View source for EU-Fic/History/Galactic Aristocracy The Names and Numbers

==Galactic Aristocracy: "The Names and Numbers"==
'''by Illuminatus Primus'''


'''Background'''

The galactic aristocracy is often summed up in the epithet "Names and Numbers," referring to the great formal family lines and houses of the traditional aristocracy of birth and lineage, and the multistellar business organizations (specifically, their largest shareholders). Although plenty of claims have been made about the supposed distinctness and mutual enmity of the old aristocracy and the business plutocracy (one recalls the Duke of Faufreluches-in-the-Mascarenhas denouncing "so-called Names, the refuse of the galaxy, the bourgeois plague, the stain of new money and illegitimate influence" after the Duke had lost his place at the prestigious Hilderbergh Group to the CEO of Rendili StarDrive), the fact is that many of the richest businessmen in the galaxy held noble title, and some of the most ancient and patrician of houses are well-represented in boards of directors of major multistellars. The most famous case of intersection being the CEO chair at Kuat Drive Yards, legally bound to hereditary descent within the Kuat family with reference to the historically noble Velic Law, forming initself a de facto title of nobility. Often called the twin "pillars" of galactic order, the Names and Numbers in many cases, especially the former, predated the ratification of the Constitution of the Galactic Republic, and represented the mass of old power that evolved with the Galactic Union. As Dr. Yinqo Lamont was quoted as saying, "the Names and Numbers represent the great estates of the Galactic Union, and are more fundamental to the structure of galactic society than the constitution."


'''The Old Families'''

The Names, though divided into the Houses and Patricians, reached up to a common apex - the Old Families. These most influential of the old lineages held the greatest names of history. The Valorums. The Tagges. The Organas. The Palpatines. With or without title, they were universally regarded as the pinnacle of the Names. Being born an Old Family was simultaneously a great gift and a great burden. For the ambitious and strong, whether entering politics, business, or armed service or the various arts or academia, membership in an Old Family was sure to place one on the fast track for advancement. A young scion would get a coveted jump start in the galactic patronage trade. However, the risks and pressure was great. Princess and Senator Leia Organa of Alderaan was able to avoid succumbing to torture and mind probe aboard the Death Star only because she had received conditioning and training to resist such questioning, as a member of a ruling house. All heirs and important members of an Old Family, including household and personal staff, retainers, personal bodyguards under went physical conditioning and surgery in order to make their minds hardened against manipulation, brain scans, and torture, attesting to the brutally cut-throat competition at the apex of galactic power, though it should be emphasized that this was the exception to the rule, until the Empire. Also, unapproved careers, marriages, and socially-damaging behavior were very strongly condemned and restricted in the Old Families. Patriarchs and matriarchs tended to keep a strong grip on their charges; elopement or sexual deviancy could damage prospects for the family for a generation, as well as deny the opportunity for an advantageous marriage. Similarly, diversions in "bohemianism" could result in exile or disowning. As a result of these enormous pressures for advancement, psychological distress could be quite common. And the cut-throat nature of competition at this level drove many to paranoia and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.