The Most Serene Republic

> Need to buy something, anything? The MSR is more than happy to sell you everything else!
>
> -Otto Geistman

The Most Serene Republic (generally abbreviated as "MSR") is a mercantile coalition based on the planet Venoa in the Emissary System. Its population is largely Human, but sapients from every corner of the sector trade and travel under MSR protection. While not a true democracy, its permissive federal stance makes it attractive to the disparate bands of sapients on Venoa and abroad.

## History

For much of its history, Venoa's primary use was as a way station for crews setting up and maintaining Jump Gates. It had the population and facilities required for the upkeep of Spike Drives, but to many Human explorers, Venoa was nothing more than a backwater.

This situation changed rapidly with the arrival of the Scream. Venoa had few psychics, and its out-of-the-way status kept it almost entirely free of the turmoil that beset many Human settlements during that great calamity. It also had the incalculable advantage of several intact Pretech Spike Drives and vessels, with a leg up on the expertise required to reverse-engineer drill routes and Drive construction.

Venoese ships became a common sight in the sector following the establishment of the Doge's Council and the reconstruction of interstellar flight. Venoa's population exploded rapidly as the MSR brought in population from nearby systems, and it quickly rose to prominence as one of the few factions in the sector with reliable long-range drill routes.

At present, the MSR's shipping is often threatened by the presence of pirates and warlike bands of Humans, and is at the mercy of the ever-changing drill routes. As such, it frequently employs mercenary wreckers to recover downed long-range craft and perform reconnaissance.

## The Republic

The byzantine inner workings of MSR bureaucracy are somewhat out of reach to most MSR citizens. Most sapients within MSR territory consider themselves more as citizens of their local governments than the MSR in general. On the surface, though, its government is relatively simple, with only four main elements - the Citizenry, the Citizen's Delegation, the Council, and the Doge.

### Citizenry

Any sapient may purchase MSR citizenry from their local authority. This allows them to vote in referenda or participate in elections of the Citizen's Delegation.

### Citizen's Delegation

The Citizen's Delegation, or more completely, "The Citizen's Delegation of Representatives to the Most Serene Republic of Venoa" (CDRMSR) is an elected body of delegates hailing from respective regions or celestial bodies under the aegis of the MSR. It is apportioned by population, and delegates serve for life unless recalled. The Delegation typically votes on MSR-wide policy, subject to the approval of the Council or a referendum of Citizens.

### The Council

The Council of Honorable Citizens of the Most Serene Republic of Venoa (CHCMSR) approves and creates legislation for the Citizen's Delegation, and holds veto power over any legislation that the Delegation creates or any action that the Doge takes. It is comprised of powerful citizens representing commercial interests within the MSR. Members are appointed and approved by other members already on the Council, and the body typically has between 10 and 15 members.

### The Doge

The Doge, referred to as "the Most Serene Doge of Venoa", is the head of state of the MSR. They are elected for life (or until retired or recalled) by the Council. They oversee the function of MSR-owned assets and government institutions. The office is currently held by *RSS Nervous Energy*, a VI instantiated as a starship in MSR's long-range fleet. He is the first artificially intelligent Doge.