Difference between revisions of "Periphery"

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* The Periphery is largely unpopulated.  The inhabitants are brave (or foolish).  Little centralized government and economy means poor education and medicine.
 
* The Periphery is largely unpopulated.  The inhabitants are brave (or foolish).  Little centralized government and economy means poor education and medicine.
 
* Worse, the Periphery is home of interstellar villains bent on destruction.
 
* Worse, the Periphery is home of interstellar villains bent on destruction.
* The denizens of the Periphery care nothing for the well fare of the Inner Sphere
+
* The denizens of the Periphery care nothing for the welfare of the Inner Sphere
  
 
The first two of these views became prevalent when the nascent [[Star League]] began an anti-Periphery propaganda campaign run around [[2571]], just before the commencement of the [[Reunification War]].  The third of these three views became popular in response to the callous indifference of Magistrix [[Janina Centrella]], who ruled the [[Magistracy of Canopus]] during the [[Amaris Civil War]].  Most Spheroids also believe the paucity of settlements means small groups practice vigilante ("frontier") justice, but given the vast nature of the Periphery, bands of criminals are able to find refuge and depredate the weak.  Spheroids generally dismiss Peripehery nations as "[[Bandit Kingdom|Bandit Kingdoms]]".
 
The first two of these views became prevalent when the nascent [[Star League]] began an anti-Periphery propaganda campaign run around [[2571]], just before the commencement of the [[Reunification War]].  The third of these three views became popular in response to the callous indifference of Magistrix [[Janina Centrella]], who ruled the [[Magistracy of Canopus]] during the [[Amaris Civil War]].  Most Spheroids also believe the paucity of settlements means small groups practice vigilante ("frontier") justice, but given the vast nature of the Periphery, bands of criminals are able to find refuge and depredate the weak.  Spheroids generally dismiss Peripehery nations as "[[Bandit Kingdom|Bandit Kingdoms]]".
  
Inner Sphere stereotypes of the Periphery are not altogether unwarranted, especially given the history of the [[Amaris Civil War]].  Today, many Periphery worlds are indeed little more than hideouts and havens for groups of criminals (bandits, pirates, assassins, renegades and deserters) or undesirables (misfits, expatriates, religious extremists and fanatics).  Because of a lack of centralized authority and communications, the Periphery is well suited to providing refuge or seclusion.  Even large corporate interests have colonized or occupied Periphery worlds in hopes of conducting business beyond prying eyes and (sometimes) ethical constraints, a trend begun during the [[Territorial Period]]; during the Territorial Period, backwater Periphery worlds were used as testing grounds for the latest in [[Star League]] [[BattleTechnology]] (frequently to the terror of the local denizens).
+
===Attitudes Held by Periphery Denizens===
 
 
The irony is that the fringe demographic of the Periphery was an unintended consequence of the Inner Sphere's [[Reunification War]].  Much of the fringe elements common in the Periphery emigrated between [[2610]] and [[2680]] during the "[[Second Invasion of the Periphery]]", a migration made possible by the lack of central governments (disrupted or destroyed by the Star League) and the removal of Star League garrisons.  It was this mass migration that has stagnated much of the Periphery development - though never robust, the central governments of the Periphery were capable entities before the burdensome elements of the Inner Sphere immigrated.
 
 
 
===Stereotypes Held by Periphery Denizens===
 
  
 
Periphery denizens commonly harbor a grave mistrust, callous indifference, or ruthless social Darwinist tendencies towards the governments and people of the Inner Sphere.  Upon discovery of (most) Periphery realms, the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere tended to depredate Periphery realms.  After the end of the [[Reunification War]], the [[Territorial Period]] began.  From approximately [[2600]] to [[2750]], the major Periphery realms were forced to participate in the [[Star League]] [[High Council]] as non-voting [[Territorial States]].  Territorial States were forced to pay steep taxes, with little return.  Propaganda campaigns were also implemented, and nationalistic activities were at best frowned upon.  Not limited to media, propaganda also included "higher educational reforms" in the 2670s, and "primary education reforms" in the 2680s.  The common student in a primary school would be forced through the following indoctrination daily:
 
Periphery denizens commonly harbor a grave mistrust, callous indifference, or ruthless social Darwinist tendencies towards the governments and people of the Inner Sphere.  Upon discovery of (most) Periphery realms, the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere tended to depredate Periphery realms.  After the end of the [[Reunification War]], the [[Territorial Period]] began.  From approximately [[2600]] to [[2750]], the major Periphery realms were forced to participate in the [[Star League]] [[High Council]] as non-voting [[Territorial States]].  Territorial States were forced to pay steep taxes, with little return.  Propaganda campaigns were also implemented, and nationalistic activities were at best frowned upon.  Not limited to media, propaganda also included "higher educational reforms" in the 2670s, and "primary education reforms" in the 2680s.  The common student in a primary school would be forced through the following indoctrination daily:
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* Turn to Terra to offer thanks
 
* Turn to Terra to offer thanks
  
When the detritus of the Inner Sphere emigrated to the Periphery, "Second Invasion of the Inner Sphere" further crippled Periphery economies leading to a greater mistrust.  Though Periphery and Deep Periphery settlements could be found well over 500 light years from [[Terra]], it was during this "winter of our discontent" in which another migration commenced, increasing the density of human settlements even beyond the Periphery.
+
The "[[Second Invasion of the Periphery]]", the migration of undesirables (including the poor and uneducated, anarchists, carpet baggers and speculators, and political and religious extremist), increased the economic burden on the already crippled, post-war Periphery economies, leading to even greater mistrust.  Though Periphery and Deep Periphery settlements could be found well over 500 light years from [[Terra]], it was during this "winter of our discontent" in which another outward migration commenced; this time, Periphery denizens decided to migrate even farther from [[Terra]] in order to escape the unwanted [[Star League]].
 +
 
 +
===Beyond the Stereotypes: the Periphery Denizen===
 +
 
 +
Inner Sphere stereotypes of the Periphery are not altogether unwarranted, especially given the history of the [[Amaris Civil War]].  Today, many Periphery worlds are indeed little more than hideouts and havens for groups of criminals (bandits, pirates, assassins, renegades and deserters) or undesirables (misfits, expatriates, religious extremists and fanatics).  Those who have resorted to violence and piracy often find it difficult to become legitimate.  The lack of society and the presence of privateers makes interstellar trade quite dangerous, reducing the availability of needed supplies, which in turn forces locals to resort to more privateering in order to maintain their settlements - a clear vicious cycle.
  
===Beyond the Stereotypes===
+
For those who do not want to be found, the relative lack of centralized authority and communications in the Periphery is well suited to providing refuge or seclusion.  For just such reasons, large corporate interests have also colonized or occupied Periphery worlds in hopes of conducting business beyond prying eyes and (sometimes) ethical constraints, a trend begun during the [[Territorial Period]].  During the Territorial Period, backwater Periphery worlds were used as testing grounds for the latest in [[Star League]] [[BattleTechnology]] (frequently to the terror of the local inhabitants).
  
The Periphery is not simply a refuge for the fringes of societyIndeed, the most influential Periphery realms can be compared favorably with smaller [[Inner Sphere]] powers, with greater degrees of liberty and educationThe relative freedoms of the Periphery have also drawn refugees or deserters of the [[Succession Wars]] who sought a peace for themselves and their families.
+
Ironically, the fringe demographic of the Periphery was an unintended consequence of the Inner Sphere's [[Reunification War]]Much of the fringe elements common in the Periphery emigrated between [[2610]] and [[2680]] during the "[[Second Invasion of the Periphery]]", a migration made possible by the lack of central governments (disrupted or destroyed by the Star League) and the removal of Star League garrisonsIt was this mass migration that has stagnated much of the Periphery development - though never robust, the central governments of the Periphery were capable entities before the burdensome elements of the Inner Sphere immigrated.
  
Those living in the periphery also have a distinct set of core values compared with those of an Inner Sphere denizen.  People living in the Periphery either are, or are descended from, individuals who left the relative comfort of civilization.  As such, Periphery denizens tend to care less for technology, large government, wealth, communications or medicine and education.  Hard living and self-determination are generally held in the highest regard within the Periphery.
+
However, the Periphery is not simply a refuge for the fringes of society.  Indeed, the most influential Periphery realms can be compared favorably with smaller [[Inner Sphere]] powers, with greater degrees of liberty and education.  The relative freedoms of the Periphery have also drawn refugees or deserters of the [[Succession Wars]] who sought peace for themselves and their families.  Those living in the Periphery also have a distinct set of core values compared with those of an Inner Sphere denizen.  The majority of Periphery settlers (and their descendants) were/are individuals who live without the relative comfort of Inner Sphere civilization.  As such, Periphery denizens tend to care less for technology, large government, wealth, communications or medicine and education.  Hard living and self-determination are generally held in the highest regard with the majority of Periphery denizens.
  
 
==Periphery Realms==
 
==Periphery Realms==

Revision as of 13:54, 19 June 2009

This article is about the region of space. For the sourcebooks about the region, see The Periphery.

The Periphery refers to the region of space surrounding the Inner Sphere. The border between "the Periphery" and the "Inner Sphere" is generally 450 - 550 light years away from Terra. The Periphery is surrounded by the Deep Periphery, though the borders for this region of space are more nebulous. The Periphery is littered with small colonies and a handful of interstellar nations, legitimate or not.

Overview

Although some Periphery colonies pre-date the Star League, this region of space remains sparsely populated and fiercely independent. Worlds within the Periphery tend to lack amenities available within the Inner Sphere, including faster-than-light communication. However, the Periphery is not devoid of civilization and culture. Interstellar trade is common, and a handful of strong Periphery realms have emerged over the centuries. Always restless and rebellious, the largest Periphery states were subjugated by the SLDF in the Reunification War. Further, the Amaris Civil War resulted in the destruction of the largest Periphery realm, the Rim Worlds Republic, and a lasting vilification of the Periphery in general. Though largely spared the horrors of the Succession Wars, Lostech development within the Periphery has been relatively stagnant.

Inhabitants

Stereotypes Held by the Inner Sphere

The common Spheroid perceives the Periphery in one of three ways:

  • The Periphery is largely unpopulated. The inhabitants are brave (or foolish). Little centralized government and economy means poor education and medicine.
  • Worse, the Periphery is home of interstellar villains bent on destruction.
  • The denizens of the Periphery care nothing for the welfare of the Inner Sphere

The first two of these views became prevalent when the nascent Star League began an anti-Periphery propaganda campaign run around 2571, just before the commencement of the Reunification War. The third of these three views became popular in response to the callous indifference of Magistrix Janina Centrella, who ruled the Magistracy of Canopus during the Amaris Civil War. Most Spheroids also believe the paucity of settlements means small groups practice vigilante ("frontier") justice, but given the vast nature of the Periphery, bands of criminals are able to find refuge and depredate the weak. Spheroids generally dismiss Peripehery nations as "Bandit Kingdoms".

Attitudes Held by Periphery Denizens

Periphery denizens commonly harbor a grave mistrust, callous indifference, or ruthless social Darwinist tendencies towards the governments and people of the Inner Sphere. Upon discovery of (most) Periphery realms, the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere tended to depredate Periphery realms. After the end of the Reunification War, the Territorial Period began. From approximately 2600 to 2750, the major Periphery realms were forced to participate in the Star League High Council as non-voting Territorial States. Territorial States were forced to pay steep taxes, with little return. Propaganda campaigns were also implemented, and nationalistic activities were at best frowned upon. Not limited to media, propaganda also included "higher educational reforms" in the 2670s, and "primary education reforms" in the 2680s. The common student in a primary school would be forced through the following indoctrination daily:

  • Pledge allegiance to the Star League and the First Lord
  • Meditate on "the many benefits that the bountiful Star League has bestowed on us"
  • Give a prayer of thanksgiving to the First Lord
  • Turn to Terra to offer thanks

The "Second Invasion of the Periphery", the migration of undesirables (including the poor and uneducated, anarchists, carpet baggers and speculators, and political and religious extremist), increased the economic burden on the already crippled, post-war Periphery economies, leading to even greater mistrust. Though Periphery and Deep Periphery settlements could be found well over 500 light years from Terra, it was during this "winter of our discontent" in which another outward migration commenced; this time, Periphery denizens decided to migrate even farther from Terra in order to escape the unwanted Star League.

Beyond the Stereotypes: the Periphery Denizen

Inner Sphere stereotypes of the Periphery are not altogether unwarranted, especially given the history of the Amaris Civil War. Today, many Periphery worlds are indeed little more than hideouts and havens for groups of criminals (bandits, pirates, assassins, renegades and deserters) or undesirables (misfits, expatriates, religious extremists and fanatics). Those who have resorted to violence and piracy often find it difficult to become legitimate. The lack of society and the presence of privateers makes interstellar trade quite dangerous, reducing the availability of needed supplies, which in turn forces locals to resort to more privateering in order to maintain their settlements - a clear vicious cycle.

For those who do not want to be found, the relative lack of centralized authority and communications in the Periphery is well suited to providing refuge or seclusion. For just such reasons, large corporate interests have also colonized or occupied Periphery worlds in hopes of conducting business beyond prying eyes and (sometimes) ethical constraints, a trend begun during the Territorial Period. During the Territorial Period, backwater Periphery worlds were used as testing grounds for the latest in Star League BattleTechnology (frequently to the terror of the local inhabitants).

Ironically, the fringe demographic of the Periphery was an unintended consequence of the Inner Sphere's Reunification War. Much of the fringe elements common in the Periphery emigrated between 2610 and 2680 during the "Second Invasion of the Periphery", a migration made possible by the lack of central governments (disrupted or destroyed by the Star League) and the removal of Star League garrisons. It was this mass migration that has stagnated much of the Periphery development - though never robust, the central governments of the Periphery were capable entities before the burdensome elements of the Inner Sphere immigrated.

However, the Periphery is not simply a refuge for the fringes of society. Indeed, the most influential Periphery realms can be compared favorably with smaller Inner Sphere powers, with greater degrees of liberty and education. The relative freedoms of the Periphery have also drawn refugees or deserters of the Succession Wars who sought peace for themselves and their families. Those living in the Periphery also have a distinct set of core values compared with those of an Inner Sphere denizen. The majority of Periphery settlers (and their descendants) were/are individuals who live without the relative comfort of Inner Sphere civilization. As such, Periphery denizens tend to care less for technology, large government, wealth, communications or medicine and education. Hard living and self-determination are generally held in the highest regard with the majority of Periphery denizens.

Periphery Realms

Periphery states range from single independent planets, minor alliances, small confederations, trade conglomerates, and major interstellar nations. The largest Periphery realms are able to rival certain Successor States themselves in wealth, political power, and military might.

Major Powers

Major powers have prospered as a result of the "Piranha Principal". A larger Inner Sphere power, for example the Free Worlds League, would be able to conquer the Magistracy of Canopus. However, the effort required to subdue the Magistracy would require the League to lower its defenses against both the Lyran Alliance and the Capellan Confederation. The cost-benefit balance required to subjugate a major Periphery power has allowed larger Periphery realms relative peace. Though Periphery realms have experienced several wars, only twice, during the Reunification War (2577-2597) and the Amaris Civil War (2767-2780), has the undivided attention of the Inner Sphere military-industrial complex been aimed at Major Periphery powers.

Medium Powers

  • Marian Hegemony: A small, aggressive state, noted for its adoption of an Imperial Roman social model. Absorbed many minor Periphery states.

Minor Powers

  • Barony of Strang: A Bandit kingdom ruled by the descendants of supporters of Stefan Amaris, overrun by the Clans.
  • Fronc Reaches: Formerly named the New Colony Region, this nation gained independence in 3066.
  • Mica Majority: A minor collection of atmospherically domed colonies.

Independent Systems

Independent systems within the Periphery tend to be extremely wild, well defended, beneficial because of their independence, or unnoticed. Below is a list of near periphery colony worlds (small factions residing on these worlds are listed in parentheses):

Colonies

Deep Periphery

The Deep Periphery is the largely uncharted, unexplored region of space "beyond the periphery". The Deep Periphery is home to the Clans, a few proto-states, and a host of small colonies. An extremely abreviated list of deep periphery denizens includes:

Sources