Grand Reich

**The Grand Reich of Demeria**, also known as **the United Empire of Demeria**, is a federation of many minor free cities and counties forming one of the great powers of Wescann, located in the heart of the continent. Demeria is a land renowned for its exquisite craftsmen, intricate laws and famous Demerian cider.

## Society

Demerian cities are overflowing with diverse races from the furthest reaches of the known world. The dominant race making up the majority of the Reich are humans. These, however, prefer when other peoples refer to them as Demerians. In addition to humans, the Empire is also home to a large population of dwarves, elves and halflings.

### Culture

Due to the great fragmentation into many autonomous provinces, the people of the Reich have a rather colourful culture that varies from region to region. However, the core of customs, mentality and behaviour of the people of this land remains the same. The Demerians are a highly legalistic people, respectful of traditions and orders, but with an almost innate talent and love for conversation and diplomacy. Many of the empire's citizens meet in the market squares in the afternoons to discuss local politics, gossip or anything else of interest.

In addition to regional differences, there is also a much greater division between High Demerian and Low Demerian culture. The former is represented by the inhabitants of the major Demerian cities close to the rich courts of the aristocracy. These Demerians are talkative and ambitious people, and are passionately in love with art and etiquette. The latter are usually a common folk of provincial villages and towns who regard themselves as stoic but warm-hearted people valuing hard work and craftsmanship.

### Art

Arts and crafts are an integral part of the Demerian cultural identity. Dabbling in the creation of art in the broadest sense or sponsoring an artist is an extremely popular practice in almost every corner of Demeria. Art is seen as a medium through which one can develop almost to absolute perfection. Demerian artists are forever striving to perfect their technique of painting, sculpting, acting or writing.

Craftsmanship is also considered a branch of art. Demerian manufacturers, tradesmen as well as simple people greatly appreciate the beauty of artistry, which testifies to the effort invested by the creator in his or her work. A product taken from the hands of a Demerian craftsman is likely to be solidly made and richly decorated with elaborate patterns. In return, however, it will cost a hefty sum. In spite of this, even the poorest peasants try to enrich their possessions or clothes with various designs, engravings or embroideries. The Demerians consider undecorated simple creations to be plain and dull, and to present a Demerian with such an item will be seen as an insult.

Demerian fashion is also subject to and fond of art. From the gem-studded gowns of aristocratic women to the embroidered jackets of peasants, almost every piece of clothing in every social class will have some kind of soul. Everyone wants to look good, because in the Great Reich attention is paid to such details. No wonder. Demeria is often referred to as the fashion capital of the world.

### Relations

Demerians are an open and tolerant society, willing to exchange views and customs. However, they have the minor flaw of having an inflated opinion of their culture. In their dealings with other peoples, the Demerians see themselves as leaders of the humankind, which is how many races, such as elves and dwarves, mistakenly perceive them. Other ethnic groups of people are also quite sympathetic to the eloquent people of the heartlands, however, they approach them with a certain reserve, being aware of their arrogance in some of their beliefs. Demerians perceive races such as orcs, dragonborns and goblins as uncivilised monstrosities, and can therefore behave quite aggressively and suspiciously towards them.

## Religion

The Cult of the Absolutes originates from the lands that are now within the borders of the Great Reich and is therefore strongly linked to local society. The cult is an organised religion with its own structure and hierarchy headed by a Collage of Prelates and an Emperor. Chapels dedicated to the nine gods of the Absolute are now found in almost every town or village. In addition, every religious law is also recognised as the law of the Great Reich itself. The tasks of the cult include the organisation of the spiritual life of the citizens, the support of the poor and needy and life guidance.

Among the masses worshipping the Absolutes, there will also be those who recite prayers addressed to other gods. Among the most popular gods we can find Selûne, Lathander or Gond. Belief in gods belonging to the Free Pantheon is accepted in the Reich. However, gods such as Shar or Bhaal are considered too blasphemous and their followers are widely persecuted.

## Politics

The Grand Reich isn't a unitary state, but a federation composed of semiautonomous feudal states. Since the Peace of Archen (1431) all provinces within the empire, small or not, have a right of representation in the Parliament of the Grand Reich. Each province is its own country with its own administration and law, however all realms within the Reich must obey the Imperial Law upheld by the Emperor and the High Council.

### The Government

There are two branches of the government in the federation:

* **The Imperial government** - the highest judicial and legislative body in the Reich, responsible for creating and upholding law, collecting taxes, conducting foreign policy and keeping peace within the empire. The Imperial Government is headed by the Emperor, whose authority is limited by the Parliament, whose role is to parliament, whose role is to monitor the emperor's actions and confirm his rights.
* **Provisional government** - the local government responsible for administrating its own state. There are three types of provinces - Imperial County, Imperial City-State and Vicekingdoms.

### The High Council

Each Emperor is elected by the High Council, which consisting of Vicekingdoms - the five most powerful and influential realms in the Grand Reich.

* **Karland**, representing the interests of the aristocrats of the Southern Reach.
* **Weldorf**, representing the interests of the aristocrats of the Northern Reach.
* **Lauland**, representing the interests of the aristocrats of the Aldenian Peninsula.
* **Gorsland**, representing the interests of the aristocrats of the Rolia and Mervale.
* **Hannor**, representing the interests of the aristocrats of the Riverlands.