds League 3130
 +
</gallery>
  
−
Throughout the 3060s, the Free Worlds League Navy grew rapidly. The League poured money into developing [[WarShip]]s with the technical assistance of Word of Blake. By 3067, the League had one of the largest WarShip fleets of any power, Inner Sphere or Clan.<ref>''Field Manual: Update'', p. 144, "Ships of the FWL"</ref>
+
==Historical: Maps==
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:FWL-2596.png|after [[Reunification War]]
 +
File:FWL-2750.png|[[Star League]] Era
 +
File:FWL-2822.png|after [[First Succession War]]
 +
File:FWL-2864.png|after [[Second Succession War]]
 +
File:FWL-3025.png|after [[Third Succession War]]
 +
File:FWL-3030.png|after [[Fourth Succession War]]
 +
File:FWL-3040.png|after [[War of 3039]]
 +
File:FWL-3050.png|before [[Clan Invasion]]
 +
File:FWL-3052.png|after [[Clan Invasion]]
 +
File:FWL-3057.png|in [[3057]]
 +
File:FWL-3063.png|after [[Operation Guerrero]]
 +
File:FWL-3067.png|during [[Second Star League]]
 +
File:FWL-3075.png|during [[Jihad]]
 +
File:FWL-3079.png|after [[Jihad]]
 +
File:FWL-3081.png|in [[3081]]
 +
File:FWL-3085.png|creation of the [[Republic of the Sphere]]
 +
File:FWL-3130.png|before [[Gray Monday]]
 +
File:FWL-3135.png|in [[3135]]
 +
File:FWL-3145.png|in [[3145]]
  
−
===Jihad===
+
</gallery>
−
However the schism between [[ComStar]] and the [[Word of Blake]] would strongly affect the League, and ultimately destroy it.
 
−
 
 
−
Removing ComStar personnel from interstellar communication facilities in favor of the Blakists the League was repaid with treachery.
 
−
 
 
−
At the start of the [[Jihad]] "Thomas Marik" was denounced as an impostor by the [[Word of Blake]]. This revelation led to the total collapse of the League.
 
−
 
 
−
The Free Worlds League was torn apart into several competing states, namely the [[Regulan Fiefs]], the [[Marik-Stewart Commonwealth]], the [[Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey]] and the [[Oriente Protectorate]].
 
−
 
 
−
Unable to reach a compromise, the rulers of these realms tried to re-unite the League under their own leadership. Their disputes inevitably led to conflicts, in which these states fought each other savagely. During this period of turmoil, the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], taking advantage of the whole mess, successfully conquered a large portion of the former League's coreward border.
 
−
 
 
−
===Resurrection===
 
−
[[Jessica Marik]], daughter and heir of the false Thomas Marik, finally managed to successfully reunite the Free Worlds League. She reinforced her claim to House Marik's legacy by marrying [[Thaddeus Marik]], scion of the line of Alys Rousset-Marik, and largely succeeded in her reformation plan, being proclaimed Captain-General of the reformed Free Worlds League on July 3, 3139.
 
−
 
 
−
The reformed league listed two new positions: a [[Warden-General]] to handle military affairs and a [[Minister-General]] to handle domestic affairs of the people.<ref>''To Ride the Chimera'', p. 314</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==Military==
 
−
{{Main|Free Worlds League Military}}
 
−
The Free Worlds League has a strong emphasis on combined-arms tactics, with almost all of their regiments featuring a large number of infantry, armor, and aerospace assets, as well as one of the largest navies in the Inner Sphere. The focus on BattleMechs, however, does exist within their elite regiments, including the [[Knights of the Inner Sphere]].
 
−
 
 
−
==Manufacturing Center==
 
−
A detailed list of some FWL manufacturing centers.
 
−
 
 
−
===Heavy Aerospace Industry<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 14</ref>===
 
−
====3067====
 
−
*[[Imstar Aerospace]]
 
−
*[[Illium Shipyards]]
 
−
*[[SelaSys Incorporated]]
 
−
*[[Technicron Manufacturing]]
 
−
===Major Defense Induries<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 14</ref>===
 
−
====3067====
 
−
*[[Andurien Aerotech]]
 
−
*[[Brigadier Corporation]]
 
−
*[[Brooks Incorporated]]
 
−
*[[Corean Enterprises]]
 
−
*[[Deller-Bingham-Fouts]]
 
−
*[[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
 
−
*[[Exeter Organization]]
 
−
*[[Gibson Federated BattleMechs]]
 
−
*[[Grumman Amalgamated]]
 
−
*[[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 
−
*[[Kali Yama - Alphard Trading Corporation]]
 
−
*[[Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated]]
 
−
*[[Kallon Industries]]
 
−
*[[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]]
 
−
*[[Ronin Incorporated]]
 
−
*[[Quickscell Company]]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 174: Line 191:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]''  
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
−
*''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''
+
* ''[[BattleTech Primer]]''
−
*''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
+
* ''[[Dark Age: Touring the Stars (3130)]]''
−
*''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''  
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]''
−
*''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
−
*''[[Masters & Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
+
* ''[[Handbook: House Marik]]''
−
*''[[Strategic Operations]]''
+
* ''[[House Marik (The Free Worlds League)]]''
−
*''[[Tactical Operations]]''
+
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
−
*''[[To Ride the Chimera]]''
+
* ''[[Shattered Fortress]]''
 +
* ''[[Shrapnel (magazine)]]'', Issue #6
 +
* ''[[Strategic Operations]]''
 +
* ''[[Tactical Operations]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
−
[[Category:Free Worlds League]]
+
[[Category:Nation States|Free Worlds League]]
−
[[Category:Factions]]
+
[[Category:Free Worlds League Related Categories]]

Latest revision as of 00:52, 10 April 2024

Crest of Free Worlds League
Free Worlds League
State Profile
Founding Year 2271;
3139 (re-formed)
Dissolution year: 3079
Capital world: Atreus
Controlled system(s): 330+
Government
Head of State Captain-General
Military
Army Free Worlds League Military (FWLM)
Military Intelligence SAFE

The Free Worlds League is one of the five Successor States of the Inner Sphere. Founded in 2271 it is the oldest of these realms, and unlike the others is technically a federation of smaller states ruled by a democratic Parliament rather than a single nation under one Great House. In practice, the League has usually been a de facto military dictatorship under the Captains-General of House Marik, although their authority has been more contested than that of other House Lords. This internal strife and the League's strength as a mercantile and industrial power have arisen from the same source: the sheer diversity of the League's member provinces.

From before the Age of War through the Star League and Succession Wars eras, the Free Worlds League held its own against its external enemies but was plagued by factionalism and occasionally civil war. The mid-thirty-first century seemed to herald a new golden age for the League, as Captain-General Thomas Marik strengthened federal authority and the Clan Invasion resulted in the League's economy booming from arms exports. But providing a haven for the Word of Blake following the ComStar Schism ultimately led to the realm's undoing, as Blakist activity during the Jihad ravaged the League and finally led to its balkanizing in 3079.

For the next six decades three of the main microstates of the former League fought and maneuvered against one another, until Jessica Marik of Oriente succeeded in reuniting most of the former League in 3139. Over the next eleven years the reborn Free Worlds League endured an invasion by Clan Wolf and managed to reabsorb another wayward province, though its unity and overall survival remained dubious at times.

History[edit]

Main article: History of the Free Worlds League

The Free Worlds League was founded in 2271 with the signing of the Treaty of Marik between the Marik Republic, Federation of Oriente, and Principality of Regulus. The new nation came together when it conquered the Stewart Commonality in 2293.

The League found tougher opponents in the Capellan Confederation and Lyran Commonwealth. The League warred with the Capellans over Andurien and the worlds near it time and time again. The Age of War began as a conflict over Andurien, and the peace that ended the Third Andurien War paved the way for the creation of the Star League.

House Marik took great pride in the Star League, but it was destroyed in the Amaris coup. The five Successor States fought three Succession Wars from 2785 to 3025 to determine who would become the next First Lord, each more inconclusive then the last. The League was forced to largely stay out of the conflicts of the early thirty-first century because of internal problems, including the Marik Civil War and the Andurien Crisis.

The Clan Invasion proved a boon to the Free Worlds, as its industry provided the war matériel the other Inner Sphere powers needed to stave off the Clans. Even when Captain-General Thomas Marik launched a punitive invasion in 3057 for the death of his son, the League earned a quick victory and settled back down to peace.

The Word of Blake Jihad tore the Free Worlds asunder, both from within and without. The provinces warred with one another and split apart in the 3080s, though they still banded together for mutual defense. In 3139, Jessica Marik reunited some of the former Free Worlds provinces under her leadership.

In 3148, the reborn League faced invasions from the Marian Hegemony, Regulan Fiefs, and Duchy of Andurien, managing to defeat them all and invade the Regulan Fiefs. The state surrendered to the Free Worlds League following an invasion that was sparked by the assassination of Jessica Marik. The Regulan Fiefs were granted provisional status within the League for a period of ten years, after which they would be allowed to request full membership. By then, Andurien was the only former province of the League still out of the new.[1]

Military[edit]

Main article: Free Worlds League Military

Throughout its history the military of the Free Worlds League mirrored that of its government. Superficially under the control of Parliament, the FWLM answered to the Captain-General, with the League Central Coordination and Command group issuing orders on their behalf. Along the border with the Lyran and Capellan states were military districts, each commanded by a Marshal, who carried out the LCCC's directives and exercised broad authority to respond to enemy incursions.

However, only a fraction of the FWLM were federal troops, or League forces, answerable (and loyal) only to the Captain-General and the LCCC and funded by the federal government. The rest were provincial troops, raised, equipped and organized by each province for their own self-defense. In times of need the provincial armies could be mustered and placed under the command of the Captain-General, but starting in the thirtieth century this right began to be questioned. With the passage of the Home Defense Act, any province which could muster a majority in Parliament could declare up to three-fourths of its provincial forces unavailable, severely curtailing FWLM operations. Increases in the number of federal troops and the powers of the Captain-Generalcy finally culminated in the Military Reorganization Act of 3046, which officially removed the federal-provincial divide and placed all units under the authority of the LCCC.

The Free Worlds League Military placed a strong emphasis on combined-arms tactics, with almost all of their regiments featuring a large number of infantry, armor, and aerospace assets, as well as one of the largest navies in the Inner Sphere. The focus on BattleMechs, however, did exist within their elite regiments, including the Knights of the Inner Sphere.

League General Accounting Office[edit]

The League General Accounting Office was created in 3043 after several years of negotiations.

This department would pay large dividends for Thomas Marik when he later introduced the Military Reorganization Act: By using their control over the Free Worlds League's procurement efforts, the LGAO influenced many MPs into voting in favor of the Addendum to the Incorporation.[2]

Government[edit]

The government of the Free Worlds League was ostensibly a federal republic, with each province accorded a measure of self-rule while the representative Parliament served as the supreme federal authority, though for much of its history it operated under the martial law of a Captain-General. Membership within Parliament was determined by the amount of taxes paid into the Treasury, although every province was guaranteed at least one Member of Parliament (MP). Parliamentary districts or "wards" were based on wealth, population and other factors, with the Supreme Court overseeing redistricting every ten years. Most MPs were determined through democratic principles, though given the wide variety of planetary governments and traditions within the League - from military dictatorships to theocracies - that did not hold true for all. This mixture of regional and federal authorities, with some individuals holding multiple positions within the overlapping layers of bureaucracy, led to a continual struggle for prominence.[3][4]

At the federal level, a struggle for power between the legislative (Parliament) and executive (the Captain-General) existed almost as soon as the nation was formed. The relative dominance of either side waxed and waned over the centuries, though, in general, the Captain-General gained more and more authority.[3][4]

Parliament[edit]

The Marik Parliament

According to the Treaty of Marik, Parliament was the supreme governing body of the Free Worlds League. Parliament had the power to pass laws, create taxes, and decide on appropriations. In each two-year session, Parliament elected a Speaker, who then appointed Ministers to oversee the nine federal agencies: Communications, Defense, Energy, Foreign Affairs, Human Services, Intelligence, Justice, Taxation and Trade. These appointments also had to be ratified by Parliament, though compared to the fights over the Speakership many of these votes were perfunctory. The Speaker and nine Ministers formed the League Council, which enjoyed broad customary powers. Although any MP could introduce any bill, tradition dictated that only the League Council introduce treaties, budget proposals, and tariff bills. Additionally, League Council members were guaranteed a hearing by Parliament and so their proposals were more likely to be voted on. Per the Act of Incorporation, at least one of the nine Ministers had to come from each of the three founding League provinces, which itself often served as a source of conflict.[5]

After the Charter of Incorporation was put into effect in 3139, the number of MPs was reduced to a single MP per planet rather than being determined by taxes.[6]

In addition to the main Parliamentary body, the League also had the Lords of the Realm, a body composed of nobles who were at least planetary rulers. This body functioned in an advisory role to Parliament and could not vote. The Lords were not paid for their service, so few choose to actually attend any given session. Nonetheless, the prominence of the members and their presence at court ensured the Lords were given more media attention than the importance that the body merited.[7]

Captain-General[edit]

Main article: Captain-General of the Free Worlds League

Constitutionally, the Captain-General had only the power to oversee military matters when so appointed by Parliament. The Captain-General originally held a one-year term that could be renewed indefinitely. However, eight centuries of Parliamentary acts resulted in much greater power for the Captain-General.[8]

House Marik had a virtual stranglehold on the Captain-Generalcy, though there was no constitutional authority behind that, only historical precedent. Only two non-Marik Captains-General were ever appointed, and both were disastrous. The Succession Act of 2310 essentially allowed House Marik the ability to select a member of their family to be Captain-General.[8]

The formation of the Star League made the Captain-General a permanent position. Because of an agreement with House Cameron, the Marik Captain-General was recognized as the Council Lord from the Free Worlds League on the Star League High Council.[9] Following the fall of the Star League, Parliament passed Resolution 288, which gave the Captain-General broad powers "for the duration of the crisis". These powers included the ability to convene and dismiss Parliament, supreme authority over the Free Worlds League Military, the right to choose one's successor, and the authority to nationalize industries associated with military production.[10][8]

Two laws passed in the 3030s gave the Captain-General unprecedented power. The Internal Emergency Act of 3030 was passed in response to the Andurien Secession. The law stripped all of the provinces except the Duchy of Oriente and Principality of Regulus of their autonomy, subjecting them to the rule of the Captain-General.[10] The Addendum to the Incorporation, passed in 3037 at the insistence of Captain-General Thomas Marik, removed the ability of Parliament to use finances as a measure of checking the Captain-General's power and gave him veto power over every law passed by Parliament.[10][8]

Provinces[edit]

The number of provinces within the Free Worlds League grew dramatically from its founding, from just 15 in 2571 to 154 in 3025. Except for expansion into the former Terran Hegemony though, most of this growth came about from the fragmentation of larger polities. The vast majority of provinces also contained no more than one or two planets.[11] By 3067 the League had increased to 161 provinces, but for the most part was still dominated by the major provinces of the realm.[12]

Marik Commonwealth

One of the three original founders of the League, the Marik Commonwealth was the personal demesne of House Marik and the heart of the League. Its capital, Atreus, served as the headquarters for the military and the federal government. Safeguarded from the ravages of the Succession Wars, the Marik Commonwealth became the richest of the provinces, with a dynamic economy and vibrant culture. Within Parliament, the Commonwealth had the largest (and most unified) number of MPs.

Principality of Regulus

Second of the founding members, the Principality of Regulus was originally a mercantile alliance ruled over by House Selaj, until their growing opposition to House Marik's rule (culminating in their support for the infamous "Scourge of Death" terrorist group), instigated their forced deposition by Captain-General Geralk Marik. The succeeding House Cameron-Jones was initially loyal to House Marik, though they too eventually grew apart over time and Regulans once again became known for their regionalism. The Principality was second only to the Marik Commonwealth in terms of economic output.

Duchy of Oriente

The Duchy of Oriente was the third founder of the League. Formerly the technological and industrial center of the League, the Duchy of Oriente was ravaged during the Succession Wars, especially by the Capellan Confederation. House Allison once ruled the Duchy until their last heir died fighting against House Liao in 2845; their position was later taken up by House Halas, a MechWarrior family endorsed by House Marik. A desire for revenge against the Capellans often saw Oriente MPs allying with the Marik Commonwealth in Parliament, though they were not above wielding their power as a "swing vote" between the Commonwealth and Regulus for their own purposes.

Duchy of Andurien

Once a minor member of the League, the Duchy of Andurien was initially partitioned off to the Capellan Confederation during the Star League era, only to be reborn during the First Succession War and become one of the strongest in the Free Worlds League. Chaffing under the rule of the transplanted House Humphrey and the federal government, the fiercely independent Anduriens would make their bid for independence in the Andurien Secession. The ten-year conflict resulted in the province's forceful reintegration into the League and the disbandment of its military, along with an increased presence of SAFE operatives.

Other Provinces of Note

The Stewart Commonality was the first to be annexed by the nascent Free Worlds League; thereafter it became a strong supporter of the Marik Commonwealth. The Duchy of Graham-Marik was also a stalwart friend of House Marik, being related by blood, and the province was created from a small part of the Commonwealth as thanks to House Graham's support. The Abbey District was also historically a Marik ally, coming to prominence after the discovery of valuable rare earths within its territory, as was the Border Protectorate (not to be confused with the Protectorate, formerly ruled by Anton Marik until his failed rebellion caused the province to come under direct federal rule). The Duchy of Tamarind, while often positioning itself as a swing vote in Parliament, was reasonably friendly to the Marik government.

After the scourging of the Regulan Principality, several new provinces were created. The Rim Commonality maintained close ties with Regulus and was a frequent opponents of the Mariks in Parliament. The Principality of Gibson was ardently hostile to Regulus, although this cooled somewhat following the discovery of SAFE infiltrators within the Gibson government. Conversely, the Free Regulan States were successfully infiltrated by Regulan agents, which turned the pro-Marik government into an ardent supporter of Regulus.

The Duchy of Orloff was once a part of Oriente before gaining independence in a peaceable split, and with which it maintained friendly relations. The Sirian Concordance was formerly of the Terran Hegemony until their seizure during the Succession Wars. While having strong democratic traditions, Sirian MPs frequently quarreled with each other, preventing any sort of unified bloc. Both the Zion and Ohrensen provinces were gained via subterfuge at House Liao's expense, although at times their loyalty to the League was questioned.

While not exactly a province, the Silver Hawks was a coalition of independent worlds with common interests. Comprising Danais, Shiloh, Amity, Callison, and Kalidasa, the Silver Hawks frequently voted as a bloc in Parliament, typically in opposition to military adventures directed at the Lyran and Capellan states.

Economy[edit]

The economy of the Free Worlds League, historically lacking in heavy industry, was long defined by its dedication to technological innovation and free trade, built on the strength of the M-Bill. This latter philosophy was in direct opposition to the stifling tariffs and customs laws of the Terran Alliance and inspired by the works of Arthur J. Bodhran, whose book Conflict in the Marketplace advocated that a laissez-faire approach could more effectively wage "economic warfare" than the traditional military approach to defeating enemies. The unrestricted and unregulated commerce of the early Free Worlds League led to a booming economy and a drastic shrinkage in the number of trading companies as competitors forcibly acquired or drove each other out of business. Concerns about this state of affairs led to numerous debates in Parliament, although every attempt to introduce regulation was defeated.[13]

After the Free Worlds League conquered the Magistracy of Canopus during the Reunification War, it invested heavily in rebuilding the Periphery state's shattered economy. The Magistracy returned the favor by using its cheaper labor and rebuilt infrastructure to out-compete Free World businesses which, combined with a stronger Lyran economy, plunged the League into a ten-year depression. Protectionism began to take hold within Parliament, although its promoters remained in a minority compared to the Free Trade advocates. That all changed in 2622 when Edmund McVey Hassan's book Chains of History was published, eloquently arguing that the current unregulated economy had only benefited the wealthy elite at the expense of the masses. It also argued that membership in the Star League had eroded the Free Worlds' technological edge and was a future threat to its' political and cultural identity. Overnight the Protectionists came to power in Parliament, and while Star League law prevented tariffs between member states, the Protectionists succeeded in creating subsidies, low-interest loans, and other government regulations to support Free Worlds businesses. Protectionist control in Parliament lasted a generation before fracturing over arguments about long-range financial planning.[14]

The Succession Wars were something which baffled Free Worlds traders, whose entrepreneurial and business mindset simply couldn't comprehend warfare lasting as long. The Proscription Act, forbidding the sale or import of many goods from the other Successor States, marked a sharp and drastic return of previous Protectionist economic policy. Many trading firms were forced to end all foreign trade, try to circumvent it illegally, or simply go out of business.[15] A measure of relief came during the Third Succession War as tentative mercantile relations resumed with the League's neighbors, bringing in much-needed foreign currency.[16]

The Fourth Succession War, and with it the formation of both FedCom and the Kapteyn Accords, threatened the Free Worlds' economy with ruin as both major alliances were strongly protectionist. Instead, a number of factors played into the revitalization and expansion of the Free Worlds economy. Largely untouched by the Fourth Succession War and War of 3039, the League was able to sell its military products to the other Great Houses, who were in desperate need to replenish their forces. Even the League's own Andurien Crisis helped spur economic growth, not just in production of war matériel but also investment for later reconstruction. The increase in federal power, and with it new regulations such as a League-wide minimum wage and mandated vacation laws, brought increased prosperity to the League and its citizens. It was the Clan Invasion however which really jump-started the economy, as the Free Worlds League became the arsenal which supplied the FedCom and Combine's efforts to resist the Clan invaders. This policy continued after the threat of the Clans abated, helping to catapult the economy and raise the average wage of League citizens to its highest level since the Star League era.[16][17]

Manufacturing Centers[edit]

The Free Worlds League has traditionally lagged behind the other Great Houses in manufacturing, using trade to make up the difference. In 3025, there were seventeen BattleMech manufacturers within the League with either full or partial production lines running, building an estimated 500 'Mechs per year. Of the twenty-four different 'Mech models produced natively, the most common were Stingers, Wasps, Locusts, Hermes IIs, Griffins, Wolverines, Warhammers, and Orions. The exception to this trend was the League's aerospace industry, which had helped earn it the reputation as the "Gateway to the Stars." In 3025, even after the devastation of the Succession Wars, there were eight different factories producing a total of 325 aerospace fighters annually and ten active shipyards capable of building DropShips and JumpShips at a rate of eight and three a year respectively.[18]

The economic growth of the thirty-first century, especially as a result of the Clan invasion, massively increased the productivity of the FWL industries: by 3067, half of all 'Mech production within the Inner Sphere came from the top ten League 'Mech manufacturers.[19] The aerospace industry similarly underwent a revitalization, reacquiring the ability to refit and build WarShips for the first time in centuries. The FWL navy went from ten WarShips in 3059 to forty WarShips by 3067, making it the fastest-growing in the Inner Sphere and numerically superior to any other Successor State.[20][21][22]

3067[edit]

Heavy Aerospace Industry[23]
Major Defense Industries[24]

Culture and Society[edit]

Unlike the other Successor States, there is no overarching Terran-based culture that defines the Free Worlds League. Instead the League is composed of a diverse array of peoples and traditions, from Eastern European to Indian, with the expectation of tolerance for different points of view. Though English is the official language and lingua franca of the League, many others are spoken widely throughout the realm, including Czech, Arabic, and Urdu. This mixing of cultures has allowed for greater expressions of individuality and consideration of different ways of thinking among the population, while simultaneously leading to greater disunity and hindering the ability to swiftly rally towards a common purpose.[25][26]

If there is said to be an underlying culture to the state it is its entrepreneurial spirit; a popular stereotype has it that the people of the Free Worlds League have trouble embracing philosophies which can't be expressed in terms of revenue and cost. A belief in the free market and that any person could "make it" formed the foundation of the League, which was seemingly justified given the prosperity of the Star League era. The onset of the Succession Wars was a rude shock for the more utopian beliefs in the free market's ability to solve any problem, though it did not wholly extinguish the spirit.[25]

A more surprising undercurrent in League society is a discrimination against bionic enhancements. While replacement organs and limbs on account of injury are largely accepted by all except fringe fanatics, those who attempt to enhance the human body are met with bigotry and even violence. Part of this discrimination comes from the moral question of how much a person can replace of themselves before the human condition no longer applies to them. Part has to do with the fact that bionic replacement surgery is largely limited to the wealthy, creating further separation between the "haves" and "have-nots." Attitudes towards bionics varies between worlds: from tolerance towards all but the most visually apparent enhancements, to outright hostility at even the suspicion of improvement.[25][27]

The motto of the Free Worlds League was "United We Stand."[28]

Era Maps Gallery[edit]

  • Free Worlds League at its founding in 2271

  • Free Worlds League after the Age of War in 2571

  • Free Worlds League after the Reunification War in 2596

  • Free Worlds League after the First Succession War in 2822

  • Free Worlds League after the Second Succession War in 2864

  • Free Worlds League after the Third Succession War in 3025

  • Free Worlds League after the Fourth Succession War in 3030

  • Free Worlds League after Operation Guerrero in 3058

  • Free Worlds League after the FedCom Civil War in 3067

  • former Free Worlds League 3130

Historical: Maps[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 54
  2. ↑ 20 Year Update, p. 53
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 59
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Handbook: House Marik, p. 78
  5. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, pp. 78, 82–84: "Parliament"
  6. ↑ Shrapnel, Issue #6, p. 92: "Persuading Parliament: A Lobbyist's Guide to Atreus"
  7. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, p. 84: "Lords of the Realm"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Handbook: House Marik, p. 78: "The Captain-General"
  9. ↑ House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 18: "Forging the New Alliance"
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Handbook: House Marik, p. 81
  11. ↑ House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 62
  12. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, pp. 62–68
  13. ↑ House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 123
  14. ↑ House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 124
  15. ↑ House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 125
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Handbook: House Marik, p. 123
  17. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050, p. 42
  18. ↑ House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 114
  19. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, p. 127
  20. ↑ Field Manual: Free Worlds League, p. 117
  21. ↑ Field Manual: Updates, p. 144
  22. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, p. 135
  23. ↑ Strategic Operations, p. 14
  24. ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 14
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 House Marik (The Free Worlds League), pp. 75–77
  26. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, p. 10
  27. ↑ Handbook: House Marik, p. 119
  28. ↑ BattleTech Primer, 2019 ed., p. 11: "House Marik (Free Worlds League)"

Bibliography[edit]

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