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History of the IMG
Circa
2411, after the formation of the Independent Mercenary Guild, it became
obvious to the IMG Board of Directors that trade within the known star
systems was beginning to stagnate. Both the Federation and the Alliance
had abandoned exploration and colonization. Worse, the relationship
between IMG pilots and governmental entities remained problematical,
forcing mercenaries to spend too much of their precious time building a
good reputation in far too many areas of space before they could safely
conduct their business.
Consequently, with membership in the IMG increasing at every cycle, the
trading pie had to be shared by a greater number of mercenaries. Meaning,
each mercenary’s share got smaller and, therefore, the potential to get
rich dwindled.
As a solution, the Board decided to establish new colonies. They directed
mercenaries to build facilities in areas of space which were outside the
boundaries of the known star systems.
But, true to the law of unintended consequences, ten years after embarking
on this program of territorial expansion, the IMG began to fragment. Some
pilots spent most of their time and nearly all their credits in the
exploration and development of previously undiscovered star systems. Then,
after all the real work was done, other mercenaries moved in to exploit
the now-fertile trade of each new system.
Separate guilds formed within IMG and eventually split off.
As trade expanded, these rogue guilds and rebels began to infiltrate the
new areas of space. Subsequently, authoritarian elements followed, in
pursuit of these bandits. Navies arrived, some of them apparently
operating under the guideline of shoot first and ask questions later. IMG
got pushed further out.
Nonetheless, guided by the General Council, IMG continues to pursue a
course of expanding its trade via exploration and development of uncharted
star systems. It is the Council’s aim to defend IMG territory, whether
through politics, diplomacy or the aggressive defense of its assets.
Only the best and most successful mercenaries, operating under the
direction of the Council, will reap the rewards of IMG. Interlopers will
no longer be tolerated.
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