Imperial Marines

Considered the “hand of the Emperor”, these men and women see to any enforcement, retribution or other martial need of the Empire. In times of peace there are around 12,000 such people in service to the Empire. During these times the majority of the marines are volunteers. Serving as a marine is viewed as the first step in gaining access to the services and favors of the Empire for most people. Volunteer service is for four years at a minimum. Contracts can be extended until a person is of an age for their respective race that they are deemed too old to be on the top of their game. To augment the volunteers, each Imperial member state is expected to provide 1% of their population for service. These marines need only serve two years. In times of war, the Imperial writs of each member state lay out the percentage of their population who are expected to serve. During these times there is no set end to draftees enlistment.

Imperial marines are on every Imperial vessel, stationed in each Imperial city or trade community, and a small number are kept stationed throughout the Empire to respond to needs in their areas.

Having the writ of service from the marines grants the holder low passage on Imperial trade vessels and support ships, a guaranteed location to sell  personal property (almost always at the lowest prevailing rate), and access to basic Imperial communications sites.