Grand Principality of Koyuk

The Grand Principality of Koyuk is a star state with control of the borderline-habitable world of Koyuk in the class-M Dezhnev system. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy ruled by the House of Liechtenstein, which also rules the eponymous Principality of Liechtenstein on Earth. Koyuk is a highly beureaucratic state, with its economy and governance centred around regional distribution centres, which collect and redistribute goods and resources amongst the state's population. While the Grand Princes are highly respected by the population, they wield limited political power from their seat in the orbital habitat of New Vaduz, with most duties carried out by local beureaucrats appointment from among the various noble families of the Principality. The world of Koyuk is not considered fully habitable by humans. It is tidally-locked to its star, making one side of the planet extremely hot, and the other extremely cold, and resulting in extreme weather conditions in the relatively habitable band of twilight between the light and dark sides. Additionally, the atmosphere, while breathable for short periods of time, is toxic to humans and other terrestrial life, and can cause medical issues and death when breathed for more than a few minutes at a time. As such, respirators are required when venturing outdoors, although many inhabitants of the planet have undergone cybernetic or genetic augmentation to overcome these challenges, despite a cultural and religious taboo against these practices. In the Tavastian War, the Dezhnev system was occupied by Tavastian forces, and Koyuk besieged. Unlike most other targets of Tavastian aggression, Koyuk was not directly assaulted, as the Tavastian leadership deemed its many underground cities too defensible, and decided to starve out the import-dependent population instead. The people of Koyuk suffered heavily during the siege, with several million perishing from hunger and disease. However, after the main Tavastian fleet in the region was destroyed by ULE forces in the Sanctuary system, a joint Zeta Tucanae-OSA task force liberated Dezhnev, lifting the siege. During the remainder of the war, the Dezhnev system became a crucial supply hub for coalition forces, and surviving elements of the Royal Defense Forces took part in several engagements. After the war, Koyuk recieved investment from both Orizont and Zeta Tucanae, but has become more closely aligned with the latter, despite remaining officially neutral in the ongoing cold war. Koyuk enjoys good relations with the United Leagues of Earth thanks to its ties to the Princes of Liechtenstein, has close ties to the fellow Apostolic Judicate of Nuragia, and has a bilateral defensive alliance with the United Colonies of Columbia.

Founding Date

2459

Capital

Koyuk

Alternative Names

New Alaska

Demonym

Koyukian

Government System

Monarchy, Constitutional

Power Structure

Unitary state