Captains

Within Iolar society, there is no greater popular aspiration than to become a captain of a mighty voidship. These unique and notorious individuals are considered the pinnacle of human endeavor, risking everything to push the boundaries of human progress as they venture into the hostile cosmos. Part explorer, part entrepreneur, and not entirely sane all captains share an abiding wanderlust and a minimum force of personality that makes each a minor celebrity at the very least. The great irony that theirs is also considered a holy calling is not lost on these interstellar nobles since very few of them rose to their positions of prestige through devotion or piety. Most were simply hungry and the correct blend of cunning, lucky, and confident to survive a series of near suicidal gambles.   Once among the ranks of this esteemed class, the divisions between the merely exceptional, the legendary, and the mythic become apparent. Chartist and merchant captains are independently wealthy and command influence by the essential and profitable nature of their work, moving cargo and citizens across space and negotiating contracts for government dispensations or even minor Enclave support. Above them are those who journey primarily into the Gargant Reach, in search of the treasures that burst forth from its volatile and hellish depths. Salvage from such missions, no matter how slight in tonnage, is always in high demand and can make the lifetime earnings of a mere merchant look like an evening's dining expense. Truly marvelous discoveries and retrievals can easily cement a captain's legacy, securing the attention of every level of society and granting a significant level of political and economic influence as the Enclaves bid to be the first to examine and innovate.   Those who go beyond and make culture-defining discoveries and perform some great acts of service ascend to the final, most rare tier of notoriety and awe: Titled Captains. There are only a handful of these individuals, some well known, others only suspected, that hold a private court. Each of them is a hero and living legend whose influence on society is like that of a moon upon the sea. Fashion, politics, commerce, even religion bend and seek the will of these singular personalities, chasing their endeavors in the Gargant Reach and beyond for the merest chance to share in their next triumph. Their ships are exquisite works of artifice and art just like their bodies; made of precious and exotic alloys and glittering with the trappings of wealth and towering arrogance that only the greatest achievements can grant.   Regardless of their status, all Captains have to face the mundane challenges of orchestrating interplanetary affairs, from logistics to armed conflict. Most maintain some form of terrestrial "estate," usually in the form of a small corporation that operates on a captain's behalf while they ply the stars. Depending on their specialty, these estates can grow to be formidable business on their own and the stewards appointed by the captains become influential and powerful in their own rights until their masters return. Captains who take on the particularly dangerous work beyond Iolar controlled space and especially in the Gargant Reach will operate small personal armies and hire on additional help from the Mercenary Companies.