Belters

Originating in the asteroid belt of Sol the Belters are a large population of miners and space dwellers who have, for centuries, monopolised asteroid mining throughout human space. It is estimated that there are over a billion belters in the Solar system alone.

Belters often also take on work as civilian space crew - they rarely join the military as they find the discipline too restrictive.

Belter Miners have forged a community like no other. These industrious souls inhabit sprawling colonies nestled within the cavernous interiors of large asteroids, where they extract rare-earth metals, iron, and helium ice, vital resources for the ever-expanding frontier of human space habitation. The societal fabric of the Belters is woven with the threads of cooperation and resilience, a testament to their adaptation to the harsh realities of space life.

Their social structure is built upon the principles of direct democracy and technical expertise. Leadership within the colonies is not inherited or appointed; it is earned through merit and the ability to navigate the complexities of space mining operations and community welfare. Prospective leaders present their credentials and visions for the future in public forums, where every miner has the right to voice their opinions and cast their vote. This ensures that those at the helm are not only adept at managing the intricate balance of mining operations but also deeply committed to the welfare of their community.

The political organisation of the Belters is decentralised, with each colony operating as a semi-autonomous entity united under a broader coalition that manages trade, defence, and diplomatic relations with system governments. This coalition facilitates resource sharing and mutual aid, reinforcing the Belters' ethos of communal survival in the face of the vast, unforgiving cosmos.