Star System Orders

Star Systems in Gondwana are ordered by their level of development, population, and interstellar importance. On imperial and unionist charts, these orders are designated descriptively. Equivalent administrative titles do exist in most factions, but do not necessarily apply to those outside the Twin Civilization.

First Order of Systems

To the First Order are counted systems shaping the fortunes of many hundred worlds beyond. Their unsurpassed significance is earned with age,  their histories predating chronicles of the Empire and Union. Only a handful exist on any frontier or sector,

Three in the case of Gondwana: The Triumvirate Worlds Laurentia, Cambria and Trantor, seats to those greatest powers.

Each first order system contains a multitude of wonders, unrivalled knowledge and industry, and populations greater than all the rest of Gondwana combined. Through all dark and golden ages, these systems have retained their splendor and will ever return to their rule.

Second Order of Systems

The height of the Empire and Union are on full display in systems of the Second Order. In many aspects they are unsurpassed, safe for the deep histories and forgotten works even older worlds contain.

Each and every second order system is a multi-layered interplanetary realm, host to dozens of colonies and settler swarms, fiefs and kingdoms onto their own. Imperial worlds of the Second Order are all appointed by the Celestial Crown, second order systems of the Union bear the title at the grace of Clades Superior. Outside the Twin Civilization, the classification is applied to certain systems of comparable age and might. Much like worlds of the First Order, these are very few.

Third Order of Systems

The capitals of peripheral powers, cradles of superior clades and metacultures are named the Third Order of systems. It is the highest station one world can aquire without significantly upsetting the interstellar order. Some powers choose deliberately to pursue no further rise, turning instead their ambitions inward and aquiring further might and wealth without outwardly expansion.

The product of such pursuits are some of the frontier's greater wonders: lavish megastructures creating habitable spaces equivalent to thousands of natural worlds. There, civilizations grow in their uniqueness and distinction, becoming quite alien compared to those less relcusive.

Fourth Order of Systems

Where the significance of fifth order system may depend on temporary circumstance, those of the fourth order are firmly entrenched as worthy of the interstellar stage as major colonies and interplanetary factions.

Often, these worlds eagerly on the rise, deeply ambitious to achieve the status of regional power. Centered most often on a single planet, they expand across their planetary system and do much to attract investment and settlers from beyond. In this, they also invite conflict and run the risk of becoming proxies of other players to the Great Game. Only the most savvy leaders can guide those worlds to higher orders while retaining a measure of independence.

Fifth Order of Systems

Systems of the fifth order stand out amongst the innumerable settled worlds of all Gondwana. They need not be further developed or more populous, but in one aspect stand above the rest. This may be a strategic position, cultural significance, an industrial capability or scientific discovery. In many cases, that aspect of note is confined to a single world in an otherwise unremarkable system. For this reason, the title of the fifth order is often used for systems and individual colonies interchangeably.

Some will never rise above this station as a footnote in greater histories. To others, the fifth order is but the first step in a long rise to renown.