Vulran Empire

## Overview

Founded only 78 Years ago, the Vulran Empire is one of two major political forces across Elyon. It is led by Emperor Nyaldir, whose dynasty both founded, and has led the country since its inception. The Empire prides itself on representative government, inclusion, and prosperity for its people. The Imperial symbol is a black hawk.

## Geography

It takes up much of the southern Hemisphere, bordering the kingdom by land via the free city of Sabbat’hur, and by sea across the Lanval Channel. Major cities include: Gearpoint—City of Invention and Discovery; Magnolia—The Imperial Capital; Luin—City of Wood and Festivals; as well as many smaller settlements and towns dotted across the region. Though the Narrow Wilds are technically within Empire control, they are not explicitly governed by the Empire, and are closer to an allyship. The Empire is home to lush forests, mountain ranges, and generally warmer temperatures across the board.

## People

Humans make up the majority of the populace, like much of the world. The Empire is far more diverse, however, than the Kingdom and is officially allied with 4 other races: Tabaxi, Drow, Gnomes, Orcs/Half-Orcs. It is not uncommon to find any of these races throughout Empire territory, though Tabaxi are less common outside of Magnolia. The Drow hail from the south, past the Thunderpeaks, the Orcs to the east, the Tabaxi the southwest, and the Gnomes to the northwest. Racially, there is little widespread tension or discrimination here, as the Empire was founded upon the principles of unity and inclusion.

## Government

The governing body is made up of three distinct branches. The emperor himself, Nyaldir, who has final authority for decision making, and acts as the official and figurative head of government. Many, if not most, day to day rulings are made through The House. This is a representative body of elected Chancellors—one for each officially allied race—that advises the emperor and maintains authority over different “spheres” of influence ranging from commerce to agriculture, to education. The Current Elected Chancellors are as follows: Elena Rustbowl—Gnome Rep. Darvil Thoraan—Drow Rep. Lady Mirial Umbara—Human Rep. Cichal Longarrow—Tabaxi Rep. and Gho’ra Stonefist—Orc Rep. The Third branch, is the Imperial Military, led by High Commander Volrath. The military plays an advisory role to the other two branches, and while it holds sway, only has dominion over matters of defense.

## Culture

Religiously, most citizens are members of the Church of Ilona. As the most widespread religion, it is both a neutral ally, and a political force within the Empire. One may find sanctuaries and churches in most cities and towns, and though there is far less observance in the Empire compared to the kingdom, it is still influential culturally and spiritually. Travel is not uncommon, and infrastructure is well maintained. That being said, only wealthier individuals would likely have the means to move across vast swaths of land on a regular basis, unless one was an adventurer or other, more nomadic profession. The Empire observes 5 official holidays—four coinciding with the start of the four seasons, and one for international observance of Ilona’s festival of birth.

## Summary

- The Empire is fairly new, only 78 years old, and in that time has grown to rival the Kingdom in geopolitical power.

- Emperor Nyaldir and The House are generally well liked across the populace, and work to foster a culture of inclusion and representation

- There are five main races throughout the Empire: Drow, Gnomes, Orcs, Humans, and Tabaxi

- The Church of Ilona is the dominant religion, but religious freedom is encouraged