Basic overview...more to come later. First STGOD, sorry if I do any of this wrong. This is the "rough draft", and unknown variables will be filled in later as they are figured out.
United Communist Sector
Capital: Kremlin IV, Kremlin system
History and Government
The alleged "International Communist Conspiracy" of the 20th century turned out to be quite real, and by the 23rd century had gained a sizable amount of control in Terran politics. With the advent of interstellar travel, the ICC managed to get respectable claims in the region later known as ComSec and began pumping it with Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other citizens of former communist states. By 2307, the habitable worlds of the Kremlin system were colonized and terraformed to meet Terran standards. Thanks to the large deposits of titanium and plutonium, the Kremlin colonies naturally became militaristc and as the fledgeling galactic civilization expanded, so too did interstellar friction between system governments. The Kremlin cities were turned into veritable fortresses, hence the current name of the system. The horrors of war befell many Kremlin colonists and dissent and thought of rebellion against the underhanded ICC was seriously considered. An uprising on Kremlin III in 2443 prompted the planetary governor to instate martial law, and thereby seal the fate of the ICC. Further enraged by the declaration, rebellion spread to Kremlin IV and V, and eventually the glorious People's Party overthrew the corrupt Stalinist regime. Relatively right-winged, the socialist People's Party tore down the old System Admiral's palace and to this day the UCS government operates out of a modest campus of concrete and metal buildings resembling the old kremlins. The newly founded People's Leadership, however, would not persist and became unstable and eventually fell in 2517. A brief period of anarchy and bickering nation-states followed, but order was restored in 2531 when a new, reformed government took power. The United Communist then-System brought relative peace and prosperity to Kremlin in addition to many economic and social improvements over the ICC and PL regimes. While at the core socialist, it has many communist and even somewhat-conservative policies, and the People's Emperor rules under a system vaguely resembling 19th and 20th century constitutional monarchies, with a surprising amount of democratic reforms. The Comrade-Premier has similar duties to a prime minister, and the misnomic (is that a word?) Internal Security Council oversees legislative and judicial matters.
At the start of the 27th century, the need to expand was realized. Recent advances in interstellar travel allowed other systems to be colonized easier than ever before, and industrial, mining, research, military and other colonies were established in every nearby habitable system. By the beginning of the 32nd century, the UC Sector held 43 powerhouses of worlds in addition to 139 smaller planets and at least 200 minor outposts, military bases and research stations.
Territories
Kremlin System
Star: medium yellow, age 6 billion
Major: Kremlin III, IV, V
- Kremlin III, Terran world (temperate)
Pop: 16 billion
Development: very heavy (militaristic)
- Kremlin IV, Terran world (temperate)
Pop: 19 billion
Development: very heavy (militaristic)
- Kremlin V, tundra world (cool)
Pop: 11 billion
Development: heavy (militaristic)
Minor: Kremlin IX
- Kremlin IX, ice world (um, cold)
Pop: 5 billion
Development: moderate (industrial)
Outposts: Kremlin I, VII
- Kremlin I, volcanic world (irradiated)
Pop: <1 billion
Development: minimal (mining)
- Kremlin VII, gaseous world
Pop: <1 billion
Development: minimal (research, mining)
Mekong System
Star: red giant, age 12 billion
Major: New Beijing
- New Beijing, Terran world (warm)
Pop: 24 billion
Development: heavy (industrial)
Minor: New Hong Kong, New Yinchuan, New Shenyang
- New Hong Kong, Terran world (temperate)
Pop: 20 billion
Development: light (agricultural)
- New Yinchuan, tundra world (cool)
Pop: 4 billion
Development: moderate (militaristic)
- New Shenyang, desert world (temperate)
Pop: 3 billion
Development: moderate (mining/industrial)
Outposts: Mekong V, VI
- Mekong V, rock/"lunar" (thin atmosphere, no real climate)
Pop: <1 billion
Development: very light (militaristic)
- Mekong VI, rock (same as above)
Pop: 1 billion
Development: light (mining/industrial)
New Hanoi (system)
Star: white dwarf, age 14 billion
Major: New Hanoi
- New Hanoi, not-quite Terran world (80% ocean, warm, very wet)
Pop: 12 billion
Development: moderate (agricultural)
Minor: New Haiphong
- New Haiphong, hostile world ("Komethium"* atmosphere)
Pop: 7 billion (most underground)
Dev: heavy (gas mining/industrial)
Outposts: New Hanoi III, VII
- NH III, desert world (warm, arid)
Pop: <1 billion
Dev: minimal (scientific)
- NH VII, ice world (cold)
Pop: <1 billion
Dev: light (scientific)
Paekdusan
Star: medium yellow, age 3.5 billion
Major: New P'yongyang, New Haeju
- New P'yongyang, Terran world (warm, wet, mountainous (sp?))
Pop: 12 billion
Dev: moderate (mining)
- New Haeju, paradise world (perfectly temperate)
Pop: 6 billion
Dev: light (resort)
Note: scans also indicate odd energy signatures emanating from the world's few volcanoes, UCS Guild of Science and Studies has set up a small research project to investigate. The government will not comment on the anomaly.
Minor: New Wonsan, New Chongjin
- New Wonsan, jungle world (warm, wet)
Pop: 4 billion
Dev: light (industrial/commodities)
- New Chongjin, rocky world (temperate)
Pop: 4 billion (most underground)
Dev: moderate (mining)
Outposts: Kuwolsan, Kumgangsan, Myohyangsan
- Kuwolsan, rocky world (cold)
Pop: <1 billion
Dev: minimal (militaristic)
- Kumgangsan, rock (no atmosphere)
Pop: <1 billion
Dev: minimal (militaristic)
- Myohyangsan, swampy world (wet, cold)
Pop: <1 billion
Dev: minimal (mining)
Obviously there are more systems... I'll ad them in as necessary. I'll also go into more detail on the major systems above.
Military
United Communist Navy (going for a Wing Commander-style navy)
Designs updated to meet galactic standards
Capital Ships
Stalin-class carrier
Basic shape: Rectangular prism
Length: 3,270 meters
Width: 1264 m
Height: 1232 m (476m at bridge)
Crew complement: 866 (skeleton), 1290 (optimal), plus 226 pilots
Troops: 1550 UC Marines (NOT FINAL)
Fighter complement: 6 interceptor squadrons (12 per squad), 2 fighter-bomber squadrons, 2 torpedo bomber squadron, 1 heavy bomber squadron, 1 utility squadron
Weapons: (NOT FINAL)
2 Heavy neutron cannons (0.5 megatons/shot)
35 Neutron turrets (100 kilotons/shot)
75 Point-defense neutron guns (5 kilotons/shot)
5 Anti-missile/fighter missile launchers (25 kilotons/warhead)
Shielding: TBD
Active Service:
C.S.S. Stalin
C.S.S. Kalashnikov
C.S.S. Dragunov
C.S.S. Zhukov
C.S.S. Kruschev
C.S.S. Gorbachev
C.S.S. Molotov
C.S.S. Trotski
(12 more in dry dock or under construction)
The Stalin-class carrier is fairly ordinary in terms of design. Hailing from the Dictator series of space superiority capital ships, its a time-proven formula packed with fighter squadrons. Its relatively small crew, troop, and weapons complement is a result of the huge central launch bay, capable of servicing craft as large as some destroyers.
Lenin-class battleship
Basic shape: dual rectangles
Length: 3,294m
Width: 1002m per rectangular section, 2648m at rear
Height: 628m, 904m at bridge
Crew: 978 (skeleton), 1,824 (optimal), 72 pilots
Troops: 2050 UC Marines (NOT FINAL)
Fighter complement: 2 interceptor squadrons, 2 figher-bomber squadrons
Weapons: (NOT FINAL)
2 Heavy bombardment cannons (1 megaton/shot)
2 Heavy neutron cannons
50 Neutron turrets
200 Point-defense neutron guns
8 anti-missile/fighter missile launchers
4 torpedo tubes (200 kilotons/warhead)
Shielding: TBD
Active Service:
C.S.S. Lenin
C.S.S. Mikoyan
C.S.S. Gurevich
C.S.S. Sukoi
C.S.S. Antonov
C.S.S. Ilyushin
C.S.S. Katyusha
C.S.S. Muromets
C.S.S. Sikorsky
C.S.S. Myasishchev
(10 more in dry dock or under construction)
The Lenin-class is another traditional design, if slightly more unorthodox than the Stalin. Practically bristling with weaponry, it also has two underside quick-launch fighter bays, each with its own squadron.
Ho Chi Minh-class light battleship
Basic shape: ovoid
Length: 2,940m
Width (amidship): 1064m
Width (at ends): 644m
Height (amidship): 804m
Height (at ends): 358m
Crew: 735 (skel), 976 (op), 24 pilots
Troops: 1550 UC Marines (NOT FINAL)
Fighters: 2 interceptor squadrons
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
77 currently in active service, 3 in drydock.
The Ho Chi Minh is relatively new, designed as a heavy escort craft and for defense of planets and stations deemed too remote to warrant a carrier or battleship group. Few distinguising characteristics, average in most regards.
Mao Tse Tsong-class battlecruiser
Basic shape: wedge with underswept claw-like wings
Length: 1964m
Wing Length: 1278m
Width (amidship): 540m
Width (stern): 804m
Height (without wings): 205m
Average Wing Width: 180m
Crew: 610 (skel), 860 (op)
Troops: 1250 UC Marines (NOT FINAL)
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
51 in active service, 5 in drydock, 4 under construction.
A more unconvential design intended for quick strikes and battle group interception. Like the Ho Chi Minh, lacks any outstanding traits and does its job with average results.
Marx-class assault cruiser
Basic shape: bloated ovoid with x-cross wings amidship
Length: 1980m
Wing Span: 1766m
Width (amidship): 1570m
Width (ends): 1208m
Height (amidship): 1540m
Height (ends): 1420m
Crew: 1066 (skel), 1356 (op), 160 pilots
Troops: 1800 UC Marines (NOT FINAL)
Assault Bays: 4 per ship "wing" (16 total), central large bay
Craft: 20 assault shuttle wings (4/wing)
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
20 entering active service now.
The insane brainchild of Dr. Vladislav Teryochek, the Marx is the newest UCN design. Recently exiting the prototype phase, it has had little oppurtunity to be tested in battle. The premise is that it can blitz through enemy defenses and launch its swarms of assault craft to board enemy vessels while holding its own with a vast assortment of weaponry, and from early testing it seems to accomplish this reasonably well. All this comes at a price however, and the ship requires a massive amount of manpower and presents a very large target on the battlefield. Its shielding and armor do not meet UCN capital ship standards and more than one prototype were lost due to operational errors during testing.
Escort craft
Kamenev-class escort cruiser
Basic shape: vaguely resembles a longsword
Length: 1160m
Average Width: 400m
Average Height: 360m
Crew: 570 (skel), 806 (op)
Troops: TBD
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
The Kamenev is a solid, reliable escort craft and provides a respectable portion of a group or task force's firepower. The quintessential UCS starship.
Hammer-class heavy destroyer
Basic shape: rectangle
Length: 846m
Width: 204m
Height: 196m
Crew: 430 (skel), 688 (op)
Troops: TBD
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
The Hammer-class is a common escort vessel, often used to protect important convoys and deal with pirates.
Sickle-class destroyer
Basic Shape: dual sickles, forming a pincer-type shape
Length (engine to tip of sickles): 655m
Width (Farthest edge to farthest edge): 580m
Height: 112m
Crew: 258 (skel), 480 (op)
Troops TBD
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
The Sickle-class is the UCS's premier reconnaisance and patrol vessel. Boasting a smaller engine signature and always painted matte black, it makes a respectable stealth craft. Relatively lightly armed, Sickle-class destroyers are nonetheless an important member of the UCN.
Star-class frigate
Basic shape: roughly star-shaped
Length: 480m
Width: 466m
Height: 60m
Crew: 56-94
Troops: no dedicated soldiers, just the crew
Weaponry: TBD
Shielding: TBD
The Star-class is a light attack craft, designed for speed and quick strikes. It makes up for its light shielding with a respectable weapons complement.
Possibly more to come
Fighters
All craft fully functional in normal atmospheres unless otherwise noted.
MiG-76 Blitzer interceptor
Shape: jet fighter
Length: 17.2m
Wingspan: 10.1m
Height: 5.3m (with landing gear deployed)
Crew: 1 pilot
Role: Air/Space superiority
VTOL: in space, yes, in 1G, STO is recommended
Weaponry: TBD
The Blitzer is an excellent air and space superiority interceptor. The aerodynamic and lightweight airframe means it is not the most armored fighter in service, but it is maneuverable and reliable like most UCS fightercraft.
MiG-79 Raider fighter-bomber
Shape: jet figher-bomber
Length: 18.9m
Wingspan: 11.4m
Height: 5.6m w/ landing gear
Crew: 1 pilot, 1 CP/G
Role: multi-purpose attack fighter
VTOL: in space, yes, in 1G, STO
Weaponry: TBD
The Raider is a multi-purpose fighter capable of taking on a variety of missions, including bombing or torpedo runs, CA(S)P, CA(S)S, and precision strikes. Otherwise very similar to the Blitzer.
Su-577 Hellion torpedo bomber
Shape: bulky fighter-like chassis, think 40K Marauder
Length: 20.1m
Wingspan: 12.7m
Height: 5.9m w/ landing gear
Crew: 1 pilot, 1 CP/G
Role: capital ship strike starfighter
VTOL: No. In space (i.e., carrier hanger), STO/VL. Not combat-capable in atmosphere, can VL but requires traditional take-off in 1G atmospheric environment.
The Hellion is designed for relatively quick strikes against enemy ships. Weapons load optimized for attacking destroyers and similar craft. Dead meat against enemy interceptors, due to poor maneuverability and the large target it presents. Instead of wasting potential payload space with an aerodynamic airframe, the Su-577 is bulky and well armored. As such, atmospheric flight is very fuel consuming and stressful on the hull.
still more to come...
Troopers
UCN naval infantry form the bulk of a ship's personnel. Similar to the UCA, they are generally conscripted, given basic duties and relatively simple equipment (as compared to the Marines). They are the primary defense against boarders and perform boarding operations if Marines are not available.
Ground
United Communist Marines
The UCM are ship-borne, well-trained and well-equipped troops, in contrast to the relatively poor quality of Army troopers. They specialize in ship boarding actions, orbital drops, and are given extensive urban combat training. They are selected from the Army conscripts, or teenagers can opt to directly enter the Marines if they're planning a career in the military (as military service is mandatory for both men and women).
Typical Marine Private, 32nd Kremlin Spaceborne Regiment
Age: usually 20-21
Weapon: Energeya Avtomat-3102 Moryak, 50 round detachable box magazine, similar in operation and functionality to WH40K lasgun (though a bit less powerful as befitting the STGOD rules), full auto capability, integral electronic optics. 2'10" long muzzle to butt, tends to suffer from thermal blooming and is lethal out to 1700m in a Terran atmosphere, has variable power settings that gets more shots out of each "round".
Armor: MCP Infantry Armor, Moryak. Ceramic plates dispersed over key positions with Marine battledress uniform underneath. The BDUs are similar to Kevlar in that they can stop conventional projectile weapons and shrapnel but are next to useless against energy weaponry (but that's why the ceramic plates are there). Capable of emergency sealing against vacuum, but has limited internal life support systems (can only surive in vacuum for 30 minutes, at most). All in all it resembles WH40K Imperial Guard Stormtrooper armor.
Misc: 5 spare magazines, Marine combat knife/bayonet, 2 G-9 fragmentory "Space-Safe" S-S grenades, 1 G-11 HEAT grenade (do NOT use in an airlock), various other essentials, e.g., rations, water, flashlight, etc.
For close-quarters boarding and urban combat, Marines usually swap out their rifle for the EAS-3102MU carbine and a laser-edged sword.
United Communist Army
The Army's infantry are primarily conscripted, but thanks to the militaristic nature of the UCS career soldiers are quite common and NCOs, officers, crews, and technicians are usually volunteers. The Army is huge and virtually all of the population in the age range of 18-25 is enlisted. It is generally used as a garrison or occupation force, though in full scale wars it provides the bulk of a planetary invasion, following in the Marines' wake.
Typical Army Private, 43rd Kremlin Mechanized Regiment
Age: 18
Weapon: EA-3102, effectively identical to the Moryak model, above.
Armor: Army BDUs. Stops most anti-personnel projectiles and shrapnel. Useless against energy weapons. Available in a variety of schemes including Tundra, Forest, Jungle, Arctic, Desert, and Urban! Trenchcoats are also popular among many pure infantry regiments.
Misc.: Army combat knife/bayonet, 3 G-10 fragmentory grenades, 4 magazines, essentials.
As in the Marines, there are various support weapons in each squad, depending on a variety of factors. The EPK-3076 is a common SAW, generally two per squad.
T-98 Main Battle Tank
Length: 7.3m
Height: 2.1m
Width: 3.6m
Max Speed: 140 km/h
Fording depth: (unsealed) 1.1m (sealed and with snorkel) 7.3m
Crew: 3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Armament:
Main gun: 140mm magnetic projectile accelerator cannon (effective out to 3.2km)
Co-axial laser (lethal to most vehicles to 1200m, lethal to infantry to 1800m)
Rail-mounted commander's EPK-3076 (lethal to infantry to 1100m)
Hull-mounted driver's PKM-2955 conventional machinegun (effective to 700m)
Daily Life and Culture
The military is a way of life for citizens of the UCS. All able-bodied young men and women are enlisted in a branch of the armed forces, and most children learn how to handle a knife or fire a rifle at a young age. The Sector's turbulent past has left many core systems relatively underpopulated, and military bases are abundant. The natural above-average intelligence of old-Earth Russians, Chinese, and other Asians is for the most part preserved, though sadly the great minds of the UCS world have always been put to military applications. All men remain in reserve and can be pulled into active service until the age of 55, though women are exempt so as to retain a work force in a time of crisis.
Economically, the UCS could stand to improve. Its socialist bent means business owners and other free enterprises tend to suffer, though interstellar trade is encouraged with a lack of tariffs and bureaucratic harassment. All citizens in an average system are lower-middle class, those found enjoying more luxuries than the norm are fined and the money redistributed. Industry, however, prospers under state care as tanks, ships, guns and bullets are pumped out in massive numbers each day. As in any so-called "oppresive" empire, there are dissenters, pirates, and other malcontents who keep the standing military busy and on their toes.
Culture varies from system to system, most are primarily a single original ethnicity. Those descended from Russians and Chinese are most numerous. The traditional values and beliefs have blended somewhat, with Russian culture tending to dominate. The official languages** of the UCS are English (common/interstellar/"trade language"), Russian (state/formal), and Common Chinese (vernacular). Other minor ethnicities were present (most originating from Eastern Europe) but have since been assimilated, with the notable exception of German language and customs. There is a sizable amount of German ancestry among many UCS citizens, though not on the scale of any of the major cultures.
UCS citizens are friendly to outsiders, tourists, and other interlopers so long as they don't wear out their welcome. Most are generally quick tempered and impatient with anyone who has earned their ire.
State Ministries, Departments, and Councils
Internal Security Council
Responsible for state legislation, judiciary action, and war strategy. Formed of the People's Emperor's most trusted senior officers and traditionally headed by the Marshal of Justice and Discipline. The Emperor personally oversees the conduct of this Council.
Коммунист Агентство Контрразведки
Better known as the KAK (kay-ay-kay) or Communist Agency of (Counter)Espionage, this is the Emperor's eyes and ears both in situations foreign and domestic. Obviously it is not completely secret, but nor is it blatantly advertised. Many agents are implanted in the UCM, UCN, and UCA, and serve both as soldiers and as enforcers of discipline. Operatives in foreign powers function more as ambassadors and diplomats, not as deep cover agents.
Department of Public Relations and Foreign Policy
The DPRFP is more commonly known as the Department of Indoctrination and Propaganda, the formal name more of a holdover from the ICC days of greater state control. Nevertheless, the DPRFP performs its functions upon dissenting communities, border worlds, and serves as the recruitment base for career soldiers. The DPRFP is always looking to expand the borders of the UCS.
State Ministry of Trade
The newest and most progressive goverment department, the SMT is friendly, open, and is formed of the least military-minded of UCS citizens. Strictly adheres to a code of honor laid down at its conception 50 years ago, and frowns upon the "capitalist evils" of (economic) backstabbing, cutthroat rivalry, hostile takeovers and other right-wing practices. The SMT encourages free trade with foreign powers and is glad to export agricultural products and raw munitions. Starship components are also in relatively large supply. Popular imports are advanced electronics and information technology.
United Communist Intelligence
Rough equivalent of old-Earth KGB. All other information classified Completely Secret. (information will be given to mods if necessary)
State COuncil for Spaceflight and Interstellar eXploration
SCOSIX oversees the research and development of space-related projects. Competes with the military for the state's geniuses and thinkers. The most-funded of any other UCS organization, excluding the military. Delights in making contact with alien species and exploring new systems, and is ecstatic about doing the above first, before anyone else.
Communist Armed Forces COMmand (CAFCOM)
A panel of senior military officers from all branches, divided into tiers of security access and authority. Major generals and rear admirals form the first tier, lieutenant generals and vice admirals the second, and so on until it reaches the ISC. Responsible for the discussion and execution of high-level operational strategy. All branches work in concert with the others, a fleet admiral has as much say in a ground campaign as a marshal (though the marshal's experience would generally be respected and he given the final word). Also handles legislative and judicial matters deemed too menial for the ISC (i.e., would pass an empire-wide law on a reduction of maximum docking speed for ships larger then 100 meters in length). More trivial laws are delegated to local jurisdiction. These annoying duties are suspended during limited or greater war and only the most crucial of legislative matters are processed (and those are usually in the ISC's jurisdiction anyways).