The Thalon Empire

People

A humanoid species biologically similar to Earthlings, Thaloids primarily inhabit temperate planets with stable climates however they are susceptible to environmental extremes. Their attractive appearance and highly socially centric culture have allowed them to thrive and multiply while making them adept diplomats and traders. Particularly skilled in linguistics all Thaloids share one homogenous tongue.


Key Figures

Ceno Thal: A descendent of noble lineage and older brother of Emperor Thal IV. His legacy would forever change the destiny of his people. Formally trained as a Doctor of Neurology at the University of Thalo Sul his medical knowledge and training would sculpt his philosophical and sociological beliefs and provide the basis for his thesis known as the "Theorem" (see excerpt below).

"Whether by "higher" design or evolutionary process, the physical Thaloid body represents and encases a perfectly functioning biological mechanism. Subject to certain environmental conditions this state of being can continue uninhibited for very long spans of time. Each constituent part - the brain, heart, eyes et al - have their own inherent function but also act and operate interdependently as a part of a completely unified system." (Chap I, p.5)

Eventually all sentient life on Thalon would adopt his teachings executed in turn through the will of the Select Council (S.C.).
 

Society

Whilst highly hierarchical Thaloids share a sense of duty, loyalty and adherence to a unified cause that is second to none. All society is divided into three "Tiers" as ordained by the writings of Ceno Thal. Redevelopment of social institutions and conduct along the lines an anatomical model would ultimately shape the course of Thalon society over the next 240 years.

The "Tiers":

Tier I | Higher Functions (Cerebral)
Seat of Governance - Executive authority rests exclusively the S.C.
Mandates - Establishes planetary strategic priorities, monitors and delegates decision-making authority to sub-tiers, handles all space and extra planetary operations.

Tier II | Medial Function (Sensory)
Seat of Governance - The Kapitol is comprised of appointed officials from the Five Ministries: Ministry of See, Ministry of Tone, Ministry of Heed, Ministry of Feel, and Ministry of Scent.
Mandates - Each Ministry has a separate mandate and they are respectively: Surveillance and intelligence operations, public relations and media, history and archives, EQ/pleasure and recreation, and perfumery.

Tier III | Substrate Function (Processing)
Seat of Governance - Mostly comprised of separate autonomous entities required to report directly to the Ministry of See.
Mandates - Education, transportation networks, waste collection to name a few.


History

The antecedents of the Thalon Empire arose from the alliance of the "Three" or "Le Seleciao (The Selected)" the primary Western republics that ruled and occupied the largest continent on Thalon. After numerous planetary wars and regional skirmishes, the emergence of a dominant global military force was precipitated by the discovery of an alien race, The Unseen, an extra dimensional race existing in a "separate but parallel" plane of the space/time continuum. When ocular technology was invented that broadened the scope of the electromagnetic spectrum to incorporate the hyperwave (hW) frequency an immediate threat was detected upon which hinged the survival of the species.

As the saying goes, the most effective parasite uses but never kills the host. The Unseen could inhabit the bodies of Thaloids and gain control of their minds while feeding off their mental energy for sustenance. Eventually, this would result in the host becoming clinically insane - bordering on blood lust. When the extent of the infiltration was unearthed, a planetary struggle began between the Unaffected (those who retained their own independent thought processes) and the Turned (who were under total mind control of their parasitic masters).

The war dubbed "The Knife's Edge" would last 27 years from 2128 to 2155. While entire libraries on Thalon are dedicated to the titanic struggle that unfolded killing untold millions on both sides, the Unaffected led by the "Three" would emerge victorious fending off the Turned and repelling the Unseen from the solar system. After the war, reconstruction efforts could begin ushering in a new era of peace and stability...