20 members
Astorian Syndicate / ASTN
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Bounty Hunting -
Smuggling
History
History of the Astorian Syndicate (ASTN)
Origins:
The Astorian Syndicate began as a tight-knit alliance of captains and their crews, seeking to escape the overreach of the UEE and avoid the lawless chaos of pirate factions. It was founded by a former UEE Navy officer, Alaric Astor, who, disillusioned by the corruption and exploitation he witnessed, took to the stars with a small group of trusted captains. Astor’s vision was simple: create a haven of mutual protection and respect for independent captains who sought to live free of external control.
The Syndicate remained small by design, avoiding the spotlight and major galactic powers. Its strength lay in its ability to stay under the radar, quietly building connections among traders and mercenaries. With Astor at the helm, the Syndicate maintained its neutrality, providing its members with a shield against the many dangers of deep space.
Astor’s Disappearance:
Astor’s disappearance marked a turning point in the Syndicate’s history. During a routine exploration mission in the fringes of UEE space, Astor and his ship vanished without a trace. Without his guiding hand, the Syndicate faced uncertainty. Some captains considered disbanding, while others saw an opportunity for leadership.
The Syndicate did not collapse. Helixon, a seasoned captain and one of Astor’s closest confidants, stepped forward to assume the role of Chief. Under Helixon, the Astorian Syndicate remained united but more cautious, focused on survival rather than growth. Helixon’s pragmatic approach helped the Syndicate navigate turbulent times, ensuring it retained its core values of autonomy and neutrality, even as its numbers remained modest.
Present Day:
Today, the Astorian Syndicate consists of a close-knit group of Free Companies, still independent but now more careful about expanding their ranks. Helixon’s leadership ensures the Syndicate remains small, nimble, and self-reliant. While it may lack the size and influence of larger organizations, its commitment to mutual protection and freedom keeps it alive in the shadows of the galaxy. Though not vast, the Syndicate’s web of connections makes it resilient, and its members know they can count on each other in a galaxy full of uncertainty.
Manifesto
The Astorian Syndicate (ASTN) Manifesto
Original Version by Alaric Astor
For those who refuse to be chained.
Preamble:
We are not subjects. We are not pawns. We are captains, masters of our own ships, and keepers of our own destinies. The galaxy is wide, and the stars are countless, but everywhere we turn, there are those who seek to control us—empires, crime lords, and corporations alike. We reject them all.
The Astorian Syndicate exists as a beacon of freedom. A gathering of like-minded souls who refuse to bend to the will of others. We are traders, explorers, wanderers, and warriors, bound not by force but by choice. Together, we are stronger than the sum of our parts. Together, we are truly free.
Principles of the Astorian Syndicate:
1. Absolute Freedom:
Every captain in the Syndicate is a sovereign ruler of their ship. No one, not even this Syndicate, shall dictate how they live, work, or sail. We chart our own courses, make our own fortunes, and choose our own paths.
2. Unity in Purpose:
Though we sail alone, we stand united. The Syndicate is not an organization of command, but of trust and companionship. We protect each other, we trade with each other, and we thrive together. If any ship should fall into trouble, the Syndicate will be there to answer the call.
3. Neutrality is Strength:
We owe allegiance to none but ourselves. We will not be drawn into wars, political conflicts, or the struggles of the great powers. The Syndicate’s strength lies in its independence, and we shall protect that independence at all costs. We do not choose sides—our only allegiance is to each other.
4. Honor Among Captains:
In a lawless galaxy, honor is all we have. Within the Syndicate, we deal with each other fairly and with respect. Betrayal, deceit, or exploitation will not be tolerated. Trust is the foundation of our Syndicate, and that trust must never be broken.
5. Boundless Horizons:
The universe is limitless, and so are we. There are no boundaries to where we can go, what we can achieve, or how we can live. The Syndicate is a sanctuary for those who seek the stars without restriction, and we will always fight to keep it that way.
“For the stars are endless, and so is our freedom.”
—Alaric Astor
Revised Version by Helixon
For those who must endure.
Preamble:
The galaxy is wide, but not welcoming. It is a place of danger, where freedom is often a fleeting illusion, and survival is hard-won. The Astorian Syndicate stands as a bulwark for those who have chosen to live outside the grip of the UEE, the gangs, and the corporations. But we must be realistic. Freedom is fragile, and in this universe, survival demands careful calculation, not just idealism.
We are still captains, still free to chart our own paths, but we must temper our vision with pragmatism. The Syndicate exists not just to offer a dream, but to ensure that we endure in the face of a galaxy that seeks to crush those who stand alone. Together, we are strong. Together, we survive.
Principles of the Astorian Syndicate (Revised):
1. Freedom with Limits:
Every captain in the Syndicate remains sovereign, but freedom without caution leads to ruin. We do not live in a galaxy that allows for reckless independence. Our actions, while free, must not jeopardize the Syndicate or its members. We must balance autonomy with responsibility.
2. Strength in Unity:
Unity is not just about companionship—it’s about survival. The Syndicate exists because no one survives alone in the black for long. We protect each other because it is essential, not just noble. If a member is in need, we answer, because tomorrow it might be us calling for help.
3. Neutrality as Survival:
Neutrality is not an ideal; it is a necessity. In a galaxy ruled by powers far greater than our own, we cannot afford to take sides. The Syndicate remains neutral not just by choice, but because our survival depends on it. We deal with all, align with none, and keep our heads down.
4. Trust Through Action:
Trust isn’t a given. But once earned, it becomes the foundation of our Syndicate. We deal fairly, honor our agreements, and expect the same in return. Betrayal is the one act that will not be tolerated, as it tears at the very fabric of what keeps us strong. Trust is shown in deeds, not just words—that’s the Syndicate way.
5. Thriving Together:
We dream of endless possibilities, but it’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. The Syndicate doesn’t exist simply to help us scrape by. It exists to help us prosper, to explore, to trade, to build lives we can be proud of. Through calculated risk and careful growth, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.
“For the stars may fade, but we will endure.”
—Helixon
Charter
Astorian Syndicate (ASTN) Charter
I. Structure and Governance
The Chief and Council
Leadership of the Syndicate resides in the Chief, currently Helixon, who acts as the steward of Astor’s original vision. The Chief coordinates the actions of the Syndicate and mediates disputes. They serve not as a ruler but as a respected leader whose authority comes from their ability to navigate the Syndicate through crisis.
The Council of Captains remains an important decision-making body. Each captain in the Syndicate has a voice, ensuring no single entity holds unchecked power. The Chief and Council work together to enforce the Syndicate Code and to maintain unity.
The Code of the Syndicate
The principles that bind the Syndicate together remain essential:
Respect for Fellow Captains remains paramount. Every captain’s ship is their own kingdom, and mutual respect is crucial.
Aid in Crisis continues to be a defining feature. Members know they can rely on their fellow captains for assistance, though Helixon has emphasized caution to ensure no ship endangers itself recklessly.
Neutrality in Conflict remains non-negotiable. The Syndicate survives by avoiding entanglement in galactic wars, though captains are still free to undertake personal ventures outside the organization’s purview.
Fair Trade Practices are essential to maintaining trust. Unethical behavior that undermines another member’s prosperity is grounds for expulsion.
Membership
The Syndicate no longer aggressively seeks new members. Only captains who can prove their commitment to the Syndicate’s values and neutrality are accepted. Membership requires sponsorship from a current captain and approval from the Chief and Council.
Expulsion
Violations of the Syndicate Code are met with swift action. Helixon’s leadership has instilled a policy of zero tolerance for treachery or dishonor. Expulsion is decided by a majority vote of the Council, with the Chief casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
II. Rights and Responsibilities of Free Companies
Right to Independence
Each Free Company remains autonomous in its operations. The Syndicate exists as a network of support and shared goals but imposes no mandates on individual captains beyond adherence to the Code.
Right to Safety
While the Syndicate may not be a large organization, the bond between its captains is strong. Every member can rely on the protection of the Syndicate, knowing that in times of danger, nearby captains will respond if able.
Responsibility to the Syndicate
Every captain is responsible for upholding the Syndicate’s reputation and ensuring their actions do not threaten its neutrality or the safety of fellow members. Helixon has reinforced this responsibility as crucial to the Syndicate’s survival in a galaxy full of larger powers.
