Razian Abundance Foundation (Utopian Mechanists)

[TwinCrows]

The Razian Abundance Foundation​

In earlier times, Razian society was segmented by intensely regional clans. Certain clans were more powerful, and others less, depending on their geo-economic value. The economy was characterized by scarcity, as large clans competed for rare resources amid a flurry of emergent technologies.

During what is known as the 'mechanical renaissance', those clans which were more connected to power became intensely productive, thanks to a new class of robotic workers which replaced those begrudging workers from the poorer clans. Over time, those forgotten clans assimilated into what is known today as the great clans.

Among the great clans, a new global governance entity known as the Abundance Foundation began to take form. Immensely popular, the Foundation proposed that the bounties of this new mechanical renaissance ought to be shared more broadly, regardless of clan. By breaking down the barriers between clans, global productivity could be unfettered. Resistance and animosity were overcome by the immense bounty which the mechanical renaissance created. Clan after clan would go on to join the Abundance Foundation for its numerous benefits, which expanded to host utopian living standards.

Entrance into the Foundation entailed several key tenets, which were developed from its humble beginnings throughout its assimilation of all clans:

• Utopian Abundance provided to all Razian citizens, enabling every Razian to achieve their wildest dreams. The bounties of the stars are shared to all Razians.
  • United in tradition, Razians share a long history from which fables and parables can be drawn, and a course towards the future may be charted by looking at the past constellations of history.
  • Rich political ecosystem in which Razians will have access to be seen and heard by millions of their fellow citizens to determine the shared direction of Razian future. The Foundation is a direct democracy.
• Equality, where clan lineage does not limit one's opportunities.
  • A post-clan society that does not respect shortsighted lineage, but instead looks at all Razians as sharing common ancestry.
  • A Razian-first society which conveys all its benefits specifically to Razian. However, it is yet to be determined how the Abundance Foundation should treat alien life.
• Dignified jobs, as specialists and leaders, not workers. Work is voluntary, and not all Razians need to be paid for their service to society.
  • Mechanized industry employing robots as front-line harvesters in the agricultural, mineral, and energy industries.
  • Merchant guilds providing direction at the highest levels to steer economic growth towards the largest possible bounties.

As the Abundance Foundation was adopted by even the most curmudgeonly clans, a core directive emerged. To seize the stars, and bring the bounty of the celestials back home to Raz. Enrich all Razians, and expand across the galaxy at a rate that enables such abundance to keep pace with population growth.

Being a traditional government, cultural xenophobia unfortunately exists, though there is ongoing activism to remove it. Razians are concerned that sharing their wealth with other species will bring revert them to another era of scarcity. Many look to the stars with concern for invasion of their utopian way of life.

Overall, the Abundance Foundation is an egalitarian distributionist democracy, deriving its bounty from an intensely proficient mechanist powerbase and robust merchant guild networks. However, its newfound prosperity is but a thin layer upon a collective history of past hardships. In this post-scarcity economy, the Razians are rediscovering who they now have become.

Uncertainty underscores the Razian Abundance Foundation — most historians know that the foundation must make unprecedented decisions as it expands to the stars. As the Razian people grow into to their new utopian lives, they look back at a history of tradition stemming from the great clans.

 

[TwinCrows]

Razians
​

Razian is a relatively new word, and describes a new identity which emerged after the 'mechanical renaissance' a mere hundred years ago. Before calling themselves Razian, they would have referred to themselves by their clan. To be a Razian is to share in the collective history of Raz. It means to cast aside allegiance to clan, in preference for allegiance to all. Historical sociologists also refer to Razians as 'the last great clan', an allusion to their long and storied history of clan assimilation.

The Razian people have a rich sense of natural empathy, which is enhanced by their schooling and culture. This empathy enables them to make decisions that benefit their clan and society first, and themselves second.

The most renowned Razians tend to be merchants and entertainers. The social culture is one of showmanship, with the most successful Razians competing for public recognition and adoration. Razians take great pride in their work, and are constantly searching for ways to impress their greatness on society. Often, this takes the form of the conquest of material wealth; be it through improving a trade deal, or the settlement of a mining colony. Other times, it takes shape through artistic works which help to construct a new Razian identity.

In terms of family, Razians traditionally have large families with several children. Psychologists say this is the root of the Razian's urge to prove themselves in the public eye — every Razian wants to be noticed and adored by their kin. An emphasis on familial networks, where each Razian has up to hundreds of cousins, has evolved them to a high degree of social consciousness. Not all siblings go on to have children of their own; typically even two of ten siblings procreating is enough to double a family's population. Most Razians provide childcare help for their extended family.

During their upbringing, Razians are imbued with tradition. Each is taught from a rich tapestry of history and parable, filled with interweaving clan histories in which nearly all Razians share ancestry. Identifying with one historical clan or another is discouraged, though old habits die hard for certain lineages. This traditionalist culture brings the Razians higher unity with one another, though its histories do not well respect other lifeforms.

However, for all their perks, the Razians also have some consequential traits. Their natural pride prevents them from taking jobs they view as undignified, although they have recently invented advanced robots to perform such undignified tasks. They also do not adapt well to other environments, preferring instead the comforts of their traditional home planets.

 

[TwinCrows]

Chapter 0: Robots of Raz​

Robots were first deployed by a powerful merchant clan known as the Renoli. Such robots enabled a single Renoli to control hundreds of self-moving 'puppets', engaging them in repetitive tasks across the industries of agriculture, minerals, and energy.

While at first these robots were purpose-built and static, more similar to tools than animals, over time they were developed to become walking, even talking bipedal robots. Such robots were so dynamic and modular that the same model could serve agricultural or mining purposes. By simply trading out the selection of tool add-ons, the robots became able to do anything a basic worker could.

Previously, the Renoli clan had employed the services of multiple lesser clans, whose employment was terminated as the robots became better and more efficient. As their incomes were taken away, these lesser clans diminished and assimilated into other clans, most becoming Renoli themselves.

Inside the Renoli clan region, unprecedented wealth and luxury was enjoyed by clan members and their cousin clans as result of this 'mechanical renaissance'. Previously inconceivable riches were concentrated in the Renoli clan, much to the envy of the world. These new robots were more efficient than workers, and costed only a fraction of a worker's wage.

To be one of the Renoli meant that one would be extended all the benefits of royalty. Servants from other clans, luxuries from all across Raz, illustrious arts and culture; to be a Renoli was synonymous with abundance and class.

As the Renoli expanded mechanization of front-line harvesting industries, other clans began to increasingly view them as a competitive threat. Given the history of clan assimilation, it became increasingly apparent that the Renoli would overtake and assimilate everyone. Either the Renoli would need to be stopped, or a deal must be made between all the other great clans.

In the year 2082, a summit was held between all the great clans of Raz, including the Renoli. It took place aboard Renoli Space Station, orbiting Raz from thousands of kilometers away. From space, these leaders observed Raz, and had a shared vision. They discussed their shared lineage, and how each clan had supported the others' success. The Renoli clan would have never become who they were, if not for the support of the lesser clans. Indeed, the Robots of the Renoli clan had been developed from multiple mechanisms which were themselves in turn developed by many different clans. The Renoli could not claim the success of their Robots as wholly their own, and were asked to share their riches with all the other great clans.

Such a vision of shared destiny was infectious to the social sensibilities of the clans from Raz. Even those from clan Renoli could not deny that all clans were partners to their success. The clan leaders discussed the opportunities that shared weath could bring them — what if all clans had robots like the Renoli? Perhaps these robots could even be improved, and created on a quantity never before seen? With these robots, the clans would surely reap a great bounty, and leave scarcity behind. They could enter a new era of abundance.

And so, a proposition was made to share the wealth of the Renoli, but not under their clan name. Instead, a new government form, known as the Razian Abundance Foundation, would be entered into by all the great clans, starting with the Renoli. They would from thence forth view their clan histories in the past-tense; it was apparent to them that their reality had changed to such a degree that a new order was necessary. Such abundance was just within their grasp -- and only clan borders stood in the way.

Within a year afterward, the clans had begun the formation of the Abundance Foundation; a governance structure built to ensure that the bounty of mechanization was shared equally. Its primary goal was to eliminate the notion of 'winners and losers', by creating a high standard of living regardless of clan allegiance. All citizens of the Abundance Foundation would be forever taken care of by the state, supported by the merchant guilds and paid for on the backs of these new robots.

For the 118 years following, production and efficiency transformed Raz entirely. With old clan boundaries being removed, a total global reorganization of economy and society occurred. Each clan that entered into the Abundance Foundation brought its region, its cities, industries, and economy with it. All had to be reorganized to cohere with the Razian plan. Efficiency meant that entire cities had to be moved; that production and infrastructure became paramount to ensuring abundance for all. Centralization, standardization, and efficiency were the keywords of the day.

Over a hundred years of renaissance followed. Like never before, Razians were enabled to research, produce art, and procreate, being liberated from economic scarcity. The artists, writers, and entertainers built a new world view — one where Razians lived beyond the old clan-based histories. All Razians, no matter their lineage, shared equally in history. There were no winners or losers, only Razians today.

The production and development of robots advanced onwards, replacing nearly half of all labor jobs, outpaced only by the natural population growth of the Razians themselves. Both agriculture and mining had been entirely performed via Robots by 2200.

Space expansion began in earnest only after the Razian Abundance Foundation had nearly blanketed the world of Raz in 2130. Several key celestial bodies presented opportunities for bounty; the barren world of Ultrak's Point, as well as the gas giant Indig's Refuge (both named for Razian fables), plus the surrounding asteroid belt. Naturally, the Foundation diverted resources from local efforts to pay for the expense. Space exploration was costly, but the bounties of seizing entire celestial bodies proved compelling to the merchant guilds.

Enterprising Razians have never been in short supply — most are eager to jostle for honorable positions, no matter the risk. While the first space endeavors suffered catastrophe, eventually the Razians grew capable of securely traveling across their galaxy in a matter of decades. First, a Razian in space. Then, a Razian orbiting Indig's Refuge. As the successes mounted, more and more investment was put into space.

Over the following 70 years, the Razians had set foot on each celestial body in their solar system, and installed permanent material harvesting bases across those they deemed most bountiful. A gigantic base upon Ultrak's Point harvested and shipped minerals back to Raz; from those minerals, the first products to be made not of their planet.

Now, the most recent scientific breakthrough — the warp drive — has enabled the first trans-solar journey. An ironclad crew has been selected, known as the 'Glory of Raz', to begin exploration towards bounties which, a mere two hundred years ago, would have been utterly unimaginable to the clans of Raz.

The scientific community is abuzz with thoughts and postulations regarding the Razian interstellar journey. The spirit all across Raz is one of unified exhilaration — and anticipation regarding the fate of the 'Glory of Raz'.

 

[TwinCrows]

Chapter 1: The Glory of Raz
​

A gigantic ship, the size of a mountain, rests motionless in the void beside Renali Space Station. In orange blocky font along its slick carbon surface reads the phrase 'For the Glory of Raz'. Tomorrow, this prototype starship will set off from its mother star, along with its crew of thousands, who will be the very first Razians to ever depart their home star.

From the silence of the void, the warp drive begins to glow.

Months later, the Glory of Raz blinks into existence in the neighboring solar system Suulan. Dazzled but unharmed, the Razian crew rush to the ship's windows to gaze upon sights never-before-seen by any of their lineage; never-before-seen by any lifeform emerging from their home planet.

Back at Raz, all eyes are on the live stream, transmitted at the speed of light back from Suulan. The sights and emotions are shared across Raz as the immensity of the moment is understood by all; the Razians have made it to another solar system. They have made it beyond their star, because of the Razian Abundance Foundation. Because of the trajectory that those clan leaders put them on nearly two hundred years ago.

Audio from the bridge at the Glory of Raz begins, as the chief scientist Bemalona grins her tusks at the camera. "Fellow Razians, it is my honor to present to you our second home." The highest definition images of Suulan ever seen are broadcast from the ship as it nears the savannah planet in real-time. Previously, the planet was thought to be a mere barren rock, but now it is unmistakable that rivers and even grasslands are present upon its surface.

On Renoli Space Station, the high council of the Razian Abundance Foundation has gathered to view the live stream together. Jaws are agape at the discovery of Suulan I, a surprise shared equally by the head of state, Chancellor Tirrana. She motions to her clerk, who immediately begins opening a communications channel with the nearby construction ship, 'Cyssak the Dignified'.

On board Cyssak the Dignified, the operating crew is enraptured by the live feed; the most significant event to ever occur to the Razians, at least since the Abundance Foundation's founding. On the main hall's display panel, the feed is interrupted by a picture-in-picture vision of Chancellor Tirrana herself.

Chancellor Tirrana gazes into her clerk's tablet display panel to see a surprised crowd of celebrating interstellar construction operators. The boars on the other side of the screen seem surprised; eyes as wide as a plains rabbit. "An honored day, construction ship Cyssak the Dignified. On behalf of the Razian people, I extend our request for you to embark to Suulan immediately." Long seconds pass, before the crew emits a hearty cheer in unison, and the operators begin following protocol. They had not expected to be called so soon, and after mere days, the ship is in transit to Suulan, a journey which will take months to arrive.

Meanwhile on Raz, celebrations continue for weeks on end. That day, Razians had travelled further from home than ever before. More than that, they had found their second home.

 

[TwinCrows]

Chapter 2: Jondru, Governor of Raz​

Jondru, governor of Raz, was a friend to science. He was located at the Central Research Lab on Raz at the time of the Suulan discovery.

A place of marvel, one could learn almost anything in the Central Research Lab. As governor, Jondru's best intention was to make sure that the scientists had everything they could wish for. Any materials were simple to gather, for they lived a life of plenty. The only limit to science and progress was the imagination.

The incoming data from the survey of the newfound planet Suulan provided rich material for all the greatest minds of Raz to ponder. Millions of new lifeforms; insects, bacteria, mammals, shrubs, grasses, and others not so easily categorized were being witnessed for the first time ever.

Jondru had an open mind, and as such he chose to cater all avenues of science. He guided the leading minds; Jaffaba the genius, Lathira the state-crafter, and Jaffab the materialist. As discussions bloomed regarding the potential Suulan could bring, Jondru encouraged them to bloom in all directions. As global governor, his role was the implement the will of the people. And overwhelmingly, the people voted for science.

 

[TwinCrows]

Chapter 3: The High Council
​

The Razian Abundance Foundation hosts a High Council every evening, to which all Razians are welcome to tune in. Through a complex democratic system involving delegations, appointees and representatives, tens of thousands of Razians regularly attend in-person on behalf of millions.

The High Council hall itself is constructed to host a capacity of at least a hundred thousand, but since the discovery of Suulan, attendance has been at an all-time high. So many Razians are enthusiastic about their future that the council moderators were forced to restrict entrance after one hundred and fifty thousand Razian attendees were counted. Even still, another hundred thousand remained outside the perimeter of the High Council, choosing to instead debate their issues outside of its apparatus, and simply vote using their mobile communicators.

Inside the multi-layered sphere of the High Council, leading councilors, each representing hundreds of thousands of delegated votes, discussed the issues before them. Hundreds of thousands of direct attendees watched and listened, while nearly one-tenth of the total Razian population also viewed today's proceedings at home.

Today's issue regarded support for surveying the stars. Representatives from Renoli Station, as well as from the diplomatic league were present.

The Renoli Station representatives argued for more exploration vessels to be created, to expedite the survey of the galaxy.

The diplomatic league argued for the passage of a 'Map the Stars' social campaign, leveraging the most excited minds to help survey the galaxy.

With a flurry of votes, both in-house and across Raz, both measures passed without significant contest. Even those aboard the 'Glory of Raz' and the 'Cyssak the Dignified' were able to cast their votes without issue. The Razians were united in their decision to explore the stars.

 

[TwinCrows]

Chapter 4: Suulan's People
​

It was entire months after the first scans of Suulan reached the people of Raz, that the Zithorians were discovered. They resembled the people of Raz in some ways; experiencing a renaissance that had begun just decades ago.

An ugly, larvae-like creature; the Zithorians grew a thick, carbon shell to defend their squishy bodies. What they lacked in intellect, they made up for in populace. Billions of Zithorians skittered across the savannahs of Suulan. They appear to worship numerous god-kings seen across Suulan in some sort of religious behavior.

When the High Council convened to discuss the Zithorians, they were regarded with derision. "Perhaps they could make good slaves?" one Razian was recorded as saying. "At least they don't breed as well as us." Another exclaimed

"They could be good workers, and they're already on Suulan." a voice broke the chorus of disgust. Immediately the sentiment registered highly in popularity. "Let us kill as few as possible, but take them as slaves."

Mere hours later, the first of many assault army recruits arrived to volunteer for military service. "I want to go to Suulan. I will enslave the Zithorians."

General Dorokin was that first recruit. Black of pelt, and at the prime military age of 37. He was the first Razian to prepare for the invasion of Suulan. During his entrance to the assault academy, Dorokin explained how he could take the Zithorians with a single army, and over the ensuing months, detailed his plans exactly.

They would sweep across Suulan, killing each god-king. The Zithorians would be forced to lay witness to the immensity of Razian might — and as their primitive culture respected might and awe, they would shift their adoration from the god-kings to the Razians; the soon-to-be god-kings of the Zithorians.

It was hard for anybody else to argue against General Dorokin. The Razians wanted their second home; they wanted Suulan for themselves to prosper. The Zithorians would be slaves on their homeworld of Suulan.

 

[TwinCrows]

Chapter 5: Goron the Shining
​

An ancient Razian parable tells the fable of Goron the Shining, a young boar whose golden yellow coat attracted all the eyes of the region he came from. Lady sows threw themselves at him, hoping to allure his gaze and meet his eye. But Goron had a central flaw; he saw only himself.

And so with a similar ironic insularity, Goron the Shining set out upon the stars. To distract the Razians from the unfortunate advent of the Zithorians, the Goron was launched with much promotion from those who still wanted to avert their gaze while the carnage on Suulan unfolded.

The prime captain of the Goron was a similarly golden-hided boar by the name of Timaphon. He would bring the Razians to the second ever solar system; a feat not as groundbreaking as Bemalona's discovery of Suulan, but equally bountiful for Raz.

 

[TurtleShroom]

Your take on your typical FULLY AUTOMATED LUXURY SPACE COMMUNISM is average for the genre and nothing impressive.

You did do something great, though. Your backstory and origins of your species were fully on point. By that, I mean that your attention to detail was such that I felt like I was sitting in a classroom learning from a textbook.

You really put a lot of thought and effort into how your country came to be, why she is what she is, where she came from, and what the culture and values of her citizens are.

My only complaint is that you didn't show your Empire in a picture, nor did you show pictures of the Zitgorians. You don't have to photograph screenshots of everything (Worm knows I wouldn't), but basic information and pictures really help us imagine the events. How can I behold the abundance lf the Razians if I have no idea what they look like?

You earned a watchman. I await more to your story! Keep it up!