Haqqislam

Haqqislam, or 'New Islam' in Arabic, is the third of the factions formed after the Aurora Incident. A branch of Islam, it was founded by the philosopher Farhad Khadivar, who proposed a radically different interpretation of Islam, one that focuses almost exclusively on the aqquistion of knowledge combined with humanism. This eventually put them at odds with the other branches of Islam, so much so, then when space travel was made possible, the followers chose to move their homes to the distant system of Bourak, away from the fratricidal conflict engulfing their fellow Muslims. With their emphasis on human knowledge, the people of Haqqislam enjoy an advantage in biological and environmental technologies, making their qualities of life somewhat better than other factions. Their specialized knowledge has proven to be a useful asset, allowing them great mercantile potency (especially due to their current monopoly on Silk) and better specialists in their armies. However, their specialization in peaceful technologies leaves them somewhat lacking in those of war, ensuring that their overall influence in the Human Sphere is limited, though they are by no means helpless...

In game play, Haqqislam forces are characterized by strong willpower and a greater number of specialists in the armed forces. Somewhat expensive in cost, their numbers are somewhat reduced as a result, ensuring that any losses are costly indeed. Ranged and melee skills are also average, making the use of specialists even more important in battle.