Castellum Regency
The Castellum Regency is a militarized, semi-autonomous faction that controls the Castellum Constellation, a key cluster of fortress systems surrounding the former imperial capital, Citadel. Formed in the aftermath of the Galactic Civil War following the death of the last emperor, the Castellum Regency has spent time ever since maintaining a fragile peace and defending the region in the name of the old empire.
Structure
The Legatus-Prefect Praetoria (Supreme Commander of the Praetorian Legions) still serves as the head of state, but the power dynamics have shifted to a more complex hierarchy as the Regency formalized its system of governance. Over the centuries, the Praetorian High Command became a governing council, balancing military power with civilian bureaucratic administration.
The Praetorian Provisional Senate: This body was formed to represent both military and civilian interests. Comprising high-ranking officers from each fortress world and elected civilian officials from key population centers, the Senate advises the Supreme Commander and holds some legislative power over the Regency.
The Council of Commanders: The military commanders of each fortress world still maintain significant autonomy within their territories but are now more integrated into the governing structure. They oversee military operations, local administration, and ensure that their systems remain loyal to the ideals of the Imperium. The Council convenes regularly to discuss defense strategies and external threats, often acting as a check on the Supreme Commander’s power.
Civilian Governance: As time has passed, a professional bureaucratic class have emerged to manage day-to-day governance, trade, and infrastructure. These bureaucrats, often descendants of imperial officials, work alongside the military to maintain the economy, education, and health services in the constellation. While technically under military oversight, they hold considerable influence.
Culture
The Castellum Regency operates under a strict cultural hierarchy rooted in control and loyalty. At its center is Citadel, the former imperial capital, now an isolated, seemingly idyllic world where the population enjoys peace and prosperity under the careful governance of the Praetorian Guard. Information is tightly controlled, ensuring that Citadel’s nobility and middle class remain disconnected from the struggles of the wider galaxy. reportedly The nobility is consumed by court intrigue and ceremonial duties, while the middle class enjoys a life of comfort, with little reason to question the Regency’s rule.
In contrast to the sheltered life of Citadel, the fortress worlds surrounding it—systems fortified with military garrisons, shipyards, and defense installations—operate under a strict, more pragmatic regime. These worlds, while still controlled by the Regency, have a closer connection to the galaxy at large. They are responsible for defending the Castellum Constellation from external threats, conducting limited trade with other factions, and ensuring the stability of the Regency’s military power. Life on the fortress worlds is more austere than on Citadel. While information is still controlled, the inhabitants of these systems—especially military personnel, traders, and administrators—are more aware of the broader galactic situation. They understand that the galaxy is not as stable as the citizens of Citadel believe, and many are aware of the shifting alliances, wars, and political upheavals occurring beyond the borders of the Castellum Regency. However, loyalty to the Praetorian Guard and the Regency remains strong, as the fortress worlds depend on the Regency’s protection and resources to survive. While the middle class in the fortress systems may have fewer luxuries than their counterparts in Citadel, they are still provided for, with housing, jobs, and education largely managed by the military. The nobility on these worlds tend to be more practical and militaristic, often involved in managing regional defenses or commanding local fleets. Their sense of loyalty is often tied to their role as defenders of the Regency rather than any deep connection to the old empire’s legacy.
Public Agenda
The primary objective of the Castellum Regency is to maintain peace and stability within the Castellum Constellation. Servering as its protectors and temporary caretaker government until the civil war has ended, waiting for a rightful heir to return and assume the throne, thusly restoring the empire to its former glory.
History
The Castellum Regency was established in the immediate aftermath of the Galactic Civil War, when the imperial throne was left vacant after the death of the last emperor. The military commanders of the Castellum Constellation, led by the Commander of the Praetorian Guard, declared their intent to safeguard the region until the rightful heir to the empire could be found. Over the centuries however, no heir emerged, and the Regency’s rule has solidified into a stable, if stagnant, government. The Praetorian military gradually became not just defenders of the Constellation but its de facto rulers, evolving from a caretaker force to a permanent governing body. the Regency grew increasingly insular, choosing to distance itself from the ongoing conflicts of the galaxy. While the rest of the empire’s remnants splintered into warring factions, the Castellum Regency focused on internal stability and defense, slowly solidifying its hold over the constellation. Regency’s rigid adherence to imperial tradition and isolationist policies have left it stagnating, unable to grow or evolve beyond its current borders. Its leaders remain committed to the idea that they are only temporary stewards, awaiting the return of the imperial throne, even as that possibility becomes more distant with each passing decade.
Territories
The Castellum Constellation: The Castellum Regency controls the old imperial capital world and a network of six surronding star systems, each one fortified and designed to serve as a defensive bulwark. These systems house strategic resources, advanced shipyards, and military installations that allow the Regency to support its fleet and ground forces.
Military
The Praetorian Guard was historically one of the most well-trained and disciplined fighting forces in the galaxy. The military is organized into several branches, each specializing in different aspects of defense and warfare:
Praetorian Fleet: Tasked with defending the Castellum Constellation from external threats, the Praetorian Fleet remains a formidable force despite its age. It consists solely of warships from the Old Imperium era, with no modern designs or variations, staying true to its imperial legacy. Among its ranks are vessels such as Lightning-Class Cruisers, Perseus-Class Cruisers, Ganesha-Class Tactical Frigates, and other venerable warships. While primarily defensive in nature, its firepower ensures that even the most powerful galactic forces think twice before provoking it.
Ground Forces: Each fortress world houses one Praetorian legion, seemingly organized much like the legions of the Galactic Imperium, along with a planetary defense force composed of several Auxiliaries. These forces include mechanized units, infantry, knightly armored walkers, and elite special forces, all trained for defense and counter-insurgency operations. Under Imperium structure, a legion consisted of 10,000 soldiers organized into 10 cohorts, each with 1,000 soldiers divided into 10 Centurias of 100 men. The Praetorian legions appear to have retained a similar structure, but now function as veteran shock troops, a cut above the planetary defense forces. Interestingly, the Regency’s forces employ minor noble knights as specialist operators of armored walkers.
Strategic Defense Grid: A vast network of orbital and planetary defenses, including missile batteries, shield generators, and early-warning systems. This grid makes the Constellation nearly impenetrable to external assault.
Fidelis Servitus Imperii
Capital
Demonym
Castellan
Leader Title
Power Structure
Provisional government
Economic System
Mixed economy
Legislative Body
Provisional Senate
Judicial Body
Praetorian Tribunal
Executive Body
Praetorian High Command
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
