House Karpeer
The Lystran Revolution was a great source of worry for then House Leader Beid Serkan Karpeer; blood was no longer a guarantee of success, and the position of any House now seemed precarious and precious. He looked at those who governed Karpeer's worlds and business, and was not pleased. He feared the House was sliding into decadence: a dangerous thing in the changing times.
Beid slowly expanded the Noble House's membership; he brought in new advisors, and redistributed holdings. He appointed as successor the common born Naveen Megrez Karpeer over his own son; this was controversial, but few could deny Naveen's honour, or record as planetary governor. Naveen had little loyalty to the old House bloodlines; when the noble born vacated their positions, he brought in competent outsiders to replace them. He also started to improve the lot of the commoners, which gained him popularity. This gave some protection from rebellion of the spurned noble-born, most of whom faded into obscurity with ill grace. The one bloodline of the original Karpeers that remains relatively well-known is the family Serkan; there are to this day a few Serkans in the House, thanks to the pressure of their heritage and the family's ability to hire the best tutors.
Naveen's successors continued to judge merit over blood. With the majority of the House common-born, there was little objection as the meritocratic trend continued. And it continues to this day; anyone of sufficient talent - regardless of pedigree - may enter the House.
To ensure that all who are gifted are able to use their gifts, education is available to all preadolescents; a series of standardised tests picks out the best of the best. Those who perform best at school go to Prime Academies, the academies' best go to Prime Colleges, and the colleges' best go to the Prime University. Those who perform best at the University, and do not collapse under the pressure, may go on to join the House.
The tests are designed not only to indicate who may be able to run the House, but also to find those suited to other professions; a variety of vocational and technical academies and colleges train people towards the job they are best suited for. Karpeer produces many Technologists, as those of appropriate talent are found at an early age by the tests.
Thanks to the universal education system, Karpeer's commoners have the highest literacy rates in the Empire: around 80% can read. The House's main exports are luxuries and artworks, because of the profusion of proficient labour. The less academically gifted are relegated to Agri and Mining Worlds, where little learning is required; these may also be the least content, as some feel that their vocational skill is undervalued.
Karpeer is known for its democracy; the ability to gain votes is seen as a test of one's political merit. Eligibility to vote is decided by level of schooling, to ensure the voters are of sufficient merit to make an informed decision. Those who have completed a College course may vote on their planet's governor. Elections for governors usually take place every four years, unless a position is suddenly vacated; aside from death or dishonour, an election may be announced if the Head of House finds the incumbent to be less meritorious than required. Candidates are chosen by those high in the Noble House, although the will of the masses is usually taken into account.
Karpeer Nobles vote on some larger matters of House policy: whether to participate in a House Feud, for example. They also vote to allow candidates to join the House; although it is usually assumed that someone would not have been put forward if they were not worthy, so it is rare for membership to be denied this way. Nobles and other alumni of the Prime University (aside from members of other Houses) vote for the House Leader, when a replacement is required.
Notable Planets
Canopus - The House capital, and home of the Prime University: a Mixed World, mostly oceanic, sprinkled with archipelagoes. The larger islands are densely populated cosmopolitan cities of academics, administrators and artificers; they are covered by a fretwork of pre-Imperial canals, as water is the traditional method of local transportation. Some smaller isles are used for farming, whilst some are left as hunting grounds for the Noble House. The planet's main export is skilled labour, although it does have its share of Empire technology workshops and factories; it also has a Fixed Autofactory capable of producing power cells of the size required for starships.
Ayvonia - Also known as the Capital of Movies, this world is littered by film studios and attendant businesses. Sound recording originated from here, as did many advancements in special effects. The perennially popular combat game show Dragon Warriors is made here, as are many spectacles of derring-do and heroism. Technically, Ayvonia is still an Agri world; the farms provide employment for those who come in search of fame but never find it.
Callida - a Mix world. The populace are rather isolationist, but pleasantly cooperative.
Dagber - a remote Death world, covered in swamps and fungal forests, home to snakes or all shapes and sizes. The indiginous mutant tribes are largely cooperative, but lack the sophistication to be considered true members of the Empire. Hardwood from Dagber's deciduous trees is much sought after by artisans and carpenters, for its strength and durability.
Miranda I - A rocky, largely inhospitable Mining World, near the edge of Omar space.
Miranda IV - A jungle covered Death World, near the edge of Omar space. Inhabited by giant wasps and the demi-human cannibals who eat them
Mykor - A Mix world, important in the Hollann War; three major space battles took place in its system. The third was decided by the planet's Grand Cannon, whose bolts of plasma are capable of decimating a small fleet. Now, in more peaceful times, it is a hub of trade with the planets of Hollanni Space. It is also the site of the main base of GloboFoods, purveyors of the finest exotic edibles and intoxicants; it is widely rumoured their main Skyspider pens are here.
Vilgar - An Agri world. The site of one of the largest Cult of Ascension temples, it is a popular place of pilgrimage for Karpeer's believers.