Rhodia is a planet from the Isaac Asimov's Empire series.
About Rhodia[]
Rhodia was an inhabited planet located within the region of space known as the Nebular Kingdoms or Nebular Regions. The 1098th planet settled, it achieved significant local prominence by establishing a small, independent kingdom that encompassed approximately a dozen neighboring worlds.
The Rhodian government was a unique Directorate, a republican system that was effectively controlled by the hereditary Hinriad dynasty. For generations, the Hinriads provided leadership and stability, with the title of Director holding executive power, albeit within a framework that included legislative chambers.
This period of independence ended when Rhodia, along with the rest of the Nebular Kingdoms, was conquered and absorbed into the Tyranni Empire, a ruthless and expansionist state ruled from the planet Tyrann. Under Tyrannian domination, the Rhodian government was reduced to a puppet state. Both its legislative chambers and the office of the Director were stripped of all effective power, becoming mere instruments for enforcing the will of the distant Khan of Tyrann and his regional proxy, the Commissioner.
This state of subservience persisted for decades until the reign of Hinrik V. During his Directorship, Rhodia became a critical flashpoint. Influenced by the strategic machinations and under the covert pressure of the Autarch of Lingane, Hinrik V's Rhodia began preparations for a general rebellion against the Tyranni. Although Hinrik V himself was a weak and fearful figure, his world's strategic position and resources made it the key to breaking Tyrannian power in the sector. The subsequent rebellion led to the collapse of the Tyranni Empire and the liberation of the Nebular Kingdoms.