Deep Periphery "kingdom" located several hundred light years beyond the Oberon Confederation. Grew out of a mercantile alliance in the Deep Periphery from mid 29th century onwards, in no small part driven by the influence of Commonwealth refugees fleeing the reign of Archon Elizabeth. They brought with them a number of jumpships and dropships, plus the mercantile acumen the Commonwealth is known for. Settling on several nearby words, they immediately began trading with each other, boosting the economy of every involved world to levels not seen before.

Formally created 2891, the Hanseatic League (the name is thought to be a pun, since many of the worlds of the region have names resembling those of the ancient Terran Hanseatic League) has grown to include 29 member systems, with mercantile ties to many more. The League professes to promote free trade, but is really a monopolist entity, working to exclude other traders. It cannot, however, be denied that the League has done a lot to promote commerce in the Deep Periphery, bettering the lives of millions of people on a hundred worlds. Still, the League is also not above some good old extortion, dabbles in slavery, and has been involved in starting more than one war between petty Periphery kingdoms.

The League's main goal is to eliminate piracy, not because they are altruistic, but because pirates are bad for business - and a challenge to the might of the League. The League is also currently seeking to establish trade ties with IS nations (Commonwealth and Combine both), and destabilize other Periphery powers in "their" sphere of influence. The Oberon Confederation and its growing number of vassals, dependents and allies are of particular concern.

The League's capital is Bremen, with places like Bergen, Köln and Lübeck always vying for power at the expense of the other second tier systems. The League is ruled over by a council of merchants, which is a rather unique form of governance. The Hanseatic Security Force (HSF) represents the military might of the Hanse. It is thought to be very small and poorly equipped.

Natalia Chesterton has connections in the League, and on several occasions League ships have trasported Lancer units.