Collectio Conglomeratus

## Overview

The logistics of military production within the expansive Thoria Empire are a complex interplay of planetary capabilities, corporate involvement, and rigorous imperial oversight. While the primary sources of the empire's military hardware are Fabrica Worlds and Shipyard Worlds, these specialized planets alone fully meet the vast requirements mandated by the imperial throne if needed. Therefore, a network of corporations and organizations across the empire only augments the military production capacity, distributing the burden and facilitating the efficient procurement of weaponry and equipment.

Notably, a planet's capacity for military production is intrinsically tied to its size and population. Planets are designated with varying degrees of industrial capability, with some dominated by a single corporation specializing in military production, while others possess little to none. The largest of planets can host multiple corporations to meet the high demand for weaponry. The distribution of contracts depends on the planet's populace and the specific needs dictated by the Imperial Family.

These corporations typically receive contracts for the manufacturing of basic military equipment, such as firearms, frigates, corvettes, and starfighters. The complexity and sensitivity of certain military assets, like the Mammoth Mark V Heavy Main Battle Tank, demand a level of security that necessitates production within special Imperial Installations.

Despite the empire's vast scale, imperial oversight remains a stringent feature of its military-industrial complex. This oversight is especially rigorous in naval production, where essential components, like FTL drives, are shipped into the system to limit the exposure of sensitive technologies to corporations. The empire acknowledges that it is not possible to maintain perfect control over this massive complex, leading to common occurrences of corruption and espionage. Consequently, the seizure of corporations and the execution of their leaders for treason is not uncommon.

Seizing the facilities built by these corporations might appear advantageous, but it often proves counterproductive. Shipyards, whether built by the Imperium or corporations, operate under strict guidelines and rules to protect the workforce and the valuable produce. Therefore, when a corporation's facility is seized, it must be reconstructed under even more stringent imperial regulations, incurring substantial expenses.

Moreover, the imperial family recognizes the importance of preserving trust with these corporations. While they may have the means to prove that a company was treasonous, doing so is not always in their best interest. Instead, they rely on careful selection of corporations, entering into contracts that span centuries, guaranteeing profits for the companies, and reinforcing their loyalty. This approach not only prevents rebellion and unauthorized dissemination of imperial designs but also fosters long-term economic growth and stability.

In this multifaceted system, the Imperial Family can harnesses the capabilities of selected corporations, facilitating experimentation with new designs and technologies within secure imperial facilities. This arrangement not only frees up imperial assets for other essential endeavors but also fuels economic prosperity and technological innovation throughout the Thoria Empire.

## Largest Corporations

### The Imperium Astra FTL Drive Consortium

The Imperium Astra FTL Drive Consortium, often referred to as the Imperium Astra, is a Joint Paramilitary Organization and stands as an enigmatic and influential entity within the Thoria Empire's complex web of governance and industry. Its unique status blurs the line between a traditional corporation and a paramilitary organization, reflecting its paramount role in the development, production, and regulation of FTL (Faster-Than-Light) drives, a technology of utmost sensitivity and significance to the empire.

#### Founding and Purpose

The Imperium Astra was conceived as a collaborative venture, jointly controlled by a trifecta of authoritative bodies: The Imperial Family, The Imperial Technology Regulatory Commission, and high-ranking leaders within the Conventus Militaris. This joint governance structure ensures a balance of influence, aligning the interests of the imperial throne, the regulatory authority, and the military command.

The consortium's primary mission is to oversee the research, development, and manufacture of FTL drives, a technology at the core of the empire's military and strategic endeavors. This includes the design of both capital ship drives and those integrated into smaller craft, critical to the empire's interstellar operations. Furthermore, the Imperium Astra plays a pivotal role in the rigorous testing, quality control, and implementation of FTL drive systems across the imperial fleet.

#### Leadership and Organization

Leadership within the Imperium Astra consists of individuals drawn from each of the controlling entities, specifically appointed for their expertise and authority in FTL drive technology. This assembly of experts ensures the utmost precision and security in the development process, safeguarding against espionage and unauthorized dissemination of classified information.

The organization is structured into distinct divisions, with each division focusing on specific aspects of FTL drive technology. These divisions include research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. The collaborative approach of the Imperium Astra fosters a synergy between scientific innovation, military application, and governmental oversight.

#### Regulatory Oversight

The presence of the Imperial Technology Regulatory Commission reinforces the consortium's adherence to the highest standards of technology regulation. This entity enforces strict control over the flow of information, materials, and technology within the Imperium Astra, protecting the empire's classified FTL drive knowledge from unauthorized access or duplication.

#### Military Significance

The Conventus Militaris, the highest command for all Thorian military forces, holds a vested interest in the Imperium Astra's activities, recognizing the pivotal role of FTL drives in the empire's defense and expansion. The consortium's technology directly empowers the imperial fleet to traverse vast interstellar distances, rapidly deploying military assets when needed. As such, the Conventus Militaris plays an instrumental role in shaping the consortium's strategic priorities.

#### Civil Governance Collaboration

The Conventus Civilis, responsible for overseeing the vast ministry complex of the Thoria Empire, also participates in the oversight of the Imperium Astra. This collaboration aligns the paramilitary organization with broader imperial policy, ensuring that FTL drive technology advances are consistent with the empire's societal and economic needs.

#### Secrecy and Security

Given the critical nature of FTL drives and their role in maintaining the empire's dominance, the security of the Imperium Astra is paramount. The organization operates under strict protocols to prevent espionage, with security measures extending to individuals, facilities, and the supply chain. The secretive and classified nature of the consortium ensures that information about FTL drive technology is tightly controlled, with repercussions for those who breach security or act against imperial interests.