I. Eligibility

Participation in the Influence Map is restricted to established map members.

Only nations already present on the Aeternas Territorial Map may participate in the Influence Map. Newly joining nations must first complete the standard territorial claim process before becoming eligible to petition for recognition.

The Influence Map represents recognised instruments of interstellar influence, coordination, movement, and regional authority. Participation is therefore limited to established mapped nations capable of exercising such influence.

II. Structure of the Influence Map

The Influence Map represents recognised bands of interstellar movement and influence, divided into four concentric rings:

• Ring 1 (R1) – Inner Ring

• Ring 2 (R2) – Middle Ring

• Ring 3 (R3) – Intermediate Ring

• Ring 4 (R4) – Outer Ring
  

Each ring is divided into twenty-seven (27) equal segments.

Segments are numbered clockwise, beginning from the 12 o’clock position at the top of the map, and are identified using the format R#–##, such as R2–08 or R3–15.

Directional arrows on the map indicate the correct counting direction.

III. Initial Recognition

When first joining the Influence Map:

• Members of the Region may petition for recognition of 1 to 2 segments.

• Members of the Order of the Stars may petition for recognition of 1 to 3 segments.

• WA Members are strongly encouraged to endorse the Emperor Kabran in accordance with Aeternas policy.
  

Initial recognition reflects a nation’s capacity to administer, regulate, and facilitate interstellar activity, rather than territorial expansion.

To submit an initial petition, telegram the Chancellor of the Intergalactic Development Administration Eternal Ascendancy with:

• Nation Name

• Requested ring and segment designation or designations

• Number of segments requested
  

All initial recognitions are issued under the authority of the Chancellor of the Intergalactic Development Administration.

The Influence Map is usually updated on Friday or Saturday. Early processing may occur.

IV. Expansions

Expansion of recognised influence is permitted, but limited to a maximum of two (2) segments per real-life month.

A third segment may be recognised within the same month only upon petition to, and approval by, the Chancellor of the Intergalactic Development Administration.

Each segment must be supported by meaningful roleplay demonstrating administrative control, coordination, trade facilitation, standards enforcement, arbitration, strategic activity, or another relevant form of influence.

A single one-off post is not sufficient.

To submit an expansion petition, telegram the Chancellor of the Intergalactic Development Administration and include:

• The relevant ring and segment designation

• Links to the supporting roleplay
  

V. Confrontations

Petitions involving an already recognised segment, referred to as a “confrontation,” are permitted only if all involved parties explicitly agree.

No nation may lose recognition of a segment against its will.

Confrontations are entirely voluntary and intended solely for collaborative roleplay.

VI. Limitations

No nation may administer more than 45 segments in total.

This cap applies regardless of initial recognition or subsequent expansion.

Recognition does not constitute territorial sovereignty and does not grant control over planetary systems, territories, or physical space beyond the influence represented by the segment.

VII. The Influence System

A nation’s total recognised influence within the Influence Map is determined through three sources:

• Traverse Influence – Influence derived from recognised segments.

• Strategic Node Influence – Influence derived from a nation’s presence within or dominance over Strategic Nodes.

• Institutional Influence – Influence derived from recognised constitutional, governmental, and regional offices.
  

Each source contributes separately to a nation’s overall influence rating.

VIII. Traverse Influence

Traverse Influence represents a nation’s recognised ability to shape movement, access, coordination, and activity across interstellar space beyond its territorial holdings.

This influence may be exercised through:

• Military and Strategic Movement – Coordinating, prioritising, conditioning, or restricting the movement of fleets, forces, and logistical assets.

• Trade and Economic Activity – Influencing the flow of goods, resources, commerce, and negotiated access arrangements.

• Commercial and Civilian Transit – Shaping civilian transport, private enterprise, and wider interstellar traffic.

• Guilds and Non-State Actors – Recognising, regulating, or excluding guilds, surveyors, transport consortia, and similar organisations.

• Standards and Operating Conditions – Establishing expectations for navigation, communication, safety, security, and conduct.

• Strategic Leverage – Exercising political, economic, or military influence through reliance on access, stability, and coordination.
  

Traverse Influence does not constitute territorial sovereignty or direct ownership of the space represented by a segment.

IX. Strategic Nodes

Strategic Nodes represent recognised concentrations of influence whose importance exceeds that of a standard segment. They may reflect major centres of economic, industrial, military, or resource significance.

The Traverse Division recognises the following classifications:

• Trade Nodes – Major centres of commerce, exchange, and economic activity.

• Military Nodes – Strategic centres of security, coordination, and fleet movement.

• Industrial Nodes – Centres of production, manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure.

• Resource Nodes – Locations associated with strategically valuable resources.
  

Strategic Nodes do not represent territorial sovereignty, physical ownership, military assets, facilities, or ownership of the resources present there.

A node’s status is determined by recognition of its two adjacent segments:

• Neutral – Neither adjacent segment is recognised by a nation.

• Presence – One adjacent segment is recognised by a nation.

• Shared Influence – The adjacent segments are recognised by different nations.

• Dominant Influence – Both adjacent segments are recognised by the same nation.
  

For influence calculations:

• Neutral – 0 Influence

• Presence – 1 Influence

• Shared Influence – 2 Influence for each participating nation

• Dominant Influence – 5 Influence
  

Neutral Nodes may still be used for roleplay, commerce, transit, independent organisations, non-state actors, or other activity, but no nation possesses recognised influence over them until influence is established through adjacent segments.

X. Institutional Influence

Certain constitutional, governmental, and institutional offices provide additional influence reflecting their authority, responsibilities, and role within the governance of Aeternas.

The following offices currently provide Institutional Influence:

• Emperor / WA Delegate – 22 Influence

• Vizier – 18 Influence

• Chancellor of the Intergalactic Development Administration – 12 Influence

• King of Roleplay – 6 Influence

• High Councillor – 5 Influence

• Imperial Offices – 3 Influence
  

Additional offices may be recognised by the Traverse Division where they possess sufficient regional significance.

XI. Roleplay Activity

V. Roleplay Activity
V. Roleplay Activity

Only active regional roleplayers may claim or retain territory on the map.

An active roleplayer is a nation that participates in regional roleplay on a reasonably consistent basis. Participation may include creating roleplay threads, responding to other players, or otherwise contributing to the ongoing shared narrative.

As a general guideline, nations are expected to make at least one meaningful roleplay contribution every thirty (30) days. A nation that has not made a meaningful roleplay contribution within that period may be considered inactive for the purposes of the Influence Map.

Nations anticipating an extended absence should notify the Intergalactic Development Administration or Emperor where reasonably possible. Upon notification, an activity extension of up to ninety (90) days may be granted, during which the nation's territorial claims will remain protected.
XII. Deletions

A nation’s recognised segments may be removed and returned to neutral status if:

• The nation leaves the region.

• The nation ceases to exist.

• The nation is removed from the Aeternas Territorial Map.

• The nation no longer meets the roleplay activity requirements established above.