'Imperial Culture' (non-canonista)

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by combatmedic

The Romans did have a state religion, Astromancer. They had one from the time of King Numa all the way to the end of the Empire in 1453 AD; it just wasn't the same state religion the whole time. I suggest that polytheists make a different sort of claim than monotheists. Syncretism is possible with either set of theological assumptions, but it's arguably easier with polythiesm. The same goes for pluralism. Please note that the Romans did, at various times, ban certain cults that made trouble for the Republic/Empire, or that grossly offended the sensibilities of the elite.

Oh, and it's no fair to make bold claims, like 'the US has never been an empire' and then forbid anyone to challenge said claims. Either make statements you can defend, or don't make them. :)

I'm going to ask again- can we please move the non-Traveller stuff to PMs? I'm perfectly happy to discuss imperialism, secularism, federalism, militarism, and Astromancerism in a more appropriate venue. I'm offering you that venue; let's talk about this stuff in PMs.

By the way, what are the primary principles of Astromancerism?

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

Yes, but you attributed a specific motive to "the government", other then what would have been it's stated one. To do that you would either have to posit a conspiracy containing enough government members to be said to represent it in a meaningful sense, that is yet kept from the general population, most of whom serve the government at some point in their lives. Or you would have to assume false consciousness.
Alternatively you can posit that this only refers to the topmost levels of The Government. For two hundred years.

'Government'= the people in power. It's shorthand, and not hard to understand. I dislike games of semantics.People are often hypocrites. We've kept up the hypocrisy for a couple of centuries in this country.

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by combatmedic

'Government'= the people in power. It's shorthand, and not hard to understand. I dislike games of semantics.People are often hypocrites. We've kept up the hypocrisy for a couple of centuries in this country.

Hairsplitting is useful once in awhile to defrag your brain. You still haven't told me what the principles of Astromancerism are though.

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

Hairsplitting is useful once in awhile to defrag your brain. You still haven't told me what the principles of Astromancerism are though.

It appears to be: copy the Jacobins, while denying French influence.:0

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by combatmedic

It appears to be: copy the Jacobins, while denying French influence.:0

Ah. Down with the Astromancerians! King, country and prize money galore!

[jason taylor]

Before Mr Hackard sends his bolt of lightning from on high, lets get back to imperial customs. You still haven't told what you think of the "hawkplants" idea.

[Hans Rancke-Madsen]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

Before Mr Hackard sends his bolt of lightning from on high, lets get back to imperial customs. You still haven't told what you think of the "hawkplants" idea.

Or my book report. ;-)


Hans

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by Astromancer

I could easily see a "Decentralise the Empire to protect our freedoms" faction fighting a "Centralise the Empire so it's strong enough to protect our freedoms" faction. The in-fighting would be epic and nasty.

Dulinor! You know he just wants to rock your body politic.

[Hans Rancke-Madsen]

Originally Posted by ak_aramis

Saying "We can't but you can" is no protection to the people, only the member states. It's worse than no protections at all for many of the people.

It sure is. Worse than no protection for many of the people, that is. As I see it, it goes back to the formation of the Imperium and its early days. We had the Sylean Federation which, I posit, had a bill of rights, transforming into the Imperium and inviting the neighbors to join. Cleon I had two significant power groups to placate: the people of the Federation and the governments of the neighboring worlds. The first he allowed to keep their rights (or at least the belief in them) and the second he assured of local autonomy in all internal. Result: "We can't, but you can".

As I see it.


Hans

[combatmedic]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

You still haven't told what you think of the "hawkplants" idea.

I like it. Falconry just feels right for the nobility. The implants to give a 'Beastmaster' POV are very cool, and add a nice sci fi twist to an ancient sport.