Laurels and the Orb
Symbol of the Radnian Republic and the empire
Origin
The Laurels and the Orb, the symbol of the Radnian Republic, is rich in classical, cultural, and political connotations, drawing upon a long interstellar tradition of iconographic symbolism tied to governance, sovereignty, and virtue.
Although its origin is uncertain, the emblem was present near the end of the age of the first Kings and the dawning of the Republic.
Interpretation
Excerpt from the Declaration of Unity of the Radnian Republic
Section IV: On the Emblem of the Republic
“Let it be henceforth decreed that the Emblem of the Republic shall bear the Orb and the Laurels, signifying the twin pillars of our union.”
“The Orb shall be cast as a sphere of radiant silver or hollowlight, inscribed with the star-paths of our Founding Systems. It shall signify unity, unbroken and indivisible, of all peoples and polities joined under the governance of law, reason, and consent. Within the Orb resides the sovereign will of the citizenry, immutable and eternal.”
“Encircling the Orb shall be the Laurels—two arcs of green aurasteel leaves drawn from the ancient rootworld traditions of Terran Republics. They are the inheritance of civic virtue, grown from the labors of the free, the wise, and the just. The Laurels do not crown a monarch, but embrace the People. Their presence is a reminder that honor is earned not by conquest, but by the keeping of liberty.”
“Together, the Orb and the Laurels declare to all the galaxy that Radnia governs not by edict nor inheritance, but by the covenant of its citizens—each world a leaf, each vote a star, each voice part of the whole.”
—Archived in the Hall of Concord, Solnova Prime Capitol Dome, inscribed on the Pillar of Rights, 2489 A.T.
Use
The emblem was displayed in the heraldry of military units, and government departments and ministries. When the Laurels and Orb became the symbol of the Imperial Household, all other uses were forbidden.
Laurels and the Orb
Empire Radnia
