The Thracian Hegemony - Revision history

Nevermet: Replaced content with "These are setting essays by Nick the Nevermet for the Wyzard's fantasy setting. It is currently written "in character" from one standpoint. Ov..."

2012-11-14T04:57:50Z

Replaced content with "These are setting essays by Nick the Nevermet for the Wyzard's fantasy setting. It is currently written "in character" from one standpoint. Ov..."

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Nevermet at 04:57, 14 November 2012

2012-11-14T04:57:18Z

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	These are setting essays by Nick the Nevermet for the [[The_Wyzard_Setting_Essays\|Wyzard's fantasy setting]]. It is currently written "in character" from one standpoint. Over time, I hope to write from other standpoints.		These are setting essays by Nick the Nevermet for the [[The_Wyzard_Setting_Essays\|Wyzard's fantasy setting]]. It is currently written "in character" from one standpoint. Over time, I hope to write from other standpoints.

			[[Welcome_to_Freedom\|Welcome to the Thracian Hegemony. Welcome to Freedom]]

	''The following is a transcript of the "Introduction to Hegemonic Order" lecture developed by the gate Dawn Eternal. It is intended to be presented via holo-vid to children identified as having potential to further their polity and the Hegemon.''		''The following is a transcript of the "Introduction to Hegemonic Order" lecture developed by the gate Dawn Eternal. It is intended to be presented via holo-vid to children identified as having potential to further their polity and the Hegemon.''

Nevermet at 21:59, 7 November 2012

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	''The following is a transcript of the "Introduction to Hegemonic Order" lecture developed by the gate Dawn Eternal. It is intended to be presented via holo-vid to children identified as having potential to further their polity and the Hegemon.''		''The following is a transcript of the "Introduction to Hegemonic Order" lecture developed by the gate Dawn Eternal. It is intended to be presented via holo-vid to children identified as having potential to further their polity and the Hegemon.''

	Welcome to the Thracian Hegemony. Welcome to Freedom.

			'''Welcome to the Thracian Hegemony. Welcome to Freedom.'''

	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
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	== CCH ==		== CCH ==
	A common myth among the Hobbled Kingdoms is that the Thracian Hegemony is an amoral, relativistic entity that demands society's reject cherished traditions. This is not true. The Thracian Hegemony promotes a constellation of civic virtues it refers to called "~~liquidae augmentum," or "Liquid Development~~." It is also referred to by the acronym CCR, which refers to the three chief virtues: Connectedness, Collectivity, and Humanity.		A common myth among the Hobbled Kingdoms is that the Thracian Hegemony is an amoral, relativistic entity that demands society's reject cherished traditions. This is not true. The Thracian Hegemony promotes a constellation of civic virtues it refers to called "Flowing Humanity." It is also referred to by the acronym CCR, which refers to the three chief virtues: Connectedness, Collectivity, and Humanity.

	=== Connectedness ===		=== Connectedness ===
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	== Polities ==		== Polities ==
			"Polity" is a catchall term for a populated territory that is politically unified. Republics, kingdoms, confederations, clans... the form a polity can take is as variable as humanity.
	"Polity" is a catchall term for a populated territory that is politically unified. Republics, kingdoms, confederations, clans... the form a polity can take is as ~~variably~~ as humanity

	===Dark Kingdoms===		===Dark Kingdoms===
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	Hegemonic polities are those that are within the web of the Hegemon and its organizations. They benefit from the vast opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and political assistance.		Hegemonic polities are those that are within the web of the Hegemon and its organizations. They benefit from the vast opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and political assistance.

			===Polities and the Hegemony===
			The Thracian Hegemony is dedicated to uniting humanity. However, we do not wish to do so through a single government - that would be a foolhardy goal to strive toward, and only an Amaranthan could believe that solidifying and concentrating power in such a fashion would be the right path.

			The Hegemony has learned another, demonstrably better way. Humanity is unified through the ideals of human community, and we believe that CCH is the greatest hope for uniting humanity in a way that guarantees constant improvement of all human beings and institutions. When a society achieves a high degree of CCH, its citizens demand and have the ability to sustain an effective society.

			Not all economic and political forms are compatible with CCH. And while some polities may have an attachment to these traditions, they cannot be sustainable in the long run in their current form. '''All traditions can be transformed and improved to embody CCH.''' The reason for this is that all traditions will always have a spark of true humanity within them. The challenge is to find that spark, and refashion tradition around it. This will of course require some dramatic changes, and it is never easy, but the countless polities within the Hegemony can all give clear testimony regarding the value of this change. Your polity can always become more fluid, and in doing so become more human. Let us show you how.

			===Thrace===
			Thrace is the sacred city, the wellspring of the Hegemony. It is a small island city, it is a city of wonders and only the greatest paragons of CCH and the flowing virtues may live here, as the entire populace is dedicated to maintaining the Thracian Exchange.
	== Heroes ==		== Heroes ==
	~~“Hero”~~ is a ~~generic term for individuals who~~, ~~through whatever means~~, have ~~amassed~~ a ~~great deal of power attached to their person and personality. Some have powered armor. Some~~ are ~~wizards~~. ~~Some are even genetically modified~~. ~~All~~, ~~however~~, ~~are spectacular: powerful in~~ a ~~way~~ that ~~demands attention~~.		There is a paradox regarding the virtue of collectivity. Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not have a voice because they are an abstraction. This is a problem, because a silent ideal is rarely a compelling one. There is, consequently, a need for individuals that the Hegemony call heroes. Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear. The galvanize public opinion and demand attention in a personal way, while the Technocrats do the impersonal policy work. The Hegemony has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity, it needs its heroes. At the same time, it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris, and more than one hero has.

	~~Generally, a few things can be said about heroes~~. ~~First, individuals of great~~ and ~~unique power are~~ a ~~solution to specific problems~~. ~~In the high media society~~ of ~~the Hegemony~~, ~~the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing~~. ~~Additionally~~, ~~in a world of sufficiently advanced technology~~ and ~~magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon~~ than ~~an army~~.

	~~Second~~, ~~heroes are the paradox~~ of ~~collectivity~~. ~~Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not~~ have ~~a voice because they~~ are ~~an abstraction~~. ~~Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear~~. ~~They~~ are ~~the focus~~ of ~~attention,~~ and ~~galvanize public opinion, while~~ the ~~Technocrats do~~ the ~~impersonal policy work. The~~ Hegemony ~~has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity~~, ~~it needs its heroes~~. ~~At the same time~~, ~~it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris~~, ~~and more~~ than ~~one hero has~~.		“Hero” is a generic term for individuals who, through whatever means, have amassed a great deal of power attached to their person and personality. Some have powered armor. Some are wizards. Some are even genetically modified. All, however, are spectacular: powerful in a way that demands attention. Individuals of great and unique power are a solution to specific problems. In the high media society of the Hegemony, the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing. Additionally, in a world of sufficiently advanced technology and magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon than an army.

	===Magistrates===		===Magistrates===

	Magistrates are heroes associated with a particular nation’s government. For example, the Free City of Ion retains the Maul of Comets to defend their city from whatever demonic monsters come its way. Sometimes a strand is contracted to maintain or create a Magistrate. Other times they are purely an embodiment of nationalism to the exclusion of strands. Additionally, different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population. Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland. Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.		Magistrates are heroes associated with a particular nation’s government. For example, the Free City of Ion retains the Maul of Comets to defend their city from whatever demonic monsters come its way. Sometimes a strand is contracted to maintain or create a Magistrate. Other times they are purely an embodiment of nationalism to the exclusion of strands. Additionally, different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population. Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland. Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.

	===Champions===		===Champions===
	Champions are a public face of a Strand. Champions are, if anything, even more diverse than the Magistrates. All champions are defined in part by two questions: what is the thread of their Combine, and how much autonomy they have from the Combine. Some Champions are nothing but agents of the Combine, others are part-time agents, and part-time supporters of the public good (often in the name of good public relations). The popularity of a Champion varies widely depending on what its Combine’s interests are. Jessica the Windguilder is attached to the OVDA, the Outer Valley Development Authority, a Combine organized to re-populate and develop a region decimated by the Dark Kingdoms.		Champions are a public face of a Strand. Champions are, if anything, even more diverse than the Magistrates. All champions are defined in part by two questions: what is the thread of their Combine, and how much autonomy they have from the Combine. Some Champions are nothing but agents of the Combine, others are part-time agents, and part-time supporters of the public good (often in the name of good public relations). The popularity of a Champion varies widely depending on what its Combine’s interests are. Jessica the Windguilder is attached to the OVDA, the Outer Valley Development Authority, a Combine organized to re-populate and develop a region decimated by the Dark Kingdoms.


	===Other Heroes===		===Other Heroes===

Nevermet at 19:59, 7 November 2012

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Nevermet: /* Heroes */

2012-11-05T04:26:47Z

Heroes

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	Generally, a few things can be said about heroes. First, individuals of great and unique power are a solution to specific problems. In the high media society of the Hegemony, the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing. Additionally, in a world of sufficiently advanced technology and magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon than an army.		Generally, a few things can be said about heroes. First, individuals of great and unique power are a solution to specific problems. In the high media society of the Hegemony, the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing. Additionally, in a world of sufficiently advanced technology and magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon than an army.

	~~Heroes~~ are the paradox of collectivity. Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not have a voice because they are an abstraction. Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear. They are the focus of attention, and galvanize public opinion, while the Technocrats do the impersonal policy work. The Hegemony has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity, it needs its heroes. At the same time, it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris, and more than one hero has.		Second, heroes are the paradox of collectivity. Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not have a voice because they are an abstraction. Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear. They are the focus of attention, and galvanize public opinion, while the Technocrats do the impersonal policy work. The Hegemony has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity, it needs its heroes. At the same time, it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris, and more than one hero has.

	===Magistrates===		===Magistrates===

Nevermet: /* Magistrates */

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Magistrates

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	===Magistrates===		===Magistrates===

	Magistrates are heroes associated with a particular nation’s government. For example, the Free City of Ion retains the Maul of Comets to defend their city from whatever demonic monsters come its way.		Magistrates are heroes associated with a particular nation’s government. For example, the Free City of Ion retains the Maul of Comets to defend their city from whatever demonic monsters come its way. Sometimes a strand is contracted to maintain or create a Magistrate. Other times they are purely an embodiment of nationalism to the exclusion of strands. Additionally, different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population. Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland. Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.

	~~Different~~ nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become
	more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various
	political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population. Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland. Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.


	===Champions===		===Champions===

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The Thracian Exchange

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	==Strands of the Hegemon==		==Strands of the Hegemon==
	Polities are within the Thracian Hegemony through their connection to, support of, and dependence on Strands, the interrelated non-governmental organizations that form the back bone of the Hegemony. Strands are extremely diverse, though each is organized around a specific mission that somehow promotes an element of CCH or a vision of how CCH is best managed and balanced.		Polities are within the Thracian Hegemony through their connection to, support of, and dependence on Strands, the interrelated non-governmental organizations that form the back bone of the Hegemony. Strands are extremely diverse, though each is organized around a specific mission that somehow promotes an element of CCH or a vision of how CCH is best managed and balanced.

	~~==The Thracian Exchange==~~
	The Thracian Exchange is the central administrative organization of the Hegemony. Once, it was a trading company of human serfs. Then it became an association of merchants, and now it is the lynchpin of the Hegemony. The Thracian Exchange relies on the greatest technologies and magics possible to manage an incredible amount of information to constantly push the Hegemony toward greater CCHR and toward constant expansion. Its leadership, the Brokers, are those who have been selected for a near monastic life of service to the cause. The exchange chooses its own from through all the Strands and polities. The Chief Officer of the Exchange is elected by the Strands every five years, and the COE is served faithfully by the Brokers.

	=== The Gates ===		=== The Gates ===
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	Technocratic Strands are most active within new hegemonic territories (as they require the most assistance) and the core of the Hegemony (where the Strands are the state in practice if not in fact). Established yet non-elite polities often have a faction of varying strength that is concerned with maintaining the "distinctiveness" of the polity, and therefore limit the role of Technocrats to a degree. In some cases, this seems to work well. In others, it appears to stunt the development of the polity. Since the Hegemony is generally non-coercive, it does not impose Technocrats on a society, though more than one polity has found itself politically or economically trapped into allowing a greater Technocratic presence.		Technocratic Strands are most active within new hegemonic territories (as they require the most assistance) and the core of the Hegemony (where the Strands are the state in practice if not in fact). Established yet non-elite polities often have a faction of varying strength that is concerned with maintaining the "distinctiveness" of the polity, and therefore limit the role of Technocrats to a degree. In some cases, this seems to work well. In others, it appears to stunt the development of the polity. Since the Hegemony is generally non-coercive, it does not impose Technocrats on a society, though more than one polity has found itself politically or economically trapped into allowing a greater Technocratic presence.

			===The Thracian Exchange===
			The Thracian Exchange is the central administrative organization of the Hegemony. Once, it was a trading company of human serfs. Then it became an association of merchants, and now it is the lynchpin of the Hegemony. The Thracian Exchange relies on the greatest technologies and magics possible to manage an incredible amount of information to constantly push the Hegemony toward greater CCHR and toward constant expansion. Its leadership, the Brokers, are those who have been selected for a near monastic life of service to the cause. The exchange chooses its own from through all the Strands and polities. The Chief Officer of the Exchange is elected by the Strands every five years, and the COE is served faithfully by the Brokers.

	== CCHR ==		== CCHR ==

Nevermet: /* Strands of the Hegemon */

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Strands of the Hegemon

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	==Strands of the Hegemon==		==Strands of the Hegemon==
	Polities are within the Thracian Hegemony through their connection to, support of, and dependence on Strands, the interrelated non-governmental organizations that form the back bone of the Hegemony. Strands are extremely diverse, though each is organized around a specific mission that somehow promotes an element of CCH or a vision of how CCH is best managed and balanced.		Polities are within the Thracian Hegemony through their connection to, support of, and dependence on Strands, the interrelated non-governmental organizations that form the back bone of the Hegemony. Strands are extremely diverse, though each is organized around a specific mission that somehow promotes an element of CCH or a vision of how CCH is best managed and balanced.

			==The Thracian Exchange==
			The Thracian Exchange is the central administrative organization of the Hegemony. Once, it was a trading company of human serfs. Then it became an association of merchants, and now it is the lynchpin of the Hegemony. The Thracian Exchange relies on the greatest technologies and magics possible to manage an incredible amount of information to constantly push the Hegemony toward greater CCHR and toward constant expansion. Its leadership, the Brokers, are those who have been selected for a near monastic life of service to the cause. The exchange chooses its own from through all the Strands and polities. The Chief Officer of the Exchange is elected by the Strands every five years, and the COE is served faithfully by the Brokers.

	=== The Gates ===		=== The Gates ===
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	Technocratic Strands are most active within new hegemonic territories (as they require the most assistance) and the core of the Hegemony (where the Strands are the state in practice if not in fact). Established yet non-elite polities often have a faction of varying strength that is concerned with maintaining the "distinctiveness" of the polity, and therefore limit the role of Technocrats to a degree. In some cases, this seems to work well. In others, it appears to stunt the development of the polity. Since the Hegemony is generally non-coercive, it does not impose Technocrats on a society, though more than one polity has found itself politically or economically trapped into allowing a greater Technocratic presence.		Technocratic Strands are most active within new hegemonic territories (as they require the most assistance) and the core of the Hegemony (where the Strands are the state in practice if not in fact). Established yet non-elite polities often have a faction of varying strength that is concerned with maintaining the "distinctiveness" of the polity, and therefore limit the role of Technocrats to a degree. In some cases, this seems to work well. In others, it appears to stunt the development of the polity. Since the Hegemony is generally non-coercive, it does not impose Technocrats on a society, though more than one polity has found itself politically or economically trapped into allowing a greater Technocratic presence.



	== CCHR ==		== CCHR ==

Nevermet: /* Heroes */

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Heroes

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	Generally, a few things can be said about heroes. First, individuals of great and unique power are a solution to specific problems. In the high media society of the Hegemony, the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing. Additionally, in a world of sufficiently advanced technology and magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon than an army.		Generally, a few things can be said about heroes. First, individuals of great and unique power are a solution to specific problems. In the high media society of the Hegemony, the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing. Additionally, in a world of sufficiently advanced technology and magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon than an army.

	Heroes are the paradox of "collectivity." Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not have a voice because they are an abstraction. Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear. They are the focus of attention, and galvanize public opinion, while the Technocrats do the impersonal policy work. The Hegemony has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity, it needs its heroes. At the same time, it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris, and more than one hero has.		Heroes are the paradox of collectivity. Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not have a voice because they are an abstraction. Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear. They are the focus of attention, and galvanize public opinion, while the Technocrats do the impersonal policy work. The Hegemony has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity, it needs its heroes. At the same time, it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris, and more than one hero has.



	Jessica the Windguilder, on the other hand, is attached to the OVDA, the Outer Valley Development Authority, a Combine organized to re-populate and develop a region decimated by the Dark Kingdoms. They are well funded and have a predictable mission. Retained heroes are very different than freelance, or less politely, mercenary heroes, who move from one patronizing entity to another.

	Eccentric heroes are those who do not fit cleanly onto the retained – mercenary spectrum. Lord Rail funds his personal vendetta against the Dark through the spoils of war. Brother Break, on the other hand, primarily makes draws his wealth from his exclusive sponsorship deals and his regular video specials. There are even a few, like Faithful William, who scrape together enough resources through amassing Hegemonic development grants.


	===Magistrates===		===Magistrates===
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	Different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become		Different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become
	more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various		more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various
	political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population.		political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population. Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland. Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.


	Magistrates ~~generally have a “built in audience”~~ in their ~~homeland~~. ~~Simply by representing~~ the ~~nation~~, ~~they~~ are ~~worthy~~ of ~~adoration~~.		===Champions===
			Champions are a public face of a Strand. Champions are, if anything, even more diverse than the Magistrates. All champions are defined in part by two questions: what is the thread of their Combine, and how much autonomy they have from the Combine. Some Champions are nothing but agents of the Combine, others are part-time agents, and part-time supporters of the public good (often in the name of good public relations). The popularity of a Champion varies widely depending on what its Combine’s interests are. Jessica the Windguilder is attached to the OVDA, the Outer Valley Development Authority, a Combine organized to re-populate and develop a region decimated by the Dark Kingdoms.


	===~~Champions~~===		===Other Heroes===
			Eccentric heroes, are those who embody a personal agenda. Lord Rail funds his personal vendetta against the Dark through the spoils of war. Brother Break, on the other hand, primarily makes draws his wealth from his exclusive sponsorship deals and his regular video specials. There are even a few, like Faithful William, who scrape together enough resources through amassing Hegemonic development grants.

	~~Champions~~ are~~, if anything, even more diverse than the Magistrates~~. ~~All champions~~ are ~~defined in part by two questions: what is the thread~~		Freelance Heroes are effectively mercenaries. There are very few truly powerful freelancers, as the Hegemony is eager to ensure the powerful embody something in the eyes of the public. Nevertheless, there are times when a small group of lesser and expendable heroes are a better option than either a single Champion or a military unit.
	~~of their Combine~~, ~~and how much autonomy they have from~~ the ~~Combine. Some Champions are nothing but agents of~~ the ~~Combine, others are~~
	~~part-time agents, and part-time supporters of the public good (often~~ in the ~~name~~ of ~~good~~ public ~~relations)~~. ~~The popularity~~ of a Champion
	~~varies widely depending on what its Combine’s interests are~~.

Nevermet: /* Heroes */

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Heroes

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	== Heroes ==		== Heroes ==

	“Hero” is a generic term for individuals who, through whatever means,		“Hero” is a generic term for individuals who, through whatever means, have amassed a great deal of power attached to their person and personality. Some have powered armor. Some are wizards. Some are even genetically modified. All, however, are spectacular: powerful in a way that demands attention.
	have amassed a great deal of power attached to their person and
	personality. Some have powered armor. Some are wizards. Some are
	even genetically modified. All, however, are spectacular: powerful in
	a way that demands attention.

	~~There are~~ a ~~number of descriptive categories~~ heroes ~~can fall into~~. If		Generally, a few things can be said about heroes. First, individuals of great and unique power are a solution to specific problems. In the high media society of the Hegemony, the fame a singular personality can create is an immensely powerful thing. Additionally, in a world of sufficiently advanced technology and magic, there are situations where a single individual of great power is a better weapon than an army.
	a ~~hero is employed or sponsored by a nation~~, the ~~hero~~ is ~~a magistrate~~
	~~or a magisterial hero~~. If, ~~however~~, a ~~hero is primarily attached to a~~
	~~Combine or combines, then the hero~~ is a ~~champion~~.

	~~Most heroes~~ are ~~retained or attached to a particular government or~~		Heroes are the paradox of "collectivity." Many of the things the Hegemony cares about ("The people", democracy, humaneness) do not have a voice because they are an abstraction. Heroes embody the abstractions the Hegemony holds dear. They are the focus of attention, and galvanize public opinion, while the Technocrats do the impersonal policy work. The Hegemony has learned that despite its idealization of collectivity, it needs its heroes. At the same time, it constantly worries that its heroes will fall into Amaranthan hubris, and more than one hero has.
	~~Combine. The Free City of Ion retains~~ the ~~Maul~~ of ~~Comets to defend~~
	~~their city from whatever demonic monsters come its way~~. ~~Jessica~~ the
	~~Windguilder, on~~ the ~~other hand~~, ~~is attached to the OVDA~~, the ~~Outer~~
	~~Valley Development Authority, a Combine organized to re-populate and~~
	~~develop a region decimated by~~ the ~~Dark Kingdoms~~. They are ~~well funded~~
	and ~~have a predictable mission~~. ~~Retained~~ heroes ~~are very different~~
	~~than freelance~~, ~~or less politely, mercenary~~ heroes, ~~who move from~~ one
	~~patronizing entity to another~~.

	Eccentric heroes are those who do not fit cleanly onto the retained –
	mercenary spectrum. Lord Rail funds his personal vendetta against the
	Dark through the spoils of war. Brother Break, on the other hand,		Jessica the Windguilder, on the other hand, is attached to the OVDA, the Outer Valley Development Authority, a Combine organized to re-populate and develop a region decimated by the Dark Kingdoms. They are well funded and have a predictable mission. Retained heroes are very different than freelance, or less politely, mercenary heroes, who move from one patronizing entity to another.
	primarily makes draws his wealth from his exclusive sponsorship deals
	and his regular video specials. There are even a few, like Faithful		Eccentric heroes are those who do not fit cleanly onto the retained – mercenary spectrum. Lord Rail funds his personal vendetta against the Dark through the spoils of war. Brother Break, on the other hand, primarily makes draws his wealth from his exclusive sponsorship deals and his regular video specials. There are even a few, like Faithful William, who scrape together enough resources through amassing Hegemonic development grants.
	William, who scrape together enough resources through amassing
	Hegemonic development grants.


	===Magistrates===		===Magistrates===

	Magistrates are heroes associated with a particular nation’s		Magistrates are heroes associated with a particular nation’s government. For example, the Free City of Ion retains the Maul of Comets to defend their city from whatever demonic monsters come its way.
	government~~, a situation that creates certain inevitable tensions~~. On
	~~the one side, there are faceless~~, ~~expert technocrats keeping society~~
	~~running. On~~ the ~~other, there are~~ the ~~heroes, walking spectacles that~~
	~~defy formalization by~~ their ~~very nature. And in between, there is the~~
	~~public. The public may want many things, but more often than not, it~~
	~~rejects the idea that there is an irreducible tension between heroism~~
	~~and technocracy~~. ~~This dynamic exists throughout the Sunrise.~~
	~~Meanwhile, the Technocrats constantly attempt to minimize the role~~
	~~heroes play within ‘real’ government matters, and the heroes in turn~~
	~~are constantly fighting for either more freedom in their actions, more~~
	~~influence over the government, or both.~~

	Different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various		Different nations have attempted to balance this tension with various political institutions. One nation may have a select group of magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become
	political institutions. One nation may have a select group of		more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various
	magistrates with life-long terms selected by its parliament. In		political parties which are then elected by the voting normal population.
	another, they are the cream of the military, given a chance to become
	more than human in the name of the nation. One nation is even ruled
	by an aristocracy of genetically enhanced humans who form various
	political parties which are then elected by the voting normal
	population.

	Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland.		Magistrates generally have a “built in audience” in their homeland. Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.
	Simply by representing the nation, they are worthy of adoration.


	===Champions===		===Champions===

	Champions are, if anything, even more diverse than the Magistrates.		Champions are, if anything, even more diverse than the Magistrates. All champions are defined in part by two questions: what is the thread
	All champions are defined in part by two questions: what is the thread		of their Combine, and how much autonomy they have from the Combine. Some Champions are nothing but agents of the Combine, others are
	of their Combine, and how much autonomy they have from the Combine.		part-time agents, and part-time supporters of the public good (often in the name of good public relations). The popularity of a Champion
	Some Champions are nothing but agents of the Combine, others are
	part-time agents, and part-time supporters of the public good (often
	in the name of good public relations). The popularity of a Champion
	varies widely depending on what its Combine’s interests are.		varies widely depending on what its Combine’s interests are.