Codex Entry: The Sword of the Republic

For a thousand years, the Galactic Republic of Spacefaring Races stood strong against the threats posed by the rest of the Milky Way. While the other Republic races did their part to ensure peace, one particular species has made themselves known as the Sword of the Republic thanks to their unyielding courage. Today, we'll take a closer look at the Anthrum, the Republic's sword in times of need.

The art in today’s post is done by Tom Edwards, Nataly Zhuk, and Jozef Boza

Being one of the original members of the Galactic Republic, the anthrum--or specifically, the Anthrum Ascendancy--have long since served as the backbone of the Republic's defense. With over ten fleets at their disposal, the Ascendancy has dedicated half of their fleets to guarding the border of Republic space. The other half is split between planetary defense and attack fleets.

   Though they haven't had to use the latter often, each time they did so, the threat was neutralized in a swift and effective manner. One such occasion was the Bontone War. The brutal militia, Bontone, was on the rise six hundred years before the events of Star Bourn: The Pale Horse. Formed entirely of the hulking aliens known as morguls, they conquered system after system. When word spread that they intended to invade the Republic, the Anthrum Ascendancy acted.

   In six months time, the Ascendancy laid waste to Bontone. Strong as they were, the morguls couldn't keep up with the strategic prowess of the anthrum.

Against the Furies, no one stands a chance

   One of the most lethal assets available to the Anthrum Ascendancy is their elite special forces division, known as the Furies. Organized typically in companies, the Furies are known across the galaxy for their skills. One company of Furies are capable of capturing an entire enemy fortress in under eight hours.

One of the most notable conflicts the anthrum have partaken in was the War of Devils, which was waged against the Zauhlon Legion. After a first contact encounter went terribly wrong, the zauhlons set their eyes on the anthrum as their new prey. While formidable, they weren't able to keep up with the Ascendancy's superior naval tactics.

   In the final hours of the War of Devils, Supreme General Aldin Vare, leader of the Ascendancy, challenged Lord Admiral Korruk to one on one combat in a move to end the war. After a grueling duel that lasted nearly a day, Aldin Vare defeated Korruk, being one of the few men to claim victory against the Lord Admiral. He later passed away due to natural causes in 2435.

The Anthrum Ascendancy is the ruling government and military of the Anthrum. The Ascendancy serves one leader; The High King. From there, there are 7 Elders, who control each of the Anthrum’s star systems. Then there’s an Overseer for each world that the Anthrum inhabit; they lead the people of that world. There are multiple other positions as well; the Star Watcher, who informs the people of any dangers, whether from the stars or from land.

The Spokesman, commonly an elder who holds great wisdom for the Anthrum of that world. They advise the Anthrum on what should be done and what should be prevented (while they are respected, they only advise; the Overseer has the last word). And the Arbiter, a figure who serves the role as detective, judge, and when needed, executioner.

A society etched out in stone

The anthrum’s civilization originated underground. Due to how large the sun is, the surface of their homeworld, Dravina, was too hot to live on. Over the course of five hundred generations, massive labyrinths and caverns were carved out all across Dravina. Within them, cities were built, trade routes were established, but most importantly, curiosity of the surface world grew.

After developing suits advanced enough to withstand the heat, settlements were built, and within another five hundred years, they took to the stars. While they had no need to build colonies underground on other worlds, they incorporated the stone and crystals used in their architecture on Dravina as a reminder of where they came from.

While there have been multiple cases of infighting, the most notable one was when New Nazahira’s Overseer at the time, Kail Brin, tried to have the High King assassinated. This marked a one year conflict which led to the people of Quarvina joining them against the Anthrum Ascendancy and forming their own rogue military group; The King’s Bane. After one last large-scale space battle, the King’s Bane was defeated, and New Nazahira and Quarvina rejoined the Ascendancy. This period of time is known as the Year-Long Divide.

Despite other allied races adding their fleets to the Republic's defense over the centuries, such as the rah' salaruuns and the sahngruns, the tales that have come from those who survived battles against the anthrum have solidified them as the Sword of the Republic.