Banu Protectorate

The Banu Protectorate (BP) is a republic of planet-states overseeing all of known Banu space. Located along the border of the southern systems of the 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 Humans (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 humans could finally interact, they 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 began to trade technology and help each other expand into the universe.

Political System
The Banu Protectorate is an allied government of independent planet-states, each kept running by one or more political and bureaucratic Soulis ("guilds"). On a state level, the bureaucratic Soulis handle the major organizational tasks, and the political Soulis grease the wheels, execute the logistics, and stay abreast of the rules. Garbage collection, energy distribution, water services, sewage, road maintenance, lighting, etc. are all made possible by these Soulis via contracts with other Soulis that specialize in said tasks.

Connections between the states are maintained by a governmental body that's also called the Protectorate. Just like the Soulis in the states, the Protectorate takes care of the tasks that are necessary to keep things running smoothly. These include making treaties with other civilizations, organization of mass resource delivery, maintenance of mass production chains between Soulis, managing shared currency, disaster relief, managing trade in and out of Council systems, protection against major invading forces, and breaking up major fights between citystates, among other tasks. Banu who want a seat on the Protectorate purchase it directly from another Banu who is already serving in the role, usually someone who is ready to Divest. In some cases, they are handpicked for succession. They still have to pay for it, though.

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. While they're in power, it's entirely up to them whether to work with one another for the betterment of all Banu, or to pursue their own agendas. The most successful are the ones that can accomplish both at the same time. The least successful are subject to assassination.

The structure of the Protectorate is constantly in flux. If the Protectorate has become overly corrupted, or the planet-states just don't like how they're running things, they might secede as an act of protest. While the planets are capable of surviving on their own, they're usually cut out of the treaties if they rebel, which makes trading with other civilizations difficult for them.

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. Thus, it was strongly advised to avoid the "Servant Markets" of Kins II for this reason. If one were to be captured by Banu slavers they would most likely be offered the opportunity to purchase their own freedom. There are few companies that offer travelers slavery insurance in case of emergency. For lesser crimes, individuals are expected to hire a security Souli to investigate the theft, of which many are willing to take a percentage of the recovered goods as a fee.

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 the 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 binds 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.

Social structure
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.

Trade and commerce
All contracts made with the Banu have a maximum enforceable duration of one Banu generation. If the involved parties wish to continue the contract, it must be renegotiated.