The Kingdom of Alderaan

[Star Wars Legacies]

Alderaan​

Overview


The planet of Alderaan is a rich, lush world full of natural aesthetics and a well established culture. Throughout history, billions had been drawn to Alderaan to seek out its vast mountain ranges, lakes and other beauties. The planet also draws great minds from all around the galaxy, a central hub for science and technology nestled within the Core. The planet is the pinnacle of luxury in every sense of the word.

Historically, Alderaan is ruled by a King or Queen, with no real preference given to either sex. More forward-thinking than most nations, the kingdom of Alderaan values intellect and ambition above bloodlines. As a result, the King or Queen is chosen by a court of advisors. The people of Alderaan experience a comfortable lifestyle with fair taxes that ensure they are well taken care of with housing. Education is offered freely to citizens of Alderaan, the entire planet always valuing it and striving for complete literacy rate.

As a result of being a part of relatively few wars and conflict, Alderaan largely remains unspoiled and uninterrupted in its cultural and technological progress. The population is considered to be middle to upperclass, with very few pockets of poverty stricken areas.

The most populous city of Alderaan is Aldera, its capital. Nestled near the Snowcapped peaks of the Triplehorn mountains, the city stands proud on an island in the center of Lake Aldera. Tall spires extend out above the horizon, the city bustling with a vast population of locals and visitors alike. The city’s main claim to fame is the galactic-wide known University of Alderaan. Students from all over the galaxy apply to get into this prestigious university which has boasted several key political alma mater. The acceptance rate is abysmally low, the university selecting only a few hundred from the hundreds of thousands that apply for it.

The citizens of Alderaan enjoy a luxury unlike most in other planets. Serving as a cultural, intellectual and aesthetic hub, few have reason to ever leave this jewel in the center of the galaxy. Citizenship is difficult to obtain in this planet, most residents needing a blood relative maximum two generations prior to apply for citizenship. Work visas last for ten years maximum, student visas six years. Most students take their learning to other planets or continue on at one of the university’s satellite campuses across the galaxy.

Alderaan’s education and history is tied to diplomacy that spans across the galaxy. With a capital that can boast founding some of the oldest institutions of learning, it’s no surprise that the planet has always been a leader in politics. In 25,053 BBY, Alderaan helped found the Galactic Republic. Throughout history, Alderaan has become a powerful seat of power, its influence reaching over a vast portion of the Core.

Government​

Although democratic in nature, historically Alderaan is governed by a Monarchy. Referred to as the King or Queen, this monarch is voted upon by a Court of Advisors. Although the ruling candidate may not be a direct descendant of the prior ruler, often times heirs are seen to serve as Senators of Alderaan to represent the planet in the Galactic Republic. The Advisors are comprised of key political figures from various powerful Noble Houses across Alderaan. These houses have deep roots on the planet that span over several generations. The King or Queen has the same level of authority and gender is not discriminated against within the Kingdom. Should the King or Queen die an untimely death, a new ruler is selected by the Court of Advisors. There have been cases of an outsider candidate succeeding in leading a political campaign powerful enough to lock in the Advisors’ vote.

King/Queen

On paper, ultimate authority belongs to the King or Queen of Alderaan. However, every decision is discussed and weighed heavily by the Court of Advisors, which ensures that democracy continues to prosper in this nation.

Court of Advisors

This is a group of about a five or six political leaders that come together to help advise the King or Queen. This committee is usually led by the Vizier of Alderaan, which is also a voted position. The Advisors are usually leaders and prominent figures in politics and/or heads of Noble Houses. Being an Advisor is a coveted position, as this role has the direct ear of the monarch. Advisors are relied upon to bring knowledge of the galaxy to help deliberate on key decisions for Alderaan and how it plays a role.

The Court of Advisors is tasked with decreeing laws and administrative changes that impact Alderaan and its political ties as a whole. In addition to diplomats and thought leaders, the Senator of Alderaan is also a member of the Court of Advisors. The Senator position brings with it ties and knowledge of the Galactic Republic and decisions made. Alliances and treaties are discussed at the Aldera Royal Palace, where the Court of Advisors and the King or Queen meets for official gatherings.

Diplomat

These are highly respected members of society that serve as leaders within Alderaan. A diplomat is a pioneer in his or her field of study whether it is politics, sciences, technology or any other avenue of learning. Often extremely wealthy, these are usually individuals that aspire to one day be elected into the Court of Advisors.

Middle Class

This is the majority of Alderaan’s population and consists of everyday civilians that reside within the Capital or in cities and villages throughout the kingdom. Always hungry for knowledge, people within this class normally tend to aim towards becoming a leader in their realm of knowledge.

Lower Class

Although a smaller minority, this is a class usually reserved for those that live in remote areas of the planet. Usually this group is involved in agriculture. Traditionalists in many ways, a lot of these families don’t embrace the forward thinking nature of Aldera and disagree with much of the changes. Other families are simply experiencing hardship. This is a slowly growing class of people with plenty of resentment and anger brewing at the overall governing body of Alderaan. The opinion is shared that the monarchy is willing to further Alderaan’s political agenda at the expense of its people.

Law & Order


Traditional laws apply in Alderaan as mandated by the King or Queen. Murder and other severe crimes are rare on the planet, but the justice served is severed. Criminals charged with serious crimes are often executed, with lesser crimes involving extensive prison sentences. The most common crime involves foreigners staying beyond how long their visas allowed. Transplants and migrants are given many warnings before they are deported back to their origin planet.

Due to the recent galactic war between Force using sects, Force users are considered suspicious in Alderaan, though Jedi have been considered to be on friendly terms. Although no severe action is taken against them if caught, they are often put under scrutiny if discovered. As of now, the Kingdom does not recognize either party as an official ally.

Alderaan has a strict policy against narcotics, and illegal smuggling and spice trade is heavily persecuted. Fines can range into the millions along with several years of jail time. As the planet becomes more and more prominent, the spice smuggling problem becomes more profound. Illegal trade rings crop up here and there throughout the planet to mar the otherwise perfect image Alderaan has to the external galaxy.

Culture​

The average Alderaanian is very educated and cultured. Poets and artists thrive on Alderaan. The beauty moves the pens of poets, while the vast grasslands serve as a canvas for grass paintings. Alderaan is also famous for its cuisine. The large variety of spices and herbs allows chefs to experiment and create some of the finest dishes in the galaxy. Steamed Alderaanian spiced wine is a favored beverage among many.

Some of the planet's major exports included wine, art, and luxury goods. Alderaan is known as "Planet of Beauty," and is voted the safest world in the galaxy. Citizens and visitors alike experience a culture rich and immersed with many years of learning and tradition. Alderaan’s cuisine is unique in nature, its wines and food sampled all throughout the galaxy.

Alderaan citizens experience a thriving, purposely life in a planet always encouraging thought leadership and ambition. With a high literacy rate, the citizens stand apart overall from many of Alderaan’s neighbors, always ahead intellectually and wiser. This intelligence extends into the arts, with many famous singers and performers hailing from Alderaan.

Historic Timeline

— 27,500 BBY - Humans settle on the planet, originating from Coruscant
— 26,000 BBY - First human Monarchy forms
— 25,053 BBY - Alderaan helps found the Galactic Republic
— 7,000 BBY - The Hundred-Year Darkness begins in the larger galaxy
— 6,903 BBY - Amelia Antilles ascends the throne as Queen of Alderaan