Though the koth are one of the oldest species, their empire is relatively new. When they first began colonizing other planets, the koth were divided into over a dozen different nations, each vying for territory in the vast new world they had discovered.
Over thousands of years, many of the nations collapsed, or were forced to merge to stay afloat. They were ill-prepared for the dangers of interstellar travel, falling prey to roving pirate bands and environmental hazards that accompanied off-world colonization. The koth were divided, their territory was small, and they were vulnerable, not only to outside threats, but to each other as well.
In 2116, a charismatic young politician in one of the larger, more powerful nations seized control of his government, relying on people’s desperation and fear to propel him to power. Issuing promises of a revitalized culture and renewed wealth, he used the many problems faced by his people as an excuse to extend his power beyond what would normally be acceptable. Inspiring his people, they quickly began to grow and prosper, focusing on improving existing territory rather than expanding into unexplored space. In doing so, they drew attention from the smaller koth powers.
Some factions became enamored by the rapid expansion of the fledgling empire, drawn in by the promise of power and safety. They willingly joined their ranks, combining their power to create a force to be reckoned with. The rest of the koth nations, however, did not joing willingly. Many could see what the self-appointed emperor was trying to accomplish, and resisted him, some even joining forces with each other to fight back. Despite these efforts, the new empire, bolstered as it was with fresh ranks of eager patriots, swept aside all resistance, conquering all who would not join them willingly.
With their people united for the first time in their history, the koth have experienced a rapid growth spurt, spreading across the stars. They are currently locked in a territorial cold war with the Verran Republic, another expansionist power, for the Sagittarious Arm.
The Empire tends to place much value in loyalty and duty. It expects its citizens to do their utmost to support their nation in their day-to-day lives, whether they are simple farmers or high ranking officials. There is a significant amount of indoctrination, even brainwashing, that takes place within the Empire, and their loyalty makes them a force to be reckoned with.