The Rise of the Megacorporation
Many of the Galaxy’s current corporations started off as simple pre-expansion businesses with connections to various government organizations. As galactic beauracracies like the Orion Confederation reached the extent of their ability to provide for outbound colonists, more and more incentives were provided for corporations to pick up the slack. Government subsidies and intense market pressure on the Frontier quickly resulted in a manner of capitalistic Cambrian Explosion. A variety of corporations popped into existence on the edges of inhabited space, eager to stake their claim. Many organizations sourced for the logistical support of early human colonies exist today as brands with immense name recognition.
The Frontier Act of 2274
The Orion Confederation, recognizing that the private sector could offset the massive debt and logistical nightmare it was embroiled in, ceded rights to self-governance to the Frontier colonies in 2274. Although on paper these rights were granted to the former Confederation colonies, in reality the provisions gave corporations based on the Frontier carte blanche to rule and develop their claimed sectors with total autonomy. Those corporations based on the Frontier took to this new state of affairs with gusto. Over the following decades entire systems would change hands as corporations made purchases or established colonies, only to be absorbed or dismantled by their competitors. By the turn of the century, three “proto-Megacorporations” had already developed. By 2310, that number had grown to fifty.
Over the following decades, as with all such evolutionary events, the diverse landscape was slowly whittled down into the most streamlined and viable forms. Many of the proto-Megacorporations faded away into obscurity, or were merged into more successful businesses. Nearly every known brand on the market today emerged as one of the victors of this corporate arms race. In many ways this original struggle rages on to this day, albeit in a more formalized and subtle fashion.
Living Under a Megacorp
In 2564, to live and work on the Frontier is to live and work under one of the galaxy’s Megacorporations. Long established, profit driven, and almost completely self-sufficient, each Megacorp is a company in name only. In reality these organizations have long since become governments in their own right. Most Megacorps possess a private navy, legally recognized borders, and some manner of internal enforcement agency. For the average citizen, working for a Megacorporation is nearly indistinguishable from living within a formal government’s boundaries. In fact, employees of the Megacorps often enjoy a more technologically advanced and stable existence than their unaffiliated counterparts. In exchange, of course, they owe their soul to the Company, and not all jobs are without risk. On the Frontier, the Corporations write and enforce their own laws, and full-scale armed conflicts between Megacorps, although rare, are a fact of life.
The Influence of Megacorporations
Megacorporations operate primarily on the Frontier. Although they do business within the borders of the Galactic powers as well, their influence here is considerably lessened. Within the borders of the galactic governments, plenty of other businesses operate which compete with Frontier brands, causing most Megacorporations to prefer to focus more on their holdings beyond the regulatory nightmares of operating in 'civilized' space. On the Frontier, thanks to the Frontier Act, Megacorporations enjoy a wide degree of autonomy which allows them to operate more like the very governments they seek to avoid.
The Practicality of Governance
Megacorporations do not always seek direct power, even if they are technically able to attain it. It is often more profitable to serve as an influence on local politics than it is to dictate them. Although sometimes a more direct hand is considered necessary to serve the corporation's own interests, this is not always the case. The benefits of leaving a system to self governance - such as the establishment of a System Defense Force and internal logistical networks are attractive reasons to simply establish a strong presence for the purposes of business without eating into a corporation's own profit margins. There are a few routine ways in which Megacorporations interact with Frontier systems, discussed below.
System Ownership: Owned by Others
Usually a Megacorporation will not try to wrest control of a system currently owned by a Galactic Power or another Megacorp. In most instances they will simply avoid attempting to establish a presence at all. However, sometimes a Government-owned system will put forward an offer enticing enough to flag corporate interest. One notable example of this is NanoTrasen's former lease of Virgo 3b from the Vikara Combine. Although ownership of the system remains in Vikara's hands, the moon itself was sold to NanoTrasen.
When a Megacorporation attempts to move in and establish a presence in a system owned by another Megacorporation (almost always defacto), the change will typically be met with bureaucratic hostility. It is difficult to get a foot in the door when your arrival can throw the finely-tuned balance of an entire system into disarray. These attempts are often viewed unfavorably by other Megacorporations, and have been known to damage inter-corporate relations. As a result, such moves are only attempted when the system in question provides some benefit that outweighs the cost.
System Ownership: Defacto
Defacto ownership of a system is considered the most preferable vector by nearly every Megacorporation. Under this system, local colonies enter into exclusive trade deals with Megacorps, who in turn help subsidize many of a developing system's needs. Without the need to address a colony's issues directly, the corporations can instead focus on leasing territory or orbital vectors from the local governments. These relationships are often mutually beneficial, as the corporation gains a new factory or other facility at fair cost, and in return provides revenue and jobs to the system. Defacto ownership is achieved when the corporation in question becomes inextricably linked with the system's government - often to the point where it is an unattractive prospect for competing corporations to attempt to establish a local presence. Almost every system with a strong corporate presence is managed in this way.
System Ownership: Direct
In the rarest of cases, a Megacorporation may sometimes divine that total ownership of a System is in their best interests. One noteworthy example is the Thebes system, owned entirely by NanoTrasen. A bustling corporate hub, Thebes is home to multiple planetary and orbital colonies, including the NTS Creon, NanoTrasen's corporate headquarters. Due to the sensitivity of operations around the Creon - a vulnerability discovered during the Phoron War - NanoTrasen oversees the governance of every planet in the system, and operates a private navy which patrols its borders. It is estimated that the yearly costs of keeping the entire Thebes system operational may run into the tens - or perhaps even hundreds - of trillions.
Black Sites and Prisons
Although it may seem unusual for a corporation like NanoTrasen to operate a prison, the necessities of life on the Frontier have more or less mandated this responsibility be placed on their shoulders. Many systems are owned entirely by corporations, which means the colonies and stations therein answer to the corporation instead of a government itself. In these situations, corporate-owned detention facilities are quite necessary. Although jointly-owned systems often alleviate this burden, these same local governments sometimes subsidize private prisons run by the corporation to alleviate the issue for themselves.
Black Sites, on the other hand, retain a far more obvious utility - especially for a corporation like NanoTrasen. As a company that remains on the bleeding edge of scientific research and development, NanoTrasen jealously guards and compartmentalizes its projects. Across the Frontier the company still operates many secret facilities and research initiatives - some known only to District or Regional Central Command Offices - in an attempt to find the next leap forward for the company. It is hardly the only one operating in this capacity.
The Galactic Corporate Commission
WIP - Lore Maintainers: Data is found in the Lore Bible. A formalized blurb is required.
Local Major Corporations
The Galaxy, it goes without saying, is vast. It is not hard to imagine that there are as many corporations as there are inhabited planets. However, this list does not exist to catalogue every existing corp or Megacorp. Instead, this list is the most up to date Who’s Who of local business groups the average NanoTrasen employee based in the Sigmar Concord might expect to encounter on a day to day basis. Without a doubt, other corporate products will be present in many forms: prosthetic limbs, branding on clothes and equipment, or even food and drinks.
Aether Atmospherics and Recycling
One of the orginal “proto-Megacorporations”, AAR traces its direct lineage all the way back to pre-War Earth. Since the dawn of the original Human interstellar space programs, AAR has existed as the primary supplier for all regulatory equipment necessary to maintain atmospherics systems. From the lowest shuttle to the largest colony station, every other corporation relies on AAR’s centuries of expertise and raw manufacturing power to offset their own costs.
AAR enjoys a rare uncontested Galactic monopoly, and as such, seeks to promote a strong image of neutrality towards the other corporations. How true this may be is up for debate. AAR has absorbed a number of notable corporations over the years, with two of its most well known subsidiaries being its former competitors: Focal Point Energistics and the Xion Manufacturing Group.
Blackstar Legion
Although not formally recognized as a Megacorporation, Blackstar Legion also has its roots planted firmly in pre-War Earth’s past. The premier private security firm, Blackstar, as it is more commonly known, is engaged in multiple contracts with those Megacorps either unable or unwilling to field their own paramilitary wings. Known for their discretion and professionalism, Blackstar are often hired for deniable duties by Megacorps eager to avoid scandal.
Centauri Provisions
The second of the three Proto-Megacorps, Centauri Provisions holds claim to the numerically largest fleet of ships, stations, and colonial outposts in the galaxy. When one considers that Centauri Provisions is the Galaxy’s largest supplier of raw foodstuffs, potable water, and livestock, those numbers begin to make sense. Like its contemporary, AAR, Centauri Provisions possesses an uncontested monopoly, due more to the impracticality of trying to compete, rather than any respect for tradition.
Without Centauri, approximately 83% of the colonies on the Frontier would experience famine within a week. As such, Centauri Provisions maintains strict neutrality, and all other corporations – even those currently at war with each other – honor this stance.
Donk Co
Possessing brand name recognition on par with NanoTrasen, Donk Co is a corporate dynasty the likes of which is rarely seen. With a diverse production portfolio - from foodstuffs to toys to media - Donk rarely produces anything that is necessarily ‘vital’ to daily life in the galaxy. Nonetheless, their products are beloved, both by the unaffiliated consumer and their direct competition. It common knowledge that Donk Co served as one of the primary founders of the Syndicate, but this truth is not often brought up in polite society now that NanoTrasen’s monopoly on Phoron production has ended.
Glithari Exports
There are numerous courier services throughout the galaxy, but Glithari stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to sheer quality. Famed for their deep and long lasting connections in multiple luxury goods markets, Glithari Exports are the go-to source for everything from fine cigars to rare art. Due to the sheer volume and value of the product Glithari transports across the galaxy on a daily basis, their haulers are prime targets for piracy. Consequently, they field a formidable fleet of escort ships claimed to rival that of some governments. Glithari contracts are famously discreet, and non-refundable.
Hephaestus Industries
Since the downfall of their primary competitor – the Gorlex Manufacturing Corporation – Hephaestus Industries has made a name for itself as the premier arms manufacturer on the Frontier. Hephaestus famously – or infamously – maintains deep ties with NanoTrasen, and the two companies are often considered to be allies. In spite of their numerous contracts with NanoTrasen, approximately 60% of Hephaestus’ business still comes from the combined purchases of other corporations and local governments.
If you were to randomly inspect any firearm on the Frontier, the odds are good that you would find a Hephaestus Industries stamp somewhere on the body of the weapon.
Onkhera Synthetic Solutions
While Humans are capable of acquiring any prosthetic they require easily, the same cannot be said for various alien races across the universe. Onkhera Synthetic Solutions, often shortened to OSS, aims to rectify that issue by selling prosthetic limbs to anybody willing to pay, and providing specially designed prosthetics for those who wish to replace a missing limb with a near identical copy that's cheaper than organic printing. While the corporation arrived to the Orion markets during the Syndicate wars, their origins trace back to the isolationist Naramadi Ascendancy, in which they are the sole Megacorporation providing quality prosthetics.
A rather new arrival to the Confederacy markets Necropolis Industries is a subsidiary of Onkhera Synthetic Solutions, and the newest Corporation offering Security services and both Biological and synthetic augmentations to other Corporations and frontier worlds. While other Security corporations might provide their services with non-augmented organic and synthetics, Necropolis Industries utilizes their in-house bioaugmentations and modified Onkhera Synthetic Solutions prosthetics to create teams of specially designed and modified security officers that put other companies to shame.
Five Star Security
A secretive organization, Five Star Security is allegedly a private security firm similar to Blackstar. However, their corporate lineage is much more difficult to divine. The provenance of their weaponry and standard gear tends to imply an unsavory past, and the temperament of their recruits does little to dissuade the notion. It is often suggested that Five Star Security is little more than a front for some criminal organization, or indeed a gathering place for any castaway Syndicate operatives looking for work since the end of the conflict.
Kynde Group Pharmaceuticals
Another apparent newcomer to the Galactic stage, those that pay attention know Kynde Group Pharmaceuticals by another name: Waffle Co. Following the break on NanoTrasen’s Phoron monopoly, Waffle Co executives discovered that they had wildly overextended and were now facing the very real threat of bankruptcy. Waffle Co’s former “friend” Donk Co kept Waffle afloat, buying out their food manufacturing infrastructure in the process.
Forced to rebrand, Waffle Co shifted its focus entirely to the pharmaceutical field. During the conflict with NanoTrasen, Waffle had poured vast amounts of funding and resources into these projects, and now sought to market their findings. Successfully rebranding as Kynde Group Pharmaceuticals, the company now presents itself as a competitor to Vey-Med and Zeng-Hu, although in reality it remains little more than a front for organized crime and illegal biological research.
NanoTrasen
The largest of all the Megacorporations, NanoTrasen first appeared on the galactic stage as a humble shipping and delivery service. Due to their shrewd acquisition of several uncharted and underutilized space lanes, and their heavy investment in advanced engine technology, NanoTrasen quickly became famous for their reliable and fast deliveries. Where other corporations would lean into their specialties, a la Glithari, NanoTrasen took its capital and expanded laterally into multiple fields, establishing a strong presence in both manufacturing and R&D. Integral to this process was the development of a strong working relationship with two other complimentary corporations: Hephaestus Industries and Vey-Med.
NanoTrasen’s intense and secretive R&D initiatives have kept it at the cutting edge of technology for centuries. The company’s infamous monopoly on the rare material Phoron allowed them to balloon out into the utter economic and political giant they are today. Although their monopoly has since been undercut, NanoTrasen’s power is stable, and the threat that they will once again establish dominance over a future market is ever present.
Oculum News Network
The Oculum News Network is largely what it says on the tin. Where other corporations are secret fronts, or giant dynasties reaching back for centuries, ONN is little more than a popular journalistic outlet. Fielding a massive army of reporters and sources, Oculum provides the local sectors with the most relitavistically up to date news coverage possible.
Vey-Med
The second of NanoTrasen’s "allied" corporations, Vey-Med is well known across the Frontier as the corporation responsible for producing the most advanced and reliable medical technology in the galaxy. Vey-Med Nanite Implant Frameworks and prosthetics are considered to be examples of the corporation’s mastery over the biological and mechanical arts. When Vey-Med isn’t crafting exotic med tech, they’re also responsible for fielding aid vessels staffed with some of the best medical teams in the galaxy. If Vey-Med didn't produce the machine a doctor is using, the odds are decent they still hired the doctor using it.
Vey-Med’s humanitarian work is well known across the Frontier, and in spite of their close ties with NanoTrasen, they often operated unmolested during their allies’ conflict with the Syndicate. One of Vey-Med’s most notable subsidiaries is their former competitor Bishop Cybernetics.
Ward-Takahashi GMB
A veritable jack of all trades, Ward-Takahashi manufactures such a wide array of goods and components that it would be simpler to list what items the corporation does not fabricate. Instead, one may simply consider that every other known corporation possesses at least one manufacturing contract with Ward-Takahashi. From capacitors to hull panels, this corporation possesses the mind-numbingly vast infrastructure necessary to produce a bulk item, and produce it quickly.
Although it does not possess a formal monopoly, without Ward-Takahashi’s assistance most other corporation’s production capabilities would be severely handicapped. NanoTrasen, Ward-Takahashi’s closest competitor, willingly acknowledges that even its massive manufacturing capabilities still fail to compete with the single-minded power of Ward-Takahashi.
Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals
If Vey-Med is known for producing the machinery of Medicine, Zeng-Hu is known for producing the medicine itself. A solid 30% of Zeng-Hu’s quarterly budget goes directly to Centauri Provisions. A further 20% goes to its own considerable horticultural holdings. Zeng-Hu oversees not just the mixing and production of medical salves, pills, and serums, but also the sourcing and manufacturing of the basic chemicals needed to create those same medicines to begin with. Pirates have long since learned to raid Zeng-Hu transports with care, as they’re just as likely to be ferrying containers full of volatile chemicals as they are buckets full of narcotics.
Zeng-Hu’s neutrality, unlike other more even tempered corporations, is not something that is enjoyed consistently by other corporations. It is not uncommon for Zeng-Hu to withhold supplies when it feels it has been slighted by another corporation, leading to a neutrality born of necessity, more than respect.
Lore
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| Corporations | NanoTrasen, Frontier Megacorporations, Minor Corporations, The Syndicate |
| NanoTrasen Specific | NDV Marksman, Paracausal Monitoring Division |
| Other Organizations | ITV Talon, System Defense Force, The Orion Confederation |
| Worldbuilding | Extradimensional Mechanics, FTL Travel, Galactic Landmarks, Legends, Mysteries, and Rumors, Metaphysics and Paracausality, Technology of the 2500's, The Timeline |
| Contribution Data | Lore Submission Templates, Roadmap for Lore Development |