• THE SPINWARD MARCHES

The Spinward Marches Sector lies at the extreme spinward-coreward edge of the Imperium, separated from the Imperial Core not only by distance but by the Great Rift, which necessitates a long detour through Corridor Sector. The shape of the Great Rift, which resembles a giant lobster claw, is the source of a common habit of referring to the Marches and other regions beyond the rift as being "Behind The Claw." Not all of the sector is under Imperial control, and that control is tenuous in some areas. Several interstellar societies jostle for their place on the pages of history; the land-hungry Aslan, the thoughtful Darrians, mysterious Droyne, aggressive Sword Worlders, disorganized Vargr and the mighty Zhodani Consulate all pursue their own ends in the Marches. The Marches have been the scene for four major wars and innumerable skirmishes, not all of them external. Corporate interests and ambitious world governments add to the melting pot of conflicting interests. The Marches are also home to several non-starfaring races, some of which welcome offworld contact, while others are off-limits to protect their development. Astrographically, the Marches is dominated by the vast Spinward Main, a chain of 223 worlds linked by jump-l routes. The Main and its branches provide a highway for trading ships. As a rule, worlds off the main are less developed due to their lack of accessibility. The Imperial worlds within the Marches are part of the Domain of Deneb, ruled by Archduke Akari Duvanee from the capital at Atadl. Subordinate to Archduke Akari are the sector dukes who rule their regions with considerable autonomy. The duke of the Spinward Marches is Duke Norris Aella Aledon whose capital is Regina/Regina. With a 44-week trip by Xboat link to the Capital**, and the same lag on the journey back, there is no other way to govern the Marches. Threats must be met, initially at least, with local forces. Local solutions must be found to problems. The Marches are a frontier, and sometimes frontier justice is the only answer.