¶ Regime Type
Authoritarian
The Sovereignty is ruled through a fusion of military command and technocratic oversight. Admirals and generals serve not only as military leaders but also as governors, magistrates, and administrators. Kai, the AI network, provides constant counsel, analysis, and logistical support, but the final word always rests with the Kolek officer class.
¶ Cultural Theme
Discipline Paired with Controlled Indulgence.
Kolek culture emphasizes hierarchy, loyalty, and precision. Military service is considered the highest honor, and civic life mirrors martial order. Yet outside of duty, Kolek are known to embrace their leisure: grand festivals, spectacles, and recreational pursuits balance their otherwise rigid lives. To them, discipline and controlled indulgence are two sides of the same cultural coin.
¶ Economic System
AI-Directed Economy
Resources across the empire are organized with military efficiency, directed toward sustaining fleets and maintaining the great Ark Vehicles. AI ensures stability in logistics and allocation, though leisure and recreation industries also thrive, helping preserve morale within a demanding and disciplined society.
¶ Lore
The Kolek rose in tandem with the insectoid Race Omicron, co-developing the earliest versions of Kai. Where the Omicron grew cautious of AI, the Kolek embraced it as an extension of their will, ultimately leading to war and the end of the partnership. From the ashes, the Kolek stood alone as masters of their AI network.
Unlike many empires, the Kolek do not anchor their civilization in sprawling planetary cities. Instead, their society is centered on twelve colossal Ark Vehicles—miles-long megaships that serve as mobile nations. Each Ark has developed its own distinct culture, traditions, and command structure, but all remain united under the Sovereignty’s central authority. From these Arks, the Kolek exert their influence across the stars, projecting military power, governing colonies, and maintaining cohesion across vast distances.
Planetary colonies do exist, but they are highly specialized—industrial foundries, agricultural hubs, or fortress outposts—rather than simple civilian settlements. For the Kolek, planets are resources to be tapped or strategic positions to be held; true home and identity reside within the Arks. This system allows them to expand without being tied to planetary infrastructure, making the Sovereignty resilient, flexible, and ever-mobile.