Yetor Empire

== The Yetor Empire ==
=== Promahn ===
Of the nations on Evis, the most diverse in nature and governance is by far is that of the Yetor Empire. It was formed by the demigod Promahn from 12 cities who inhabited the middle region of Russix which became the lands of the Yetor Empire.
== History ==
The empire was formed by the then 27 year old Promahn in c.332. This Empire is more of a collection of Kingdoms and democratic republics than an Empire and is led by a council of leaders made up of those who are in charge of the regions of this empire. The capital of the Yetor Empire is Eglaport, a metropolis of over 30,000 inhabitants.
The Yetor Empire is divided into 6 Realms headed by Governors that report to the Emperor. These realms were put together to stop the original borders of "The Four" from causing internal political instability. The realms and Governorships were instituted by Emperor Greay in c.414 and were largely based around negotiations of mayors at across the world. These talks emerged with 7 realms of governance with the "Imperfect Charter", given its name as the Emperor foretold that there would be potential for war with the uneven number of realms.
In c.852 this was realized when the Governor from the Verrat realm moved a vote for total independence at the royal palace and asked for other governors to join his war for independence. The southern realms agreed with this and openly supported the Verrat realm's request and voted in support, hoping for lucrative trade deals without royal taxation from this newly independent nation. The four realms of Lazilon, Grenia, and Microz joined Verrat and voted positive to the independence. Emperor Slayde overruled the vote and the "War of the Southern Realms" began. The northern armies mounted a mass invasion of the south and allied with the Kingdom of Chamid to swiftly defeat the south. The war took over 6 years to conclude, but ended with all the southern Governors being captured and held in cells until their deaths and the Verrat realm being absorbed by the Jaldian realm.
To this day there is only one governor still in captivity. Bali Drakegut a dwarf of the Microz realm who is over 300 years old.
== The Emperor ==
The Emperor of the Yetor Empire is Gregory Crewe, a 38 year old male human. He was elected unanimously on the recommendation of his uncle Emperor Craine Crewe (death) to be the next emperor in c.1055. The emperor is known for ending the conflict with the Immor Dynasty and for continuing to place economic pressure and sanctions on the dynasty. Under his rulership, the Yetor Empire has been able to take land and possessions from the Immor Dynasty. 
=== Rulership and Transference of Power ===
Even though the name of an Emperor confers the idea of hereditary rule, the Yetor Empire is not under any form of primogeniture or hereditary power changes. Instead, the Yetor Empire follows a system called a Tanistry of Governors. On the death or abdication of the Emperor, all six of the Emperor's Governors meet with the Premier Governor in Eglarport to vote for someone in the ruler's dynasty to ascend to the throne.
The Premier Governor does not vote, and instead puts forth the selection of the deceased emperor via removing an envelope from the emperor's royal vault that details a choice and a reason for the choice. The reading of this letter is a very formal event, only viewed by the 6 Governors and the Premier Governor, but outside the palace walls the entire Empire, and the world, watch and wait for the decision to be made known.
The vote is passed when all six Governors are in agreement and the Premier Governor agrees that the vote has been conducted in fairness. The Premier Governor sends for the Tanist to be brought to the Royal Palace and informs them of their selection. The Tanist arrives and accepts or rejects the selection in person. If the Tanist rejects the selection, they are held by the royal guard in the palace so another vote can be had and they are removed as a candidate in all future votes. If the Tanist accepts they must immediately select a new Premier Governor. This new Premier Governor cannot be the current Premier Governor, any previous Premier Governor, any selectee who rejected the selection, or a previous living Emperor.
At this stage, the Tanist walks outside of the palace onto the eternal throne for all to see and is crowned as Emperor by the Premier Governor. At this point, the Premier Governor kneels and has the royal pin removed by the Emperor. The emperor places the royal pin to the new Premier Governor.
The vote usually takes days, but there is no time limit for the new appointment. Most votes are generally quick as the majority of votes in history have been the six Governors agreeing with the emperor's letter and unanimously voting for this selection. However, this is not always the case. The Governors can:
* Ignore the wishes of the deceased emperor and begin putting forth their own candidates from the emperor's dynasty.
* Ignore the wishes of the deceased emperor and ask the Premier Governor to allow selection outside of the deceased emperor's dynasty. This is most common when an emperor has abdicated or has no children or siblings.
* Unanimously declare before any vote is taken that they wish the Premier Governor to declare a dissolution.
The Premier Governor has the power to declare a dissolution of all Governorships, including their own, at any point they choose during voting. This event has only occurred once after an emperor abdicated and is reserved for when corruption, negligence, or votes are stuck. If the Premier Governor declares the dissolution, all governors and the Premier Governor are immediately held by the royal guard at the palace. The Premier Judge temporarily fills the role of the Premier Governor, selects 6 electors of their free choosing, and conducts another vote. If the next vote isn't passed within a day of the reading of the Emperor's letter (excluding rejection from the selectee), the Premier Judge can make a selection of their own free choosing (except for themselves). At this point, the Governors are released and return to their posts.
== The Realms ==
=== Jaldian Realm ===
The realm with the Yetor Empire's capital of Eglaport in it. This realm sits in a temperate zone, with lush forests and many cities and town adorning the coastline.
The governor of this realm is Trali Brightmaster a 286 year old male mountain dwarf who was appointed by the Emperor in c.902 after he displayed courage in a great battle.
=== Belzed Realm ===
Shaler, the bustling capital city of Belzed, is a vibrant trade and religious center strategically fortified with protective walls and centered around a grand citadel. 
The governor of this realm is Herim Mugwes is a 44 year old male stout halfling. He was appointed by the Emperor in c.1055 for his work in balancing the treasury.
=== Dorlyzan Realm ===
The governor of this realm is Mirik is a 46 year old male dragonborn who was appointed by the Emperor in c.1062 with his role in leading the invasion of southern lands of the Immor Dynasty.
=== Microz Realm ===
The governor of this realm is Laserie Aeraagamae is a 44 year old female half-elf who was appointed by the Emperor in c.1032 for the work she had done in developing the agricultural lands of Microz and for developing sea trade with other realms across the Yetor Empire and further. Its largest city is Valeria.
There are a number of smaller cities and towns within the Mircroz realm that Vertragers have traveled to, such as Nemoros.
=== Grenia Realm ===
The governor of this realm is Terryn Cloud is a 64 year old male human who was appointed by the Emperor in c.1040 at the request of powerful families across the realm of Grenia. Terryn is known for his big parties and as one of the wealthiest people in all of the Yetor Empire. It's capital city is Nigford. 
=== Lazilon Realm ===
The governor of this realm is Derthag Axeblade is a 29 year old male half-orc who was appointed by the Emperor in c.1065 at the end of the "War of the Horses". This realm was rededicated to accommodate the influx of refugees and immigrants from Lobran after it was decimated. Derthag is widely known as a controversial figure in the Yetor Empire, he openly worships Cyric, God of murder and lies but has a knack for knowing all the gossip around town. His appointment upset many in the Empire who thought these refugees and immigrants should be returned.
=== Colonies in the Nalos Archipelago ===
At the southern end of the Yetor Empire sits the Archipelago of Nalos. A group islands are rich in exotic flora and fauna, with some areas possessing unique mineral deposits not found in the mainlands of Rusix.
==== History of Nalos ====
These islands were discovered by Captain Elren Thalos, a Yetor naval explorer near the beginning of the third division. He named them after his daughter, Nalos. Soon after their discovery, the Yetor Empire realized the potential of these islands, both in terms of resources and strategic naval positioning. Expeditions were sent, and settlements were established, turning them into colonies.
About a century after colonization, the native inhabitants of Nalos, the Nali people, rose against the Yetor settlers due to disputes over land rights and cultural differences. After a decade of conflicts, a treaty was signed, guaranteeing the Nali certain lands and rights within their ancestral territories. With peace restored, the colonies flourished. The unique minerals of the islands, particularly a gemstone called "Aqualite", became a major export. The colonies also became a hub for trading routes connecting the Yetor Empire to other kingdoms and territories.
The Archipelago of Nalos continues to be an integral part of the Yetor Empire, both economically and strategically. Efforts are ongoing to ensure harmony between the settlers and the Nali, with cultural exchange programs and joint councils working towards a united future.
==== The Harbor of Nalos: ====
The harbor is a sprawling nexus of activity, situated on the western edge of the largest island of the Archipelago of Nalos. The docks are made of dark, sturdy wood, weathered by the constant battering of waves but well-maintained. Intricate carvings of sea creatures and Nali deities adorn the pillars and edges of the pier, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the island's inhabitants.
Numerous ships, ranging from small fishing boats to large merchant vessels, are anchored at the docks. Colorful flags flutter in the gentle sea breeze, representing various regions, trading companies, and even some recognizable symbols from distant realms.
The aroma of the harbor is a unique blend: the briny scent of the ocean combined with wafts of roasting fish, seaweed, and other exotic delicacies. Market stalls are lined up close to the docks, selling a plethora of goods — fresh catches of the day, tropical fruits, handwoven fabrics, and trinkets made of shells and coral. Islanders shout out their wares, their voices competing with the squawks of seagulls and the general chatter of the crowd.
Beyond the harbor, the landscape is a tapestry of verdant hills, dense tropical forests, and pristine white-sand beaches. In the distance, one can see the outlines of neighboring islands, some just rocky outcrops while others are larger landmasses with their own mini-ecosystems.
The architecture of the island reflects its mixed history. There are buildings with traditional Nali designs, made of bamboo and thatch, standing alongside structures built during the colonization period, made of brick and stone with distinct Yetor influences.
The Nali people move about their day with a quiet determination, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. While many of them are involved in fishing and trade, others are artisans, musicians, or spiritual leaders. There's a palpable sense of community, with elders teaching youngsters traditional dances or stories, while others gather to discuss matters of the day.
The islands also harbor a mystical aura. Ancient stone statues, reminiscent of guardians, stand at various strategic points, their origins shrouded in mystery. Legend speaks of age-old rituals, primordial deities, and hidden treasures, making the Archipelago of Nalos a place of wonder and discovery.
== Politics ==
The political structure of the Yetor Empire is set up as a federal system of government. The Emperor sits at the top of the government and delegates his power to appointed agents.
The Emperor is known to be mainly in charge of ensuring that other agents do their job and are acting in the spirit of the empire. He has total power to overrule all decisions, positions, and make all decisions.
The prefix title of "Premier" is given by the Emperor to people who the emperor feels have distinguished themselves enough to earn this title. Being given Premier status means that the individual operates with the power of the emperor behind them and can make any decisions in their job that would require the emperor's approval without seeking approval. They are answerable only to the emperor, and act with extreme discretion.
=== Immor Dynasty Relations ===
While peaceful with many nations, they are in a bitter war with the Imomor Dynasty, whom they have taken mounds of land from. The war started in the c.950 and slowly developed from a bloody war to a cold war.
== Vertragus ==
Vertragus is a common practice of hiring and completing tasks known across the Yetor Empire. It is a formal process set up by the Emperor dating back as far as c.650. Vertargus is made up of three distinct phases of creating a Vertrag or contract.
=== Bargaining, Undertaking, & Settlement ===
Bargaining is when a person puts forth a task or contract. It is at this stage that the issuer and any interested party sit down and discuss what work is to be done and the rewards for this being completed. It is common at this stage for a "recht" (lawyer) to become involved for ironing out the contract to ensure that there will be a sufficient outcome with no disputes.
The undertaking of the Vertrag is when work on the contract begins. During the undertaking of the Vertrag, the vertrag issuer must keep the contract worker up to date with developments and help with any unforeseen costs. If during the undertaking of a Vertrag, a unforeseen expense or complication arises, no party can discuss what to do until the job is completed and is taken to settlement.
Settlement of a Vertrag occurs at the end of a Vertrag. It is here that the parties meet with their rechts and discuss the work completed and any unforeseen complications. It is here that debate about additional costs and any complications are settled. At this stage, it is possible for the Vertrag to either be paid out amicably or to proceed onto courts for formal deliberations.
== Vertrag Schools and Guilds ==
The Vertrag Schools and Guilds are the organizations which carry out the work and upkeep of Vertrags. The schools train and equip both rechts and specialised workers called vertragers with the skills and education they need. While different schools across the Yetor Empire differ in mindset and details of training, most of them put out equally professional graduates.
=== The Monarch Institute ===
The Monarch Institute originated as one of the first guilds to both educate rechts and carry out Vertragus. Its members decided to settle in the north in the caves of a walled village named Monarch, naming their new guild after the village that it called home.
Around c.700 the construction of The Monarch Institute was finished, and in the later years, the first graduates of both rechts and workers began to travel throughout the Yetor Empire.
In a few hundred years, the institute became known as one of the most recognized of the Vertrag schools. Its members gained the reputation of professional and reliable workers. According to a legend, it is said that at some point of the history the institute in Monarch hosted the Emperor and his lover, who were hiding from his governors shortly before his abdication and installation of a new dynasty. 
==== Current Situation ====
The current lord of Monarch and head of the Monarch Institute is a man named Gorvreal Mckinnon. The most famous vertrager here is Pieron, also known as the "under-lord of Monarch".