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RA, Subsector 1-D: No. systems: 133 Sector: Orion with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by: with 2 inhabited planets: 10 with 1 inhabited planet: 23
RAMMAN, Subsector 12-A: No. systems: 100 Sector: Eridanus with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by: with 2 inhabited planets: 14 with 1 inhabited planet: 24
RANGERS, IMPERIAL: Established by Emperor Chang in 2128, this group ismade up of multi-talented, genius-level generalists chosen for a numberof qualities including (but not limited to) intelligence, common sense,adaptability, realistic idealism, loyalty to the Empire, no closepersonal ties, and--since 2569--Talent. They are generally chosenyoung, trained on the job for two or three years by another Ranger.They are the Sovereign's personal representatives and troubleshooters,doing what the Sovereign would if @ could be in ten places at once.They have the right to wield Imperial power at need, though if timepermits, they will always consult with the Sovereign before doing so.It is they who choose the Successor, in theory any qualified Imperialcitizen but so far in practice always another Ranger.
Their working uniform is forest green with a platinum circled-starbadge, black leather equipment belt and boots, and a sidearm of theRanger's choice. Semi-dress adds a silver-trimmed cloak with theImperial Arms.
RAPID-HEAL: A drug derived from Ondrian miracle-weed which speeds thehealing of injuries by a factor of about 3.5 for a standard human orTraiti, about 5 for a Sandeman non-warrior, and about 7 for a warriorof that race. It cannot be used on infected wounds, and the increasedhealing speed causes increased appetite and fatigue.
RAVAGERS: Inter-universal raiders. They are not life as Imperialsusually understand the term; some scientists believe they are notreally life at all. From time to time, at unpredictable intervals,they erupt into a random universe and--if that universe does not have atechnological and population level near the Empire's--devastate it andproceed to another. However, no Empire-level civilization is attackedmore than once, because a civilization at that stage can, and so faralways does, defeat them. After such a defeat, the Ravagers retreat,and it is several years before they attack again anywhere. This is thereason Empires in various alternate universes cooperate to developEmpires or the equivalent in still other alternates.
RATRI, Subsector 13-C: No. systems: 43 Sector: Crater with 3 inhabited planets: 4 Ruled by: with 2 inhabited planets: 8 with 1 inhabited planet: 23
REDDEN'S WORLD: Sector: 5, Pegasus Year: Subsector: A, Bayard Day: System: Lindbergh Gravity: Settled/established: Axial tilt: By: Oxygen: Satellites: % Water: Ident code prefix: RED Continents: Ruled by:
RELIGION: Human Imperials follow all of the major religions frombefore the Empire, and many of the minor ones, though all have beenmodified to a greater or lesser degree by the discovery of other worldsand races. There are also new religions, of which Omnism is thecommonest, and the Traiti faith picks up some human adherents after theWar.
RELIGION, Sandeman: Created, like most of Sandeman culture, by theShapers, this is a polytheistic faith loosely based on Shinto, Islam,and Odinism with a strong emphasis on honor. The deities are warriorsand warriors'-women who have died in honor. They have no particularduties in the sense of most Terrestrial pantheons; they are more of anexample, a goal to strive for. However, it is believed they willoccasionally come to the aid of a worshipper in extreme straits, orsometimes give a helping hand simply because they feel like it.
The afterlife is much like life, only better. For the warrior caste,it is a blend of Valhalla and the Mohammedan Paradise; for Others, itis what they had before, but better and with more intensity.
Although reincarnation was not a part of the original religion, thereis one sect of Others who believe that if they please the gods duringtheir first life, they will be reborn into the warrior caste and have achance to become gods themselves.
RETALIATOR, Subsector 19-F: No. systems: 107 Sector: Leo with 3 inhabited planets: 7 Ruled by: with 2 inhabited planets: 12 with 1 inhabited planet: 28
ROC, Subsector 10-B: No. systems: 99 Sector: Aquila with 3 inhabited planets: 3 Ruled by: with 2 inhabited planets: 13 with 1 inhabited planet: 20
ROYAL ENFORCEMENT SERVICE(s): The combined law enforcement and militaryservices of the Kingdom Systems. Each planet's Enforcement Serviceoperates independently, but all are ultimately responsible to the HighKing, and the only uniform difference is the planetary insigne on thecollar.
The RES is divided into the regular forces, who operate much likepolice in the Empire, and Special Operations, which are most similar tothe ITMC's Special Forces. Until recently, because of the dangers oftheir work (average lifespan is less than two years), Special Opspersonnel were required to be sterile and unmarried; these requirementscan now be waived if the person is a member of one of the new extendedFamilies.
Special Operations has recently acquired a subdivision called theStrike Force. It is designed as a number of quick-responseanti-terrorist teams which operate under very liberalrules--particularly its Inquisitors, who operate under Writs ofImmunity issued by the Pope and High King. Under these Writs, anythinga Strike Force Inquisitor (or the people working with @) does in thebelief it is for the Systems' protection or in their interest, exceptregicide or narrowly-defined treason, cannot be punished.
Unlike Imperial forces, the RES has very few women, and at this pointonly two are officers.
The highest Enforcement rank is Colonel.
RUCHAYA: (Traiti) Clan parent. Used by any of a clan's younglings toany of its adults, though @ will generally refer to @'s birth-parentsas "ka'chaya" (female parent, mother) and "es'chaya" (male parent,father).
RUDRA, Subsector 12-D: No. systems: 54 Sector: Eridanus with 3 inhabited planets: 5 Ruled by: with 2 inhabited planets: 10 with 1 inhabited planet: 22
RUHAR: (Traiti) Literally "clan fellow-member"; Clanmate.