The Colonies
Governed by the powerful Interstellar Colonial Authority (ICA), the Federal Colonies encompasses a sphere of influence 20 light years in radius with Sol at the centre. The UEF reserves the right to expand this sphere of influence, and annex any colonies lying beyond it’s boundaries, up to and including all star systems in a 50 light year radius from Sol.
The Federal Colonies are split into three distinct regions:
Humanity has explored hundreds of worlds, and has established dozens of colonies and outposts. Keepers should feel free to add to, amend, or
alter the colony worlds as desired, and to create new worlds that suit his or her game. The Astro-Cartography section shows the locations of
the major star systems inhabited by Humanity. There are many colonies not listed in these rules.
Colonies grow at varying rates, depending on the corporate support they receive, and the biosphere of the world they are on. Eventually most colonies reach a point where they become an positive asset to the corporation which funds it, by producing trade goods, and after a generation, skilled workers.
These skilled workers are part of the rapidly growing populations of the colonies, and the corporations have developed many techniques for managing them successfully. Colonists are taught to live active, disciplined lives, to maximize their economic value and to reduce the risks of living in the colonies. Good educations are available for all.
By contrast, the disorganized state of the population of Earth means that there are fewer people there who are as well disciplined and well-educated as the people living in the colonies.
Types of Colonies:
Class 1 Colony World:
The greatest prize in the colonisation of extra-solar planets, a Class 1 Colony World is classified by the ICA as being a hospitable, Earth-like planet with a biosphere that features an abundance of liquid water, oxygen-rich breathable atmosphere, comfortable climate and either the existance of indigenous flora and fauna, or great potential to support terrestrial life. Most such planets lie within the parent star's comfort zone.
All planets so far classified Class 1 by the ICA are highly prized, and when the highly prized Colonisation Development Contracts (CDCs) are issued, the there is usually a frenetic bidding war by interested megacorporations. Planets classified Class 1 in Far Space are not subject to ICA regulation - so far. Those that are in UEF territory are being rapidly developed, and emmigration requests to such worlds are always very high.
All Class 1 colonies in the Core Systems have extensive orbital facilities, high-tech manufacturing, heavy industry, and are almost completely self-sufficient.
Class 2 Colony World:
Class 2 Colony Worlds are classified by the ICA as being habitable planets that have borderline biospheres adaptable to human use through short to medium term terraforming projects. Most established Class 2 colonies have two important attributes: manufacturing capability, and an orbital spacecraft service facility.
The exact level of technology available varies with each colony, but all have at least some ability to manufacture their own goods. They are self-sufficient in the most vital commodities: food, water, and air. The most advanced Class 2 colonies even have full high-tech manufacturing and heavy industry.
Class 3 Colony World:
Class 3 colonies are established on worlds possessing deposits of valuable raw materials, but which otherwise would not be desirable for human habitation. If the extraction of the planet's natural resources can be made economically viable, corporate investment will fund a colonial mission.
Few have more than rudimentary manufacturing ability. Long term terraforming projects are initiated on worlds with potential but as this involves decades of expensive work before the world is truly habitable, the resources on the planet must be sizeable. Some Class 3 colonies will eventually become habitable, and thus be moved up to Class 2 status. Others will remain Class 3.
Population on Class 3 colonies is small, usually ranging from no more than a few hundred to a few thousand technical staff and their families to service the automated terraforming/mining machinery.
Outpost:
Outposts are planets which possess no established civilian colony, but are nevertheless occupied. On some Outposts, there are also top-secret military and scientific facilities. Weapons tests, unusual research, and high-security prisons are placed here. Others that are referred to as Garrison Worlds, have been fortified for military purposes. The fortifications consist of deep space sensor arrays to detect the arrival of ships in the system, and a number of craft for in-system defence.
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