The Worlds
There are about 1000 inhabited worlds in the Kingdom of Orion. About 30 of them are high technology worlds with large, wealthy and advanced populations. These worlds, such as Earth, and Orion itself, form the backbone of the kingdom, providing the funding and man-power for the fleet. The rest of the worlds vary widely in population, cultural outlook, technology and governance. They all make at least some token tribute to the Throne and all accept the silver and gold coinage of the realm. Humans make up about 60% of the population of the Kingdom, but the remaining 40% is a staggering mixture of different species, from intelligent apes to elvish beings to brutal cave creatures. Because travel times are so long for most travelers, there is little casual travel. New colonies are founded not infrequently but doing so is a major enterprise, not a casual whim.