Fuzzy boundaries for polities

[agorski]

I noticed that in the Space Opera setting that the various polities (see Star Sector Atlases) are generally separated by large distances with undefined areas between them. But within any given polity one can find systems that are aligned with other polities far away. Space Opera polities tend to be federations, so this doesn't seem to be a huge administrative problem. In the case of aggressive empires, these systems are usually toeholds for an eventual invasion. Have you designed a setting like this?

 

[Ulsyus]

That sort of astrography probably isn't able to be reproduced in Traveller as much as, given that in SO the vessels can travel much greater distances than J-drives can achieve so making borders less manageable. The 2D nature of starmaps in Traveller would also influence this.

The introduction of H-drives would probably start to make that sort of physical disposition more likely in Traveller.

 

[Spinward Flow]

The 2D hexmap of Traveller lends itself almost instinctively towards a RISK-y wargame notion of borders and allegiances to wider polity domains. It's certainly POSSIBLE to have a more "balkanized" sort of map that are a collection of pocket empires, but detailing any kind of shifting loyalties (and the accompanying propaganda campaigns) will typically require more information (ie. Fluff Text™) than a simple hex map with UWP codes and symbols can adequately convey.

And that's before bumping into the classic Star Trek trope of "we're the only ship in the quadrant" every time you exit the border of Federation space ...

 

[Krikkitone]

I think the large undefined zones are where they overlap. In OTU, that space is filled with a mix of client sates (to one of the nearby polities) and non aligned worlds. Worlds that are deep inside would experience a lot of pressure to flip. Both direct (easy to invade/ blockade in a war) and indirect (most of your trade partners are in this polity so cultural/economic pressures encourage joining)

 

[Dragoner]

In my setting the boundaries are definitely indistinct, such as around HR 511, beyond there Vijaya (Delta Trianguli) where before that there is a weak fleet out of Sol (Unity). Some have compared it to Vijayans being like Japan, taking bites out of a weak Imperial frontier, similar to the South Pacific in the 20's and 30's.

 

[GypsyComet]

Worlds aligned with distant states would probably fall under the "Client State" category.