Horstwen Empire

The Horstwen Empire, situated in the westernmost region of the continent of Nostrix, stands as a beacon of progress and military might. Spanning two continents known as the Sister Continents, namely Horstwen in the north and Pappush in the south, the Empire's reach extends across vast territories.

At the heart of the Horstwen Empire lies its coastal capital, Alerid, located on the continent of Horstwen. This bustling metropolis serves as the hub of commerce and governance, drawing merchants and diplomats from far and wide. The majority race within the empire is comprised of Humans, who dominate the political, social, and economic spheres of influence.

One of the defining characteristics of the Horstwen Empire is its unparalleled military prowess and technological advancements. The empire has made significant strides in the field of warfare, pioneering the miniaturization of broadside cannons into handheld weapons known as Wheellocks. These formidable firearms consist of barrels measuring approximately three feet in length, with additional wood furniture housing the firing mechanism, resulting in a total length of five feet. While their range is impressive, accuracy tends to wane beyond 50 meters, and the reloading process is relatively slow. Nonetheless, these Wheellocks grant the Horstwen Empire a considerable advantage in long-range engagements.

In addition to military achievements, the Horstwen Empire excels in the realms of trade and scientific research. Their advanced armaments and technological innovations are highly sought after, making them a prominent player in the global market. This prosperity can be attributed, in part, to their devotion to the worship of Exatus, their deity of knowledge and fate. Exatus has bestowed upon the empire the gift of accelerated progress, allowing them to advance their civilization at a pace unmatched by their counterparts. However, this divine blessing comes at a cost, as the spiritual rights of the Horstwen people are relinquished after death, marking a sacrifice made in the pursuit of progress.

The Horstwen Empire's territorial expansion includes the conquest of the continent of Pappush, achieved approximately 150 years ago during a conflict known as the "10 Year War." This military campaign resulted in the displacement of the indigenous elven population, forcing them to seek refuge on the continent of Petrades. However, due to interbreeding between the Horstwen soldiers and elven women during the empire's conquest, a large population of Half-Elves now thrives on the southern continent, serving as a visible reminder of the empire's past conflicts and the resulting mingling of cultures.

In summary, the Horstwen Empire stands as a formidable force in Nostrix, boasting impressive military capabilities and technological advancements. With Alerid as its bustling capital and the Horstwen people's devotion to the deity Exatus, the empire continues to flourish in trade and scientific research. While their conquest of Pappush led to the displacement of the elven population and the rise of Half-Elves, the empire's relentless pursuit of progress and dominance has solidified its position as a preeminent power in the region.