The Eternal Empire

A structured Imperial society led by an Emperor and Senate. For more information on the founding of the Eternal Empire, go to Origins of Humans on Bil’Hanna

Population: Last census put the Eternal Empire and territories at 3 million people.

Heraldry: Their symbol for this nation is an hourglass wrapped in a corona radiata, symbolizing their right to rule for all time.

Racial Breakdown: 70% Human, 12% Truefolk, 10% Dwarves, 8% other.

Government type: Empire with a Senate of landed nobles.

Current ruler: Emperor Apis the I, The Iron Bull.

Current known alliances: The City State of Vrosa is "Aligned"--ie, it’s nominally a tributary to the Empire and pays token service/taxes to the empire but is effectively independent in all aspects. Several auxiliaries of Slegorian mercenaries.

Current Wars: Bridge City. Twin Kingdoms of Anwyn. The Draconic Theocracies.

### Life span

The majority of the Empire is made up of ordinary humans, though the cities of the Empire are cosmopolitan, and enclaves of almost every race found in most major cities.

### Physical Appearance

Most citizens of the Empire dress in lightweight robes, togas and tunics with sandals. Members of the military generally wear gold with white trim and their armor is highly polished to reflect the sun. The high fashion is pillaged Dwarven Obsidian, to reflect the Iron Bull’s promise to bring the north back into the fold.

### Origin

Founded by Reginald the 1st over 800 years ago, the Empire claims to trace its lineage back to the first humans that arrived on Bil’Hanna.

### Faith

Politics and power are a core part of the Empire’s culture including their faith. The Old Deck was worshiped as a whole, but no specific deity is revered over the others as a patron god. As cards of the New Deck rise to glory the citizens of the Empire have seen no reason to change this attitude. Citizens pray to whatever god they believe will help them to gain a blessing for their endeavors. It is a practical faith for practical people. The Empire's attitude towards Faith has helped their expansion. When they conquer a region, they bring no faith to replace that of the natives. Indeed, little changes, except for whom taxes are paid to—and in general, trade tends to flourish, roads improve, and order is established. Many see this as a fair trade for something as inconsequential as autonomy.

### Culture

Since its inception, the Empire’s goal has been to expand its influence and it has systematically brought the surrounding human regions under its control through either political manipulation or bloody force. These same traits are found amongst its people. Power, wealth, and rank are how all are judged and each is gained by whatever means necessary. Politics are a central part of the culture but so are poisonings and assassinations, often used by the elite to subtly create balance in their ranks. (Example. An older brother is mismanaging the family estates, possibly to the point of losing the family’s seat on the senate. It is culturally acceptable to have him quietly removed from the picture, for not only the betterment of the family, but the betterment of the Empire.)

The Empire’s legal system is vast, well organized, and is the best that money can buy. There are other ways to gain power as well. Blood sports, races, and exotic pet breeding are all popular pastimes in the Empire and if you can provide these to the masses, your importance will greatly increase.

In such a politicized society, the government is extremely important. The Empire is divided into regions and each is given a limited number of seats in the Senate based on their population. The senate’s effectiveness relies heavily on the Emperor leading from The Throne, the capital city of the Empire.

The father of the former Emperor waged war with the Dragon Kings, expanding the Empire aggressively. His eldest child, a spoiled son, inherited the nation upon his father’s death but died unexpectedly in a tragic boating accident in his private lake at the palace. For 4 years, the former Emperor’s children waged war in the capitol. Apis, The Iron Bull laid siege to The Throne. Stryx, The Jade Claw, a competent general herself, held The Throne and defended it from her brother for 7 years. In contrast to both her father and brother, she was more politically savvy. It stunned the Senate, when in the year 3 AF, Stryx was found dead with an empty goblet in hand in the dead of night, upon the Eternal Throne. While he has never admitted that he used the velvet glove instead of the steel gauntlet to remove his sister from the succession, he has also never denied it. The Senators and plebeians alike applaud him for bringing an end to the civil war, regardless of the methods. He was crowned within a fortnight. The early years of his reign were turbulent. Many with eyes on the Eternal Throne attempted to dispose of Apis the same way it is said he disposed of his sister. With uncanny ability Apis always discovered who sent the poisoners and assassins. With what he claimed was their failure to be “Discreet” they broke the Empirical laws regarding the public, political, and Empirical peace. Apis used an ancient clause from the days of Reginald the I to seek satisfaction in a test of arms; The Coliseum. Ritual combat to the first blood. Apis slew 18 politicians, merchants, and senators purposely to thunderous applause. He then paid the associated fees to their families. To this day those families are said to be the most staunchly loyal to the Emperor, due to fear or respect, it is unknown.

### Regions

The Empire consists primarily of two regions; The Old Empire and the New Lands. The Old Empire and New Lands have slightly different expressions of the same culture, with variants in language, dress, and architecture which show the same common ancient roots.

The Old Empire reflects a greater stagnation and corruption, with the central bureaucracy dominating much of daily life. These politicians are drawn from the ranks of the leading families of the Old Empire. Much of the land here is surprisingly undeveloped, with great tracts owned by families who hold it for their own use and pleasure. Punishing taxes internally makes it difficult for any new endeavor to flourish; you truly need the connections for a special tax relief to succeed. A culture of kick backs and subtle bribes is normal throughout all of the Empire, but most prevalent in the Old Empire, of which is filled with troves of old money held by the mighty Houses.

In the New Lands, regional powers, or even city states have much greater sway. Individual culture, literature, philosophy, and businesses flourish more than in the Old Empire.  There is less of a developed bureaucracy here in the New Lands. In accordance with the Empires traditions of assimilating new lands they were allowed to keep most of their own institutions and administration. The New Lands are not quite as developed; few Imperial Roads exist, and the New Lands face the brunt of attacks from exterior threats. Life is more dangerous in the New Lands.

### Military

Even the forces of the Empire vary from Old Empire to New Lands. The Hosts of the Old Empire are famed for their discipline. Legionaries are additionally trained as laborers and construction crews who function as well drilled machines in battle. The individual Warbands that comprise the forces of the New Lands vary somewhat from region to region and follow local charismatic heroes and leaders, but at their core are built around phalanxes of Hoplite warriors.  The independent nature of the New Lands is often their worst foe, with cooperation between different Warbands being difficult to coordinate. All 15 year veterans of the Imperial military, upon retirement, receive 60 acres and an oxen.

### Notable Alliances

The City State of Vrosa is "Aligned"--ie, it’s nominally a tributary to the Empire and pays token service/taxes to the empire but is effectively independent in all aspects. It was, allegedly, completely neutral on the subject of the civil war, and the mercenaries working from the city showed no favoritism, taking the money of either side.

### The Eternal Empire’s stereotypical views

#### Refugees/Neppen:

“We are the seat of Humanity. They should come unto us and join our ranks, for if they do not, eventually they WILL bend the knee and then join rank. Neppen was an outpost. It will be again. ”

#### The Tribes of Tarabuthia

“Swamp dwelling primitives whose fur and ivory can fetch top coins. Aren’t they suffering from some sort of beastly curse? They should have never gone into that swamp after the landing, and they are paying the price for it. If you should meet one, have him bathed for fleas because he is likely to become a throw rug at any given moment.”

#### The Necropolis of Myr

“They have the world in their grasp but refuse to take it. At this moment we can’t take it from them. Still, if you have the money for the trip, go there in your last days. I hear the night life is to die for.”

#### The Kingdoms of Anwyn

“Ungrateful, dishonorable, thieving betrayers and Lizard Sympathizers.

#### Albians

Traitors in steel armor. Liars in a Hoplites uniform. They are us, we made them, we will one day destroy them and return them to the non-entity they were before we arrived. And when we leave, we’ll pull up the last cobblestones of our roads as we go.

#### Hibernians

Pitchfork wielding, ignorant sheep defiling hillbillies who wear dresses into battle. Those who face us in battle are wearing dresses. The women must not be able to drag them away from their livestock.”

#### Draconic Theocracies

“Every grandmother tells the story of how her grandmother watched as the Lizard Tyrants flew away as we approached this land. Not a word. Not a warning. Nothing. The reason we are in this cursed land to start with is because of these bastards. And as the legends of our home nations say; ‘Dragons in their hearts are cruel, greedy monsters.’ They will pay. Every single one of them.”

#### Smaragdine

“A Myth. Whatever they were, they no longer exist.”

#### The Truefolk of the City-State of Vrosa

“They peacefully came into the fold. A loyal and trusted ally in this uncertain world. A place every citizen of the Empire should see at least once. They wouldn’t be what they are if not for us. We taught them the concept of Value and, I daresay, they understand it more than we do. Which is good, everyone needs a banker.”

#### Fortuneless Cohorts

“Some of the most capable shock troops on earth. You will pay out the teeth for them but they won’t leave a single silver tooth behind. Legislation has come through the Senate multiple times to institute something similar, but the New Empire states always vote against it.”

#### Dwarven People of Bridge City

“The Emperor respects their boldness. But it does not forgive their treachery. They WILL bend the knee.”

#### First Elves

“Eccentric and strange. You don’t really want one as a friend, but if you throw a ball, always make sure you invite at least one.”

#### Wracked Elves

“Bitter and Angry more often than not. They make terrible citizens and worse workers. If you have the means, drive them to your neighbor's land. But be careful, they can become skilled warriors very young.”

#### Slegorians

“They work cheap. Effective like no others on the sea, and excellent skirmishers and scouts on the field. But

often it feels like they retire before they truly understand the depth of strategy. Too focused on the soldier, not the war.”

#### City State of Winegorge

“A small city state of little to no consequence.”