Banu Protectorate

The Banu Protectorate is a republic of planet-states overseeing all of known Banu space. Located along the border of the southern systems of UEE, with the exception of Trise, it is comprised of at least seven systems. The Protectorate has been a consistently peaceful and respectful neighbor who has fostered a close relationship with the UEE and her citizens through economic trade and cultural exchange.

Contact with Human (2438)
In 2438-06-12 3:13 SET, a NavJumper named Vernon Tar was searching the Davien system for jump-points when his systems picked up a Contact. Assuming it was just another explorer, he opened fire before realizing that it was, in fact, an alien vessel. He got scared and called the UNE SOC. A delegation party was quickly assembled and rushed out to the scene. Military forces were on hand in case they turned out to be hostile. The meeting lasted about forty minutes. That Banu, as it turned out, was on the run from local officials for embezzling funds. UNE forces were left to wait for a response from the Alien Race.

Two weeks later, an alien delegation appeared in the Davien System and established contact. Over the next few months, the two races worked to break through the communication barrier. When we could finally interact, we learned that they were the Banu. A collective race of planet-states who had also just started to explore the universe.

In October of 2438, the UNE signed the first Interstellar Peace and Trade Accord with the Banu, and they began to trade technology and help each other expand into the universe.

Political System
The protectorate is a republic of planet-states, each run under its own political system. The leaders (or selected representatives) of each planet will gather for a quorum (aka the Gathering) in Bacchus II to discuss/debate legal and trade issues that affect the entire species. Otherwise, each is left to their own devices to succeed or fail.

Diplomatic Status
UEE: Friendly

Xi’an Empire: Friendly.

Vanduul clans: Precarious but friendly. This breaks down on a planet-by-planet basis, but generally the desire for money and trade outweighs loyalties and grudges.

Military
The Banu can pull together a formidable fighting force if needed, but they do not have a dedicated standing army. Instead, the Banu Militia keeps the (relative) peace on a day-to-day basis within their systems. This militia operates on a rotational basis, drawing volunteers (even some criminals) from the various inhabited planets within the system to keep an eye on things in space. To call their approach to law enforcement ‘fast and loose’ is an understatement.

Law
Suffice it to say, there is a lot of crime in the Banu Protectorate. The woeful lack of communication between the various planet-states means that criminals can simply hop from world to world when his/her current world becomes too dangerous. Since the UEE (even the Advocacy) is forbidden to pursue criminals over the borders, the Banu Protectorate is a haven for UEE criminals. And if an attempt is made to reclaim fugitives through official channels, very few of the Banu planets will extradite any fugitives found on their surface.

That hasn’t stopped some of the more creative thinkers within the Advocacy from sending Agents undercover, tracking and abducting fugitives, then smuggling them back into UEE space.

One of the biggest dangers that Humans can encounter in the Banu Protectorate is slavery. It is strongly advised to avoid the “Servant Markets” of Kins II for this reason. If you are captured by Banu slavers you will most likely be offered the opportunity to purchase your own freedom. There are few companies that offer travelers slavery insurance in case of emergency.

Religion
The Protectorate worships the two deities with the greatest following are Cassa, the Patron of Luck, and Taernin, the Great Traveller.

The Protectorate’s spiritual center is located in the Trise System. While the Gatherings on Bacchus handle the legal and political, “The Council” is responsible for the social and moral dictums that define and direct Banu society.

Their calling requires pure objectivity when dealing with their own race, so they are separated from the rest of their people in so much as is possible.

There are no great Banu pilgrimages, though, so do not expect worshippers to flock to the system. That the Council must be separate from the rest of society is law. Banu monk equivalents do produce elaborate copper-based artwork which has a certain kitsch value; their healers concoct a variety of medicines which have been shown to have a positive effect on Human disease.

Culture
Trade is the name of game in the Banu systems. While each of the planets boast their own specific flavor of culture and tradition, a love of money and trade bind them all. Banu worlds are vibrant, dangerous places with criminals and nobles brushing shoulders in the various marketplaces. Anything can be found with the Banu if you have the credits. Banu population centers are always built around a central marketplace to maximize their exposure to goods moving around their planet.

Society
Known best for their industrious nature, Banu pride themselves on their artisanal craftsmanship and astute business acumen. Rather than the traditional family units or corporations typically found among Humans, the Banu instead have a societal structure that combines both into one single unit – the Souli. Often translated as ‘guild,’ the Souli is the foundation for life in the Protectorate, where Banu work and live together. Each Souli specializes in a specific industry and can vary widely; from a ship manufacturing Souli, to a trade Souli, even a Souli that raises Banu young. There is a Souli for everything. This regimented division of labor translates directly into the skilled expertise present on Banu worlds, markets and trade-vessels making for a memorable visit.