Pyrrhic Stars

Social Norms

Family Structure

Family is more open to friends in imperial society. People have more time to create social bonds outside the biological family, and the life expectancy of 150-200 years allows for deep and lasting relationships across multiple generations.

Marriage: Still exists but is less formal than historically. Unions and separations are fluid and socially accepted.

Children: Encouraged to follow their passions rather than traditional roles or economic imperatives.

Sexuality and Gender

Imperial society is very open regarding sexuality and gender. It values diversity and individual expression.

Fluid gender norms: Gender concepts are flexible and personal. Sexuality is seen as a natural part of life.

Social non-issue: These questions are no longer even subjects of debate in this society. Complete equality is so deeply integrated that it is no longer noticed.

Social Taboos

Taboos are few in imperial society. Primarily:

  • Illegal activities: Pirates, arms traffickers, forbidden technologies
  • Moderate anti-imperialism accepted: Being critical of the Council is tolerated as long as it is not militant
  • “Rebel” in fashion vs real rebel: Being a “rebel” is accepted and even valued. Being a “real” rebel threatening the established order is not.

Dress Codes

Imperial society favors vestimentary egalitarianism. Most people dress functionally and comfortably.

Uniformed professions: Certain professions wear uniforms, but only at work. Outside of work, normal clothing.

High-end arcanotechnological fashion: For the elite, haute couture clothing exists using Arcanotechnology for impressive aesthetic effects:

  • Luminous effects
  • Color change
  • Texture change
  • Floating
  • Adaptive fabrics that change according to the environment or mood

Rebel fashion: An equivalent to the “punk” movement exists, characterized by tattoos and symbols of dissent, but channeled toward aesthetics rather than real subversion.

Regional styles: Clothing varies across planetary systems, but imperial identity dominates. Some retro styles are in fashion, more or less depending on the planet.

Inter-System Social Interactions

There is local pride, but imperial identity is predominant. People travel extensively between systems, and inter-system marriages are common.

Inhabitants of Federated Systems (formerly integrated factions) and Imperial Provinces (founded by the Empire) interact without significant discrimination, although cultural nuances persist.