MAE is a Gallic pro-royalist corporation specializing in ship construction and engineering works. Founded in 742 AGS in Languedoc by Baron Montluc, MAE served as a facade for the movement of separation Languedoc into a sovereign Barony. For its political activity and alleged ties to the Enclave, MAE was persecuted by the Confederal Government and voluntarily left the space of Gallia.
This Independent Corporate official faction ID is used by members of Montluc Advanced Engineering, who:
Can attack any ship to protect allies.
Cannot use Cruisers, Battleships, or ships with more than 4300 cargo space.
Within Zone of Influence (Aquitaine, Brittany, Languedoc, Roussillon):
With the collapse of the once-mighty Kingdom of Gallia, the differences within the Gallic society manifested in a few splinter states with different views on the outcome of the war and on each other. Chains of production shattered, the economy suffered a decline. The new conditions posed opportunities too, however, as the old kingdom’s regulation now obsolete and not actively enforced in some parts of Gallia. Many Gauls who lost more than gained from the end of the war were adventurous enough to try to turn the tide and make a fortune during the provisional period.
Baron Fabian Montluc
Baron Fabian Montluc was one of such adventurers. Being a minor noble from Orleanais, Baron served as an officer with the Royal Navy prior to the war and gained the honourary title of chevalier for fighting Council forces. A decorated officer and a noble, Baron Montluc retired at the age of 50 in the capacity of Major, one year before the beginning of the war with Bretonia to take care of family matters and invest generous retirement pay into his own business. The war, however, required his talents to participate in the campaign against Bretonia and Liberty. Due to the old age, Baron Montluc commanded 51st Sainte Croix engineering battalion throughout the whole war and predominantly was raising fortifications and observing stellar engineering.
By the time the Council forces advanced on Ile-de-France, Montluc was assisting rebuilding the fortifications on Quillan and on hearing the news - requested to return to Orleanais for personal matters. It was obvious that the planet would join the Council should the Royal government be ousted and thus, rapidly selling the family estate and taking the unspent retirement pay, Baron with his family moved to recently discovered Zurich system to wait for the resolve of the war. With the King assumed dead and the news on the events on Leeds, the chain of command in the Royal Navy was weak and nobody was questioning people leaving amidst the chaos.
Following the ceasefire and the collapse of King’s regime, Baron moved to Quillan that was a beacon for many people who lost their position in the society and procured for a cheap price a destroyed during the time of clashes with the Council fabrication plant with a mine, establishing a small private enterprise. Hearing that many of his men from 51st battalion lost their jobs with the Royal Navy, and some of the - homes, Montluc invited his experienced crew to work with him on Quillan and make a new home there while restoring the local economy. Many of those people shared the invitation with their friends, attracting flocks of ex-servicemen from all across Gallia. Montluc managed to gather a competent team of engineers, scientists, marines, pilots, and businessmen.
Uxeau-de-Quillan, former HQ
With provisional governments in Languedoc and Dauphine weak and still sorting out their allegiances, the local economy was in bad shape and needed any working places and influx of capital it could attract. To support this, local businesses could expect generous concessions, liberal taxation and regulation, and overall support from the authorities. The ban of Gallic technologies export effectively null and void and local facilities in need of maintenance and upgrades, Baron Montluc decided to use his experience in engineering corps to establish a company that would cater for the local needs of stellar and planetary construction, and export superior Gallic non-military technologies to whoever is interested. Thus, Montluc Advanced Engineering was born. The official establishment date is 23 November 742 AGS. Headquarters are located on Quillan.
Following the constituent act of the Confederation of Gallic States, Languedoc alongside the Dauphine system joined Minarchy or Provence, a state with a tight connection to Gallic underworld in the face of Unione Corse families. With barely functioning legislative, executive, and judicial systems, as well as weak military presence, corporate leadership and the Baron himself became displeased with the situation in Languedoc enough to proclaim its own political "party", the Progress League of Quillan. The League nominally declared its goal as the improvement of life on Quillan and in Languedoc and secession from the Minarchy to become autonomous Barony of Languedoc as a separate member of the Confederation. Despite (or due to) the significant support the League gained on Quillan, the Confederal regime decided to crack down on MAE and its political ambitions resulting in the ultimatum of a fine of 1 billion Gallic Francs and threats of nationalization of the company. In such circumstances, Baron Montluc decided not to provoke another wave of violence on twice ravaged Quillan and withdraw from the space of the Confederacy of Gallia which was deemed as "corrupt, illegitimate, and unprofessional".
The exile of MAE led the corporation to those they had been supporting from the shadows all along - the Enclave. Facing no competition from other corporations and enjoying the support of the Enclave that needed the civil development so badly, MAE became the dominant force on Enclave's geographically limited yet rich market and is steadily expanding its production capabilities. For the rest of the world, however, MAE is but a husk of its former self that operates from Freeport 6 in Tau 29 system as an independent engineering company. Such duality allowed MAE to secure contracts with various parties that would normally not cooperate with an Enclave-affiliated entity and become a liaison for the Enclave in matters of shady diplomacy.
For the moment the corporation was obsessed with the idea of securing a planet for itself and turn from a corporation into a state. To that end, the Tromelin observatory was built. The first few months of monitoring resulted in success, finding a system suitable for colonization. Dubbed "Gallic Antilles", MAE with the support of the Enclave intends to claim another world for the Crown of Gallia and realize the political ambitions of the Baron.
However, these attempts have failed and after all the lack of success of the last months, the health of the Baron took a turn for the worse and so Fabian Montluc decided to transfer his title, ownership and all power over MAE to his son, Quentin. The new Baron Montluc in the following few weeks after his assignment has stopped a few projects related to the colonization of worlds around the distant stars and concentrated MAE on the monopolization of the Enclave economy.
Secure a position on the local market: with no Gallic or foreign corporation working with the Royal Enclave, it is a historical opportunity for MAE to become the key player in Enclave’s economy and secure the most lucrative position in its market. Lack of big competitors paves way for expansion in various fields and subsequent vertical integration.
Revitalize the local economy: The Enclave has the money to pay for the goods, and sophisticated Gallic nobility to crave various goods. The Royal Army still requires a lot of supplies and maintenance services. Bordeaux lacks civil infrastructure and buildings. All of it is at the same time the opportunity and liability for MAE. It is our utmost priority to contribute to the development of the local economy not only to increase our profits, but also to increase the comfort of the life of the local population, and therefore - its purchase parity, effectively securing a steady increase in our profits in the future.
Expand internationally and find reliable contractors: While lack of competition on the domestic market can ensure our survival and steady growth, it is the expansion outside that can make our corporation a true cross-system player. Finding contractors for any of our goods will not only result in the increase of our profits but can also trigger a chain reaction in the revision of the position of the Enclave, removing unnecessary fronts for it to fight and concentrate on a few important ones.
Develop own competitive spacecraft: While we still possess the blueprints from EFL to construct typical civilian ships, it is our unique own design that will gain us leverage on the international market. A paramilitary spacecraft of superior Gallic design can benefit not only MAE and the Enclave, but also convince third parties to cooperate with us and buy our ships. This is crucial for expansion into the international market.
Develop own competitive weaponry: Similarly to spacecraft, our own military or paramilitary grade equipment can improve our position on both the domestic and international markets.
Remain discreet: MAE found itself in a unique position. While most Gallic population knows us as pro-Royalists and is aware of our exodus from the corrupt Confederation, not many citizens or other parties are aware of our current whereabouts. Things are better kept this way for as long as possible as it allows MAE to perform tasks that the diplomatic stance of the Enclave would render impossible. Use our “grey position” to the most advantage to get profits from parties that otherwise would not trade with the Enclave.
Ensure a profit and the company’s growth: Like any corporation, our utmost priority is to grow and prosper. The investors shall be pleased, the capital shall be wisely invested, the corporate assets shall be expanded.
Find and colonize a new world for the Crown: Our attempts to establish the Barony in Languedoc failed, and it is certainly impossible to establish a planet-wise Barony within the territories of the Royal Enclave. The ambitions of Baron Montluc are not solely his own, but corporate too, as a world in possession of the Baron would mean a world in possession of MAE, opening unique possibilities for legitimate monopoly over a single world that would be a safeguard for MAE’s existence should the operations in other markets fail.
The company was established as a corporation and IPO took place soon after the official institution. As of now, the company is traditionally for Gallia cautious, the stocks being available for purchase for Gallic capital exclusively. The Board of Directors rigorously controls the capital flow to avoid letting parties with intentions deemed malicious from acquiring the stocks and influencing the company. The board is the leadership of the corporation. Includes Chief Officers of every Division and the owner. Decides the course of the company and reports to the investors.
HEV-4 Engineering Suit
Engineering Division
Comprised of all sorts of engineers and blue-collar workers that put the most fascinating ideas of R&D brainiacs into life.
The engineers lay down the schematics and the blueprints and follow up with the construction of the working prototypes of the new products devised by scientists, refine them to reduce the material input and cost of production, and carry out the field tests. Engineering division puts to use extensive corporate funds to advance even further the competitive advantage of the goods already produced, releasing new marks, goods lines, augmenting already existing ones, and ensuring the efficiency of MAE's output capacities. This division is extremely important for a company that has the word "engineering" in its name.
Most of the blue-collar personnel carry out the maintenance of the fabrication process, controlling the assembly lines, construction works, and related machinery and equipment and actually do not engage in manual labour despite the "blue-collar" label.
HLE-7 Exoskeleton
Logistics Division
The veins of MAE that deliver the needed goods to supply the vital or less so production. The logistics division’s primary task is to maintain the supply chain of all production facilities and keeping the output at the optimal level. Logistics division is to be the most diplomatically acute to uphold the image of the company and not to let out the secrets that we do not want the rest of the sector to know.
Apart from deliveries of resources for fabrication, logistics pilots also engage in all sorts of commercial activities to trade on the side and yield additional profit for the corporation.
Logistics division also employs a number of scouts who perform reconnaissance flights to investigate the level of danger on situ for corporate activities as well as make marketing reports whether it is advisable or not for MAE to make moves towards expansion into particular markets.
Holo-Band Equipment
R&D Division
The brains of the corporation entrusted with abolishing any limitation to their imagination and using the latter for the benefit of the company.
The scientists of MAE come up with all sorts of ideas that are useful and at times not very, but most importantly with those that can either benefit the company in a form of a new competitive product or solve some issues that the corporation is facing at the moment. While it is the engineering department that is creating the working prototype, R&D is also creating prototypes yet not limited to the optimization of input materials and not necessarily working in practice despite theoretical predictions.
Scientists of MAE publish their findings in corporate reports that depending on the contents can be published openly to bring academic fame to the authors, or be kept a corporate secret.
MHE-1 Cuirasse Armour
Security Division
The muscles of MAE. Security is composed predominantly of ex-royal marines who sought to continue their trade even after the end of their contract with the state. The hefty profits MAE was offering in conjunction with pro-royal views of the corporate leadership certainly attracted quite a lot of trained military personnel. Each member of the corporate security is provided with an extensive insurance programme that ensures the families are free of need in case of an accident for the rest of their lives. The candidates undergo psychological and political tests to ascertain their loyalty and lack of corporate spies. Due to the aforementioned points, MAE can boast about having excellent, professional, and loyal human resources in the field of protecting the corporation.
Security is entrusted with keeping the other personnel safe by guarding the facilities, escorting staff on their routine and special missions, and keeping eye on the internal affairs of the company lest anyone leaks corporate secrets or infringes the internal stability of the corporation.
From among the corporate security, the Baronial Guard was formed - the most experienced and loyal security staff that de facto became baron’s personal retinue and lay down the grounds for prospected armed forces of the Barony that Fabian Montluc wants to establish.
Founded on Quillan, MAE cheaply bought off a number of local mines to supply the raw materials for the production, and built two factories in Uxeau-de-Quillan to refine the ore and fabricate production. The relative ease of producing ships in space motivated the board of directors to invest in constructing a shipyard in space. Soon, Kerguelen Fabrication Facility was built in the vicinity of Remoulins debris with the intention to restore the latter and incorporate both stations into a big corporate administrative hub and a shipyard, occupying a prominent place in local trade lanes to the capital system.
Subsequent conflict with the Confederate regime prompted the exodus of MAE from Gallic space and abandoning all the facilities in Languedoc. Siding with the Royal Enclave, MAE set foot on planet Bordeaux and raised Miquelon refinery & factory close to Uxeau-de-Bordeaux to take care of the rising demands of the Enclave and preparing to deploy a space shipyard. Mothballed Kerguelen in the meantime can serve as a fort post for the Enclave should it decide to deploy to Languedoc.
Montluc Advanced Engineering limits itself to the Gallic civilian ship line, including the GMS' mining vessels from the "Tourez" to "Rock Badger". For logistic needs, the corporation uses "Taureau"-class for valuable deliveries or routes through risky zones and "Vache"-class for common needs. The "Lucullus"-class is used as a long-range research vessel due to its increased autonomous capacities. MAE also allows itself to use a Corvo-class Explorer for short but dangerous expeditions instead of a more fragile liner. However, the amount of Corvo's in the fleet is very limited as they are unable to build new ones, their only option is to procure new units from the Genesis Research Group.
An agile heavy fighter is widely available on the Gallic ship market for public use. It is inferior to Gallic military ships but still can land a punch to be reckoned with. Previously used by MAE for escort missions and private trips of the personnel, the ship has fallen out of wide use since the exodus of MAE into Enclave’s space that is more dangerous and requires ships with higher survivability. The ship is offered to parties interested in MAE’s production has not found wide popularity due to ship’s very class being outperformed by other ships, including of MAE’s production.
"Sunbeam"-class Very Heavy Fighter
A heavier brother of Moonbeam that due to its more powerful core and durable armour still remains in use after the exodus. Not capable of mining operations, the ship’s primary use is escort missions and private commuting of MAE’s personnel within and outside of Enclave’s space. "Sunbeam" performs well both in one-on-one dogfights, as well in as larger skirmishes, and is capable of withstanding damage equal to some military-grade analogues. Simplicity in maintenance and wide availability make this ship quite perspective for any private organization requiring more nuanced security where "Moonbeam" is not enough. Now legalized in most Houses, this ship is also sold to parties interested in Gallic vessels of simple and cheap yet efficient design for private use.
"Eclipse"-class Heavy Bomber
Gallic civilian bomber has been widely used by Gallic corporations primarily against the Maquis that during the Second Gallic War started to employ heavier gunboat ships in their raids against cargo convoys. It gained even larger recognition during the conflict with Sirus when supply lines of the Royal Forces went deep into hostile territories and the King’s Fleet was too busy fighting the war to protect every cargo convoy from larger hostile ships. Heavier than many military-grade bombers, Eclipse offers a powerful core enough for the initial shock of enemy capital vessels with multiple torpedoes or antimatter cannons, and to upkeep the steady damage thereof during even lengthy combat to pulverize the heaviest ships in enemy’s formations. These characteristics made Eclipse popular among both civilian and military personnel, causing the sales of the ship to be steady after the exodus from Languedoc. Eclipse is one of the most bought MAE’s ships in Enclave’s space.
"Tournez"-class Light Miner
Light miner originally of EFL design commissioned by the GMS, Tournez serves its purpose well enough. It is cheap, it is easy to operate, and it conducts mining operations well. The agility and speed of the ship and lack of cargo space made it a scouting vessel - it can easily and fast reach distant locations to extract a sample of minerals and return home without being detected. The ship is devoid of serious protection and lacks firepower and hence is not designed to survive skirmishes, making it a less popular choice among the mining vessels in Enclave’s space wherein everything that flies is supposed to be capable to stand for itself. However, the ship is still an interesting choice for MAE’s contractors outside of Enclave’s space.
"Courbe"-class Medium Miner
Re-engineered by MAE version of the original “Courbe” miner of EFL design is one of the most popular ships sold by the corporation after the exodus from Languedoc. The ship is capable of defending itself well with a solid powercore designed to support lengthy mining operations in distant corners of space. Its slip shape is akin to “Lynx” making it a solid combat ship in skilled hands. These characteristics alongside possible commercial use made the ship quite popular among the MAE personnel itself and are widely used by corporate security.
"Plier"-class Heavy Miner
A famous “Plier” super heavy fighter is certainly the working horse of MAE and is the most popular ship produced by the company. Re-engineered from the original EFL design, MAE’s “Plier” preserved all the sought after capabilities of the original and serves the corporation well in all its operations. The ship is truly versatile: it has a large enough cargo hold to run mining operations without the support of larger cargo vessels and to mount truly heavy armours designed for ships of much heavier classes; it has the powercore comparable to small gunships, capable of supporting both heavy mining equipment and bomber weaponry at the same time; it is simple in use, easy to produce, and relatively ship design makes it widely accessible. This versatility makes the ship “jack of all trades” capable of doing “a bit of this and a bit of that” without major drawbacks for multi-purpose orientation. “Plier” is used by MAE for mining operations and probing in the most distant and dangerous corners of space, in fighters wings of corporate security wherein “Plier” can serve both as a fighter and a bomber, and is self-sustaining to perform more narrowly oriented missions anywhere able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Small and reliable Gallic transport. The cargo hold size does not presume lucrative use of the ship for long voyages but makes it perfect for short and discreet deliveries. "Aurochs" comes especially handy with atmospheric operations that require the ship to descend to the surface without proper spaceport. It is not the core transport of MAE but is quite popular among civilian clients and small contractors that utilize the ship’s friendly price, availability, and functionality. With the resources available, MAE can quickly construct “Aurochs” in large numbers and readily sell to anyone willing to pay. Among the uses of “Aurochs” are mining, contraband, scavenging, short-distance deliveries, etc.
"Briller"-class Repair Ship
A universal construction and repair ship developed originally by EFL Oil & Machinery that is in wide employ of MAE during its engineering projects. The ship was built under the licence obtained from EFL during MAE’s operation within Confederal space and now is constructed independently with almost no changes to design. The ship is the core in the efforts of MAE in constructing bases and ships in space and is one of the most used ships by the engineering company. MAE sells the ship to various contractors within Enclave’s space and to the Royal Navy itself.
"Rock Badger"-class Miner
Like the rock badger, the ship is named after, the vessel is very sturdy and durable. Its capability to operate in dangerous space earned its fame among the GMS' pilots. However, its small cargo hold prevented the ship to gain popularity among independent pilots. In its own mining operations after the exodus, MAE mostly relied on larger cargo vessels with a specialized small mining ship. “Rock badger” is still used at times however the production of the ship is situational, more especially because it is not popular among prospected contractors both within the Enclave and outside.
"Taureau"-class Transport
The bread and butter of MAE’s logistics operations, “Taureau” is an excellent cargo vessel that aside from its primary logistics function can perform well in other roles as well. Heavy armour and solid power core allow the ship to pose threat in combat and serve as a mini-gunship, supporting the escort and turning the tide of combat. Originally devised as a troopers’ drop ship, “Taureau” fits well for transporting both cargo and passengers and is employed by MAE for both purposes. The ship is one of the most sold vessels produced by the corporation and is widely used both by MAE and its contractors.
"Vache"-class Train
A large Gallic transport developed to transport large amounts of cargo following the invasion in Sirius. Despite purely Gallic design, the ship was inspired by Sirian similar vessels and inherited their flaw of not performing well in combat unlike most Gallic ships regardless of the intended purpose of use. Sided with the Enclave, MAE has to conduct its operations under constant threat of pirates or unwelcoming House forces and prefers to employ more reliable “Taureau” for most purposes. For the safe routes within the Enclave territories “Vache” is sometimes used, however, the production of the ships of this type remains small and undemanded.
A durable and simple research vessel of zoner design. In spite of considering Sirian technologies to be inferior like most Gauls, the MAE board of directors decided to purchase a few of the vessels for deep space exploration missions. Unlike “Lucullus”, “Corvo” has smaller cargo hold and cannot embark on a truly long exploration mission. The lack of cargo space, however, "Corvo" compensates with a more powerful reactor capable of supporting shields of cruiser-class vessels and weaponry heavier than most transports can mount. Nevertheless, "Corvo" is devoid of offensive capabilities and can only protect itself if in danger, which is sufficient for MAE’s research personnel. As of now, MAE has no blueprints and cannot produce "Corvo", in most cases preferring "Lucullus".
"Lucullus"-class Liner
A wonderful ship of Gallic design that combines luxury with functionality. Originally created to facilitate tourism and passenger movement around Gallia, "Lucullus" was soon recognized as a comfortable vessel for quite demanding academic elite of Gallia when doing their "field researches". Capable of mounting and supporting research equipment for anything from stellar cartography mapping devices to portable gravitational anomaly generators, "Lucullus" is a perfect choice for any devoted scientist. The true advantage of the ship, however, lies in its large cargo hold capacity that can be tailored to either transporting a lot of passengers or goods, allowing the ship to venture on distant voyages with sufficient supplies for either recreational or academic purposes. Possibility of convening a lot of researchers aboard also allows conducting quite fundamental studies and even academic symposiums of the highest level anywhere. "Lucullus" can also perform well in combat, although given the value of people or goods inside the pilots usually prefer to avoid skirmishes on this ship. MAE, forced to rely on itself alone incorporate research in Enclave’s space, primarily uses "Lucullus" as research vessels. The company is considering running short voyages as a part of a vertical integration strategy, but such an application of "Lucullus" remains limited similar to its production.
The Enclave is the successor state to the Kingdom of Gallia and the main heaven for the nobility still loyal to the King. As such, it was the only logical to seek protection from the Enclave following the exodus from Languedoc, especially taking into consideration previous covert cooperation. Where the Enclave lacks civilian industry and expertise the MAE comes to render its services with almost no competition while enjoying safety under the auspices of the strongest navy in the sector. Mutually beneficial cooperation drives the Enclave and MAE close to each other, forming a strong bond of allies.
Daumann Heavy Construction
DHC is a Rheinland ship-building giant that recently pledged its allegiance to Imperial Rheinland. Our counterpart had enjoyed a much stronger position on the market for centuries before the federalist-imperialist commotion began this year. The weakening of the Rheinland market overall implies that new opportunities will be sought by Rheinland companies to gain the upper hand over their domestic and foreign rivals. This allowed MAE to strike a mutually beneficial deal with DHC, bringing much-sought-after exotic Gallic ships to the Rheinland market while providing needed capital to MAE for its operation.
As with any of our clientele, treat DHC members with the utmost respect and observe all courtesies necessary.
Core
A major player in the Omicrons that aspires to provide the region with at least some sort of stability. Living on the fridge and neighbouring on all sorts of people and non-human objects forces the Core to be technologically apt. This fact lays the foundation for possible cooperation. In addition, the Core is the regional Iridium supplier which is a good bonus. Despite seeming cooperation with Bretonia, the Core does not appear to show allegiance to a single entity which is fine by us as long as the business does not turn into politics. Cooperation and trade are advisable, show proper business respect to a possible contractor on seeing in space. No hard feelings, pure commerce.
Corsairs
The folk of Crete have one thing in common with Gallia - disdain for Bretonians. While helping the Crown during the war, however, the Corsairs turned the tables and attacked and are hard to trust. As of now, there is no point for us to seek animosity with the Corsairs, but similarly, no point in seeking business with them.
Gallic corporations
Our partners in business are now separated from us by the inefficient patronage of the Confederation. Certainly, we have no grudge with our partners and are interested in continuing the business with them. However, it is now complicated by our exodus and their not knowing our allegiance. Treat them with respect and dignity that any our contractor can expect, but tread cautiously in doing business. As we should not give away our current location unless certain of their intention to keep our secrets. “Grey” dealings are highly preferable.
Independent Miners Guild
Independent Miners Guild by the whim of fate turned to the Gallic side during the war with Bretonia, which earned it a larger degree of trust than most other Sirian parties. Experts in mining and not affiliated with any House, the Guild is a promising business partner that can extract natural resources for MAE while enjoying our products in return. Closer ties to the IMG are hindered by apparent friendship and cooperation of the Guild with the Crayterians.
Liberty forces and corporations
Liberty might be a powerhouse with strong military and economy second only to Gallia, but their involvement in the war against the King has decreased their reputation among the royalists. We are suspicious of them, and they are likely to be suspicious of anyone from Gallia. They might not know that we are supporting the Enclave, but if they learn of it - they are unlikely to do business with us and break any existing ties. Hence, no strategic cooperation is reasonable, sporadic trade is possible.
Natio Octavarium
Natio Octavarium is a young microstate with the seat in Tau 44 famous (or infamous) for the grey trade of everything across Sirius. Despite formally declaring the war to the Kingdom of Gallia, NO it never really took active actions against the Crown and its loyal subjects and as such is a possible business partner. NO also was a contractor of MAE during our operation under the Confederation legislation, and can possibly continue cooperation with us now.
Zoners and Junkers
Disorganized and homeless spacefarers living by cannibalizing what the others have dumped. While capable of producing interesting ships at times, they are estimated as not being able to pay for our products and are located too far. Sporadic deals are possible and are encouraged if beneficial to MAE.
Bretonia forces and corporations
The first target of the Gallic conquest, Bretonia suffered the most from it. It is unlikely to forgive any Gaul of the transgressions incriminated by Bretonians, especially after the Leeds offensive.
Crayter Republic
While a minor state could seemingly benefit the most from cooperation with us, and we could benefit from cooperation with them, their diplomatic stance prevents us from considering cooperating with them. MAE’s current interest lies in line with the Enclave’s ones. Despite its small scale, Crater is still a nuisance to the Enclave and would go to great length to curtail possible advancements thereof. Such a position is detrimental to MAE as well, and thus we see Crayterians as rivals rather than possible contractors. In addition, the Tau sector is the primary zone of influence of Crayterians as opposed to the Houses that view Taus as “fringe worlds”. We are interested in preserving Taus as “no man’s land” for as long as it takes to advance the military and economic power of the Enclave.
Confederal forces
While we have no issues with ordinary soldiers of Confederacy, we do have a grudge with their bosses. Since a good soldier is the one obeying orders, it is unlikely for us to find understanding with the Confederal Forces. We left the territories of the Confederacy of Gallia and thus should in principle have a minimum of interactions with the CDF. The same applies to the Gendarmerie, which in addition to representing the ill government of the Confederation is also incredibly corrupt. Avoid them, if necessary. Do not talk much to them to reveal our current position, diplomacy, plans, etc. Do not engage them - they are still Gallic pilots and thus, skilled. Leave the skirmishes to the Enclave who have the expertise for that.
Gaians
Eco-movement disillusioned with dreams of Gaia, now Bordeaux, not touched with civilization. This is unlikely to happen. While we do not openly seek hostilities with the Gaians, we should not support them in any way that might infringe our own position on Bordeaux and relations with the Enclave. Not like the Gaians are useful for business or have good credit history anyway. Avoid them if possible, ignore them if encountered, kill if threatened or forced to.
Golden Chrysanthemums, Lane Hackers, Liberty Rogues
These groups are the part of a criminal scheme built by the outcasts to increase their influence over the houses and spread of their orange substance. Like any other criminals they are a liability to trade and corporate activities. As such, they should be avoided to minimize losses or hunted down if considered too much of a nuisance. No other relations are possible.
Mollys
One word: unpredictable. Mollys hate Bretonians for a reason despite technically being Bretonians, so our relations could only be perplexed, to say the least. What truly distinguishes the Mollys is their close ties to the workers' movements and the communists of the Coalition, which are natural enemies of any monarchists. In addition, they are unpredictable, unreliable, and lack of style. Do not meddle into their affairs and let them shoot Bretonians. Their expertise at mining gold can come handy at times so sporadic cooperation is allowed but close to impossible.
Red Hessians
The pro-socialist militant movement comprised of miners and their descendants. Their distance from us and Gallia, as well as the lack of hostilities between Rheinland and Gallia, make them less of concern for us. They are, however, are still dangerous and should not be treated with disdain to avert possible damage to corporate assets. From what is known to us, they are excellent miners and sell the raw materials to interested parties cheaper than official Rheinland corporations to fund themselves. This opens opportunities to sporadic trade, that should be discreet not to anger possible partners within official Rheinland.
Gallic Brigans, Maquis, Union Corse
Any Gallic criminals are a liability to trade and corporate activities. As such, they should be avoided to minimize losses or hunted down if considered too much of a nuisance. Unione Corse still represents the Minarchy that curtailed our political ambitions on Quillan, and they are filthy drug dealers not worthy of cooperation of any sort. Brigands are nothing but asocial elements with dubious backgrounds that will sell (or kill, or worse) their own grandmother for profit. The Maquis are seeing us all dead in their dreams, and we should reciprocate. Any cooperation, even sporadic, with the aforementioned will cast a bad image on MAE’s reputation. Shoot them if possible, otherwise - avoid.
Outcasts
"Orange blight" that infested Liberty and Kusari with their Cardamine, and now try to do the same in Gallia. Luckily for us, there is Unione Corse with their Nox that prevents Cardamine from becoming popular. This discourages many Outcasts from venturing deeper into Gallia for the “lack of financial interest”. However, Outcasts are still ruthless pirates and raiders and pose a threat to any corporate vessel in the Tau region and beyond. Meeting them is already a problem. Known for their combat prowess and piloting skills, they are a strong opponent. Bribe them off if it is too difficult to deal with them, otherwise, flee or fight at your discretion. Cooperation with Outcasts poses risks of being offered “a proposal you cannot deny” that surely will hook you up on Cardamine, effectively making you their slave for life. Collaborating with them will surely negatively impact our reputation and standing with other Gallic factions, so simply leave them be.
Sirius Coalition
An atavism of the past, but now with an upgrade (or downgrade) of communist ideology. They stand for everything that is against our beloved Monarchy, and thus no possible cooperation of any sort is possible, even despite them actively shooting Bretonians. Luckily for us, they have locked up far away and have other pressing matters to do. Their previous dealings with the Council lower them in our eyes even further. Avoid them, or shoot them if they suddenly pop up in our vicinity.