Factions

Factions describes the various groups and organizations and details their roles, influences, and conflicts within the colony’s political, economic, and social landscape.

Akvega’s society is shaped by a complex web of factions that influence governance, industry, conservation, culture, and security. Each group plays a critical role in the colony’s development, reflecting the unique needs and challenges of a water-based world.

Government and Political

Akvega’s government is primarily focused on managing resources and maintaining harmony among the island communities. Political groups often center around environmental stewardship and resource management, reflecting the colony’s reliance on its natural surroundings.

TRADE CONGRESS: The central governing body of Akvega, the Trade Congress is a corpocratic democracy that brings together representatives from the planet's Trade Guilds, corporations, and labor unions. It is responsible for passing legislation, resolving industrial disputes, and overseeing trade regulations across the colony.

FREEMARKET COALITION: A political group advocating for minimal government intervention in Akvega’s economy, the Freemarket Coalition has strong support from industrial leaders and corporate entities who seek more freedom in trade and resource extraction.

GREEN HORIZON ALLIANCE: Focused on ecological preservation and sustainable development, the Green Horizon Alliance seeks to protect Akvega’s natural environments from over-exploitation by industries. They lobby for stricter environmental regulations, often clashing with mining and agricultural interests.

Corporations and Industrial

Industrial interests on Akvega are primarily focused on marine resource extraction and biotechnology. These corporations hold significant influence over the economy and are deeply integrated into the colony’s operations.

OCEANIC RESOURCES INCORPORATED (ORI): The largest industrial consortium, specializing in the extraction and processing of sea minerals, salt, and phosphates. ORI operates across multiple islands and holds significant influence over the colony’s economy.

AKVEGAN MARINE BIOTECH: A biotech corporation focusing on the development of marine-based products, such as pharmaceuticals derived from coral and sea plants. They are heavily involved in scientific research and have close ties with the Council of Navigators.

SOLARIUS ENERGY: The largest renewable energy provider on Akvega, Solarius Energy operates vast solar farms and wind energy facilities across the central plains. They are pioneers in eco-friendly power solutions and have strong influence in the Trade Congress.

AGRIVITA CORPORATION: A powerful agricultural corporation, Agrivita controls the colony’s most productive farmlands and exports large quantities of food and bio-engineered crops to other colonies. They lead research in food security and bioengineering, with significant sway over agricultural policies.

MINURĜO MINERALS: Operating near the mountainous regions, Minurĝo Minerals is responsible for extracting valuable minerals and metals. Their advanced mining techniques and automation systems have made them the dominant player in Akvega’s industrial sector.

AQUAVITA HOLDINGS: Specializing in water resource management, Aquavita Holdings controls much of the planet’s freshwater reserves. Based in Bluverdo, the corporation is vital to the colony’s infrastructure and holds considerable power in regional politics.

Guilds and Unions

Akvega’s economy relies on skilled labor in maritime industries, with guilds and unions representing the interests of workers and setting standards for various trades.

MINING GUILD: The Mining Guild oversees the safety, standards, and contracts of all mining operations on Akvega. Representing both workers and industrial interests, the guild is known for its pragmatic approach to labor relations and technological advancement in resource extraction.

AGRICULTURE GUILD: The Agriculture Guild manages farming practices, crop research, and food distribution across the planet. It ensures food security and sustainability, advocating for policies that balance productivity with environmental care.

ENERGY GUILD: Representing energy producers, including solar and wind power companies, the Energy Guild ensures that the colony remains powered by sustainable methods. The guild plays a crucial role in coordinating energy policies and innovation.

WATER GUILD: Managing the critical water infrastructure, the Water Guild focuses on freshwater extraction, purification, and distribution. The guild ensures that water resources are utilized efficiently, particularly in cities like Bluverdo.

MARINERS' GUILD: Representing the interests of sailors, fishermen, and divers, the Mariners' Guild regulates maritime labor practices, sets trade standards, and provides training for young Akvegans in marine skills.

CORAL HARVESTERS’ UNION: A guild responsible for overseeing the sustainable harvesting of coral and other marine resources.

Environmental and Conservation

Conservation is a central concern for many on Akvega, with various groups working to protect the colony’s natural resources and marine biodiversity.

REEF GUARDIANS: A grassroots organization dedicated to protecting Akvega’s coral reefs. They conduct regular monitoring and restoration projects and often clash with corporations over resource extraction policies.

SUSTAINABLE SEAS INITIATIVE: This group advocates for responsible fishing practices and the conservation of marine biodiversity. They work with local communities to promote awareness and encourage sustainable livelihoods.

KEEPERS OF THE SOIL: This cultural group focuses on the importance of farming and land stewardship. They celebrate traditional agricultural practices and rituals related to planting, harvesting, and soil health.

Religious and Cultural

The spiritual and cultural life of Akvega is deeply tied to the sea, with organizations that promote cultural traditions and honor the colony’s connection to the ocean.

OCEANIC ANCESTRALISTS: A religious group that believes the oceans are a living entity and an ancestral spirit. They perform rituals to honor the sea and advocate for harmonious living with nature.

FESTIVAL OF TIDES COMMITTEE: An organization responsible for organizing Akvega’s major cultural festivals, especially those celebrating the sea and marine life. They play a key role in maintaining cultural cohesion among the island communities.

Scientific and Research

Research on Akvega focuses heavily on marine biology and oceanographic exploration, with institutions dedicated to understanding and utilizing the planet’s unique ecosystems.

AKVEGA MARINE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (AMRI): A leading research institution focused on marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science. AMRI partners with both government and corporations to study Akvega’s unique ecosystems and develop new technologies.

DEEP-SEA EXPLORATION SOCIETY: An independent research group dedicated to exploring Akvega’s deep-sea trenches and underwater caves. They often collaborate with Akvegan Marine Biotech on research projects.

MARINE RESEARCH FOUNDATION: Based in Koralordo, the Marine Research Foundation conducts studies on marine life and oceanic ecosystems. They lead efforts to understand Akvega’s aquatic biodiversity and develop methods for sustainable marine resource use.

Military and Security

The security and defense of Akvega are managed by organizations that protect the colony’s interests on land and at sea, safeguarding both trade and natural resources.

TITAN SECURITY: A prominent private security contractor, Titan Security holds the main contract for maintaining law and order in Akvega’s capital, Lumverda. Their operations include patrols, monitoring city infrastructure, and responding to civil disturbances. They have a reputation for efficiency and strict enforcement.

IRON SHIELD PROTECTION: This smaller, regionally focused private contractor provides security services for Verdevalo and the surrounding agricultural zones. They specialize in protecting energy and food resources, ensuring that agricultural production is not disrupted by criminal activities or protests.

MINURĜO DEFENSE CORPORATION: Contracted by Minurĝo Minerals, this security firm is responsible for safeguarding mining operations and industrial facilities. Their primary focus is on protecting valuable mineral extraction sites from sabotage and industrial espionage, but they also enforce local law in Minurĝo’s urban areas.

SEA RANGERS: A paramilitary group that focuses on protecting marine resources and preventing illegal fishing and poaching. They work closely with the Reef Guardians and other conservation groups.

Underground

Not all groups align with the mainstream society, as various underground organizations advocate for change or operate outside the law to exploit Akvega’s resources.

WAVES OF FREEDOM: A loosely organized group advocating for greater autonomy for individual islands and less corporate influence. They are known for organizing protests and occasionally clashing with corporate security forces.

CORAL SMUGGLERS’ NETWORK: An underground organization involved in the illegal trade of rare corals and marine resources. Though officially condemned, their operations persist due to the high demand for rare oceanic products.

BLACK SALT SYNDICATE: A criminal organization that controls illegal salt extraction and smuggling operations. Based near Salinsulo, the Black Salt Syndicate deals in black market minerals and engages in frequent clashes with local law enforcement.

THE FORGOTTEN: A group of disenfranchised workers and marginalized citizens, The Forgotten oppose the growing wealth inequality on Akvega. They operate in secret, staging protests and strikes against the powerful corporations and Trade Guilds.