I'm working on my first campaign as a GM, and I'm currently fleshing out the details of the world where most of the action will take place. There's a large conspiracy involving all ranks of government on this bustling hive world, and so my question for you guys is: what sorts of planet-wide government figures would you expect to find on a "typical" hive planet? For example, you have the planetary governor, but what would be the "line of succession" after that? What other bureaucratic figures might you, as a PC, think to seek out in the course of investigating a government wide conspiracy? I know improvisation is needed for some of this, but I don't want to be completely stumped if a PC in my group asks to go speak to the head of such-and-such department that I never even thought of.

Any and all input is appreciated! Thanks guys!

Well, my take on it would be each Planet should be set up, like a modern country

with a leader

possible a vice or deputy Admin

and the department heads for things like Defense, Trade, Finance, Justice, etc...

Capt_Dymock said:

An easy way to help yourself out is to make a list of names, the longer the better, with a one or two word personality description next to them. If your players ask who is the head of department X, you consult the first name on your list, write a note next to it as to what he/she does and carry on. Stats are irrelevant. Most of the time (99%) a name and a brief description will be all the players need, any other info will come out of play.

As Angel said, pick a governent and go.

It will depend on what type of government is in control.

Are one of the Adepta, like the Administratum or Ecclesiarchy, in control? For the first, you have an endless list of bureaucrats descending under the Planetary Governor, who will be the chief bureaucrat. For the second, you have an equally endless list of priests under the Cardinal (or Archbishop, or whatever) in charge of the world.

If the Planetary Government is non-Adepta, is it oligarchical (plutocratic, most likely), bureaucratic, fuedal, dictatorial (all the most likely for the war-torn 40K milieu)? All these things have their own trappings. A feudal government will base positions of power (or most of them) on the status of local bloodlines (Imperial noble houses who have been local for long enough may possess local noble rank and status, as well). A dictatorial government will often be based heavily along military lines, with ranks of various orders and nomenclatures dripping off every government servant; with harsher than normal laws ever present to suppress sedition and disloyalty (probably caused by the dictatorship's own nature).

You need a little more detail to your request for more direct advice to be provided. If I were to list off some military ranks for a dictatorship's primary subordinates, and your world's government didn't use military ranks, what good would it do you?

You mention "what other bureaucratic" positions I might come up with? And it's a hive world. Ok, in general:

Consul of Imperial Matters: Responsible for liaisons with the Imperial Adepta on behalf of the Planetary Governor, especially the Ecclesiarchy, Administratum, and Mechanicus. The "Ministry of State", in effect, for an Imperial world.

Consul of the Armies: Head of all PDF units. Responsible for fulfilling Imperial Guard tithe requests in addition to planetary/land military security.

Consul of the Navy: Head of both space and water forces. Responsible for fulfilling Imperial Navy crew tithe requests in addition to starsystem/space planetary/water security. (Some planets might spit off the command of water forces.)

Consul of the Interior: Head of all miscellaneous administrative offices, as well as official planetary intelligence agencies. Responsible for planetary capture and imprisonment of all witches; liaises with the Ecclesiarchy, Inquisition, and Adepta Astra Telepathica in support of this role.

Consul of Justice: Head of the planetary police and court systems. Grants pardons. Liaises with the Adeptus Arbites.

Consul of Industry: Civilian head of all governmental support organizations for industry. Primarily exists to protect industrial production and business rights, and to prevent the spread of workers rights. Oversees disbursement of governmental subsidies.

Consul of Resources: Head of all operations regarding planetological concerns and resources. Responsible for fulfilling all resource-related tithe requirements.

Consul of the Treasury: Responsible for planetary budgets, currency production, and monetary supply. Responsible for maintaining reserves of Throne Gelt for exchanges with local currency as required. Interstellar travelers may always pay with Throne Gelt, but locals beyond the starport areas almost always exchange any Thrones they receive for local currency, in part to avoid looking like outsiders when they spend money, and in some cases because they are required by law to do so at least daily. Smart Acolytes wanting to pass as locals will always take specific actions to acquire local currency for their spending needs. Starport businesses (and those nearby) keep two register drawers, one for Thrones, and one for local currency.

Consul of Citizenry: Head of all offices regarding citizen concerns, including citizen's rights, advocacy, retirement, planetary medicae (and licensing, if any), etc.. Often a window-dressing office in the WH40K milieu, but its mere existence over nothing frequently improves morale by making it look like the government cares. A place to give citizens the run-around until they give up, with the lottery-rare occasion where someone is actually assisted successfully.

Each group would control vast collections of employees, bureaucrats, internal and external spy groups, military and para-military forces, etc.