Montiac Empire

The **Montiac Empire** (***Montiaca Empri*** in Monti, and commonly referred to simply as **The Empire**) is a nation primarily situated in Calast, with small territorial holdings in Meridian and Calor. Originally formed as a small city-state on the Domunian Peninsula at the start of the Montiac Era, Montiacos rapidly expanded and conquered other states on the peninsula. Following a final war with Isara and a bloody civil war, Montiacos became the Montiac Empire in ME 81.

Originally ruled by Appius Salvian, the Empire is governed by a single Emperor as well as a High Council of seven. Both are elected by the Empire's citizens with the Emperor serving a ten year term, and council members serving five. The Empire possesses the strongest military on Narus, and is the most technologically advanced nation known, rivaled only by the Shanorin Dynasty.

Present-day, the Empire is seen as an ideal place to live. Even outside the capital regions, the Montiac Military is well equipped and does well to deter attacks from barbarians even in the more uninhabited areas of the Empire. Aside from the native Lepus, five other species reside in large numbers, and even more live in smaller, isolated communities throughout it's territory. Although Lepus are often favored over foreign species, equal rights are held by all. In recent weeks, with the emergence of the Lyrac, conscription as been enacted by the Empire which has been overrun by the hives.

## History

### Early History

The Lepus were first released from Habitats at the beginning of the Awakening Era. While most were released on the Domunian Peninsula, small numbers were released in Central Calast. These Lepus would eventually be integrated into the Empire when it began its expansion into Central Calast. Throughout the entirety of the Awakening Era, the Lepus were consistently the fastest developing species on the continent and, possibly, Narus. Preliterate communities quickly formed and transformed into large city-states across Domunian. It wasn't until the final years of the Awakening Era, however, that these states began clashing. The city-state of Montiacos was formed some 25 years before the Montiac Era

### Montiac Era

#### 1st Century

##### Rule of King Arruns

Moantiacos quickly became the dominent force on the peninsula. Originally only conquering small local clans and cities, Arruns Montiaco's rise to the throne in ME 33 saw Montiacos rapidly expand. In just 15 years, under Arruns rule, Montiacos became the sole surviving state on the peninsula save for Isara. However, days before Arruns began his final campaign against Isara, the King died in his sleep.

##### Rule of King Decimus

Arruns son, Decimus, took his place as King following his passing. However, rather than continue with his father's conquest of Isara Decimus halted the invasion, instead focusing on strengthening Montiacos internally. This included rebuilding in conquered territory, creation of infrastructure such as major roads and bridges, and substantially reducing the military in size. Decimus would continue these internal developments throughout his entire 27-year rule, and stayed immensely popular with the population throughout.

##### Rule of King Nonus and Civil War

Like his father before him, King Decimus died peacefully in his sleep. His death was seen as a national tragedy, with hundreds of thousands attending his funeral and a week of mourning taking place. Following this week, Decimus's son Nonus took to the throne.

The first years of King Nonus's rule were wildly unpopular. Nonus had little relationship with the average citizen compared to his father, and therefore was unable to properly deal with their needs. By ME 77, two years into his rule, support from the civilian populace was staggeringly low. To remedy this, King Nonus sought out to finally conquer Isara.

The first days of the war saw widespread success for Montiacos, quickly pushing back the unprepared Isarans. However once the Isarans rallied and regrouped they had little trouble pushing back the Montiac Military, now reduced in size. The following weeks saw huge losses for Montiacos as the ill-equipped legions were overpowered by the Isaran's, with the Battle of Emona alone taking the lives of over 8000 Montiac soldiers. As the Isaran soldiers neared the capital, King Nonus enacted conscription and diverted large amounts of civilian resources towards the war effort, much to the disdain of the population. Though these newly conscripted soldiers had little training, the huge boost in manpower allowed Montiacos to briefly go on the offensive, pushing back barely past the pre-war borders. This frontline would stay relatively the same over the next year, with neither side able to break through. Cillium, then called Chaxuklas, became a major point of conflict as it was split almost perfectly in half by the two sides. The city, arguably the center of Chamael culture, was practically destroyed by the end of the war.

In ME 78, as the stalemate drew on, Montiac civilians began riots across several major cities, forcing a redirect of many frontline soldiers. Soon after, Montiac general Appius Salvian, using the riots to his advantage, revolted against the King along with dozens of other generals and commanders. Salvian and his forces made an uneasy alliance with Isara, though the two sides rarely fought alongside. Despite overwhelming support from the population, Salvian's forces were unable to claim a swift victory. Instead the war fell into one of attrition, with neither side taking any significant victory. Isara surrendered to Montiacos in ME 80 following a mass famine, although little territory was lost. Without a second front Montiacos redeployed their remaining soldiers to the north, now also utilizing Chamael shock troops. However, as the Chamael weren't built for traditional hand-to-hand combat, these shock troops and the Lepus soldiers that would follow behind were slaughtered. Salvian's forces, utilizing guerilla combat, were able to quickly strike Montiac camps even deep behind enemy lines. Coupled with the slaughter of the shock troops, morale in the Montiac army was severely low. Many soldiers began switching sides, sneaking off in the night, and some city garrisons near the front lines would simply hand the city over at the sight of Salvians forces, both out of fear and respect. Just over a year after Isara's surrender Salvian's forces marched on the capital and, after little resistance both from the local population and the Montiac Army itself, took the capital and ended the Civil War.

##### Reorganization as the Montiac Empire and rule of Emperor Salvian

Just hours after his defeat, Nonus was exiled to Calor. The disgraced King's fate is unknown after that.

In the days immediately following the wars end, Salvian made major changes to Montiacos. These included reorganizing it as the Montiac Empire and making himself the first Emperor, creating a High Council to govern alongside the emperor, introducing elections for High Councilors, and drastically overhauling the military. The original seven High Councilors were made up of 3 former generals and 4 ministers, though only one general would survive the first election. In ME 83, unable to recover from the war, Isara folded into the Empire who acted quickly to begin reconstruction efforts. Although the Lepus citizens living in the former Isara were quickly assisted, the Chamael fared much worse. Both the Emperor and the High Council saw the starving of the Chamael as a non-problem, as resources weren't abundant enough to help both species. Chamael settlements were regularly raided by Lepus bandits, who would steal food and supplies, and regularly kill the same Chamael they raided. Unable to ever properly recover, the last known sighting of the Chamael occurred in ME 88, and the species is now assumed to be extinct.

#### 2nd Century

##### Death of Emperor Salvian and first election

Emperor Salvian died on the 19th of Cappadox, ME 99. The High Council enacted emergency powers, postponing the election until the next year and putting in place a month of mourning. Salvian was buried in the Imperial Mausoleum, a tradition that would carry over to all other Emperors at their time of death.

Come ME 100, the High Council executed the first ever election, which would be won by Tullus Ursus. Following Ursus's death in ME 111, the High Council put a ten year timer on elections, rather than only holding one upon an Emperor's death.

##### Expansion into Calast and Integration of other species

Once the Domunian Peninsula had recovered from the wars, the Empire began expanding into Central Calast. The city of Ilderda became the first Montiac city outside of the Domumian Peninsula. Petrans were first encountered just months after the establishment of Ilderda, with integration beginning soon after contact. Nibayr were the second species to be integrated in ME 140. These new species, though unwelcomed by some, were hugely helpful in the Empire's development outside of the Domunian Peninsula. The Nibayr Ket Zavag was instrumental in integrating Nibayr tribes from ME 140 to 147, and now has a statue in the city of Tar.

The Scrofans were first encountered on the Porta Peninsula in ME 139, with first contact being immediately hostile as the species refused to join the Empire. What followed became known as the Portan War, and saw the Empire engage in a low level conflict with the Scrofan kingdoms over 26 years, until ME 165. The kingdoms of Olkuz and Gronum were integrated into the Empire come the wars end, with the other two kingdoms remaining independent. Though technically at peace, the Empire has attempted further conquest of the peninsula with little success.

Montiac explorers first set foot on Meridian in ME 180, establishing the city of Carcasso two years later and completing the second major stage of expansion.

#### 3rd Century

##### First contact with Anurians and crossing of the Magnam

Anurian merchant Vuvos Nabosqo became the first of his species to make contact with the Empire in ME 217, soon setting up a small colony with the permission of the Emperor and the High Council. That same year, Vel Agorix was tasked with leading an expedition to Nix. Although he would survey much of the eastern coast, Agorix and his crew disappeared in ME 223 while studying the Corvans. In response, the Empire halted all further exploration of the western continents, as well as Meridian and Calor.

This ban would not be lifted until ME 277, in response to the quickly expanding Shanorin Dynasty. Not long after diplomatic relations began between the Dynasty and the Empire, mainly through trade. In ME 281, Montiac explorers inadvertently discovered Habitat 000 while surveying land in Calor. The land around it was quickly colonized, and the Habitat remains heavily guarded to this day.

The province of Gronumium was released by the Empire in ME 276 to relieve tensions between the Empire and Scrofans living within it, with Gronum becoming a client state of the Empire.

#### 4th Century

##### The Northern War

The Empire first encountered the Ursidae Clan Grimsey in ME 329. A large group of Ursidae discovered the village of Apua, and first contact was immediately hostile. The village was razed to the ground, and the entire local garrison was slaughtered. A single farmer managed to escape, warning soldiers stationed at a nearby city. Word of Apua's fate spread to the Emperor, who approved the mobilization of the army. Despite having a manpower and technological advantage, this proved to do nothing compared to the sheer strength of the Ursidae. In the first six months, Grimsey pushed the Empire back to the inner provinces. Had it not been for the warmer climate of Central Calast, the Empire would've likely fallen. Though the Ursidae still had the strength advantage, their heavy coats of fur made it difficult to fight without severely overheating. Going into the summer of ME 329, the Empire was able to push the overextended Ursidae to the coasts of Frigida Maris. As they did, contact was made with other Ursidae clans, as well as the Canisians in Northeastern Calast who were already fighting against Grimsey. With these new allies, the Empire was able to land troops on the Ursa islands, and began pushing into the heart of Grimsey's territory.

Initial progress was slow. The allied clans did not posses the numbers to directly fight Grimsey without the support of the Empire, who was having trouble producing cold weather equipment for their soldiers. Meanwhile, the Canisians guerilla tactics made it difficult for them to fight with the main forces. Because of this, it wasn't until early ME 331 when progress was truly made. The Empire, now equipped with proper cold weather equipment, coordinated with their allies to inflict devastating losses on Grimsey. This was one of the first examples of mixed species tactics being used by the Empire, something that would be used to great extent in future engagements.

As the Empire neared Finlayson, Grimsey began to dig in more and more. The mountainous terrain proved difficult for the Lepus and Canisians due to their digitigrade legs, and so greater reliance was put upon the allied Ursidae. Though they struggled at first, the allied Ursidae would eventually overcome Grimsey, and by Thallanium, ME 332 the Empire had sacked Finlayson, putting an end to the Northern War.

##### Present Day

In the immediate aftermath of the Northern War, many Canisians migrated into Empire's eastern provinces where they continue to hold a substantial population. A small number of Ursidae migrated to the southern coast of Frigida Maris, but the number of the Bear-folk residing in the Empire has never passed 1000.

Following Abdiel's overthrowing of his brother's government, the Empire has had little contact with the Shanorin Dynasty, which has turned isolationist under Abdiel's rule. A small number of refugees have attempted to enter the Empire, but they've been rejected out of fear of provoking Abdiel.

With the beginning of the Second Emergence in recent weeks, the Empire has been overrun by the Lyrac, unable to form a proper frontline against the overwhelming number of the bats.

## Government

The Montiac Empire is a Democratic Empire, currently ruled by Proclus Carus as well as a High Council of seven members. Elections for Emperors are held every 10 years, while elections for High Council members are held every 5. Emperors may run for re-election as many times as they like, but will be barred from running in the future if they lose said re-election. Those who run for election but fail are allowed to re-enter at the next election, however. Although elections were originally only held upon the death, after the death of Tullus Ursus in ME 111 the High Council brought in the 10-year election cycle. Although Emperors are not required to have experience in the High Council, they are required to have worked at least 15 years in government positions. However, the High Council may wave this rule under certain circumstances, so long as at least 6/7 are in favour of doing so.

Elections for High Council members occur every 5 years. Councillors may run for re-election as many times as they like, even if they lose. Councillors must have held a government position within 5 years of running, although no minimum years of experience is required. Emperor candidates may choose 3 chosen runners who, should that candidate be elected, ascend to the High Council upon the start of their term. The High Council's primary purpose is to prevent an Emperor having too much power, and a majority vote is required to pass any law the Emperor puts in place.

Each city has a single vote. Residents have 7 days to reach a majority decision, or are forced to forfeit their vote to their town leadership.

Although any race may run for a High Council position, only Lepus may run for Emperor.

### Current High Councilors

* Decius Scipio
* Manius Sura
* Titus Neneus
* Mettius Trenus
* Aulus Haterius
* Saturio Wolyn
* Vibius Festus

### Provinces

The Empire possesses multiple provinces. Though technically able to govern themselves, all legal changes pushed by a respective province must first be cleared by the High Council and Emperor. Provinces are ruled by Provincial Representatives, who report directly to one of the High Councilors.
The Empire currently consists of 17 provinces, divided into the inner, outer, and frontier provinces. These are:

#### Inner Provinces

* Amida
* Calagarrus
* Capitus
* Cosium
* Isara

#### Outer Provinces

* Avagum
* Constantia
* Monua
* Odusus
* Olkuzium
* Thessus
* Tynium
* Zarius

#### Frontier Provinces

* Cavia
* Comium
* Edinus
* Novia

## Calendar

The Montiac calendar is used universally across the Empire by all species inhabiting it. Though originally using a modified Human calendar, the Empire eventually came to use its own, though it is heavily derived from the Human calendar. Human day names were originally used, but were given more Monti sounding names following the fall of the monarchy. Being the first properly composed system of time measurement, the Montaic system has been adapted by other species and cultures even outside of Calast and its sphere of influence.

### Months of the year

* Arrunus- Named after the third king of Montiacos; 31 days
* Callanius- Named after the god Calla; 28/29 days
* Thallanium- Named after the god Thellan; 31 days
* Agorix- Named after Vel Agorix and his brother; 30 days
* Tirifumox- Named after the god Tirifum; 31 days
* Zavagius- Named after the Nibayr Ket Zavag; 30 days
* Satronius- Named after the god Satron; 31 days
* Aquila- Named after the god of the same name; 31 days
* Decimus- Named after the fourth king of Montiacos; 30 days
* Cappadox- Named after the god of the same name; 31 days
* Ursus- Named after the second Emperor; 30 days
* Appius- Named after the first Emperor; 31 days

### Days of the week

* Sundius
* Mondius
* Tusox
* Wendus
* Trastius
* Fraxius
* Finox

## Economy

The Montiac Empire uses the Clurane (*CL*) as its official currency. Prior to Abdiel taking the throne, the Shanorin Dynasty was a major trading partner for the Empire. Anurians are another major partner, bringing over precious materials from Nix and Viridi not found in Calast or Meridian. Oncan slaves are commonly brought over as well, used in construction projects in Calast and Meridian due to their height and strength. Though the Empire officially employs an anti-slaver policy, they tend to look the other way while using Oncan labor. Aside from this though, the Empire's vast land holdings means it relies little on external trade. Most provinces will have a specific resource it focuses on exporting, with all others being lower priority. For example, Monua produces the majority of lumber, while Olkuzium is a major producer of wine. The Empire has fine tuned each province's specialties, and the loss of even one has the potential to severely disrupt its economic wellbeing.

Well-maintained roads connect its various provinces, and caravans of merchants regularly traverse these routes. They trade a variety of goods, including unique herbs and minerals found in different regions.

Though the lower class of Montiac society are by no means poor, there is a large wealth gap between the middle and lower class, and an even bigger gap between middle and upper class. Though many Emperors have attempted to remedy this, it is usually undone by the next. Society is generally stratified, with a noble class, a middle class, and commoners.

## Military

The military is of major importance to much of Montiac society. Though service is not required, it's usually frowned upon if one doesn't support the military in some capacity. The Montiac Military is responsible for protecting citizens from internal raiders, barbarians, pirates, and any foreign army attempting to invade the Empire. The Montiac Military is comprised of five primary branches: the Army, the Navy, the Pugiones, the City Guard, and the Frontier Militia. The Montiac Army also shares control over the Montiac Colonial Army with the Colonial Authority.

800,000 soldiers are currently in active duty within the Empire, with roughly 1.5 million fit for service if needed.

## Technology

Through heavy use of backwards engineering and technological adaption of Human technology, the Empire is the most technologically advanced nation currently known. During the 1st century and parts of the 2nd, backwards engineering was the primary means of harnessing Human technology. This included vehicles, weapons, medicine, communications and other basic technologies. Beginning in the latter half of the 2nd century, the more complicated tech proved difficult to properly maintain. Because of this, the use of vehicles and many weapons has ceased. Fearing a loss of all technology, the Empire and many other nations began adapting Human technology rather than attempt to flat out recreate it. This can be most obviously seen in ranged weapons, which use a mix of a wooden constructed frame and an advanced launching system for firing the projectile. Some swords will utilize an energy layer to cut through enemies quicker, though this has become less and less common due to the risk to the user. All Montiac soldiers are also equipped with a single shot wrist weapon, to be used in emergency situations such as a loss of primary weapon.

Development of armor and protective technology has largely been abandoned due to its inconsistent success rate and difficulty to maintain, with the Empire instead focusing on producing better metal and leather armors. Notable failed examples include a large arm worn energy shield used by specially equipped soldiers to protect from archer fire, and a full body energy shield. The arm worn shield was abandoned due to frequent failures to activate, while the full body shield was well known to burn and sometimes suffocate its user.

Human technology is also heavily used in civilian life. Most major cities across the Empire will use advanced water and sewage systems, as well as light beams and fireworks for citywide communication, among other things. Water is transported through sophisticated underground irrigation systems and aqueducts. These same light beams are also used by the military, with a color coding system to distinguish different signals. Rich households will have a basic refrigeration system and an auto heated oven, but these are rarely seen in less fortunate households due to a lack of supply.

## Culture

Due to the strong multi-species nature of the Empire, it's best to look at its culture from a species specific view rather than a national one.

Red is the official color of the Empire, replacing purple around ME 158. Though purple is still flown on its flag and ceremonial clothing, the Empire uses a dark red for all its official business such as the military and government buildings. The Montiac Navy continues to use purple, however, which has led to it being nicknamed *The Purple Fleet*.

## Society

Overall support for the Montiac Empire from its various species is high, especially in its inner provinces. Lepus make up around 90% of the population of the inner provinces. Petrans have a large population in southern Amida, while Nibayr are common throughout all major cities. The Empire's capital, Montiacos, is much more diverse. While Lepus still make up the majority, many other species inhabit the city. Canisians, Nibayr, and Petrans are the most common, though small number of Anurians, Scrofans, and Ursidae do reside within the city. The outer provinces still have a majority support for Montiac rule, but citizens are much more likely to voice their disdain with an Emperor, for example. As a general consensus across the Empire, most agree that life in it is far better than anything outside of it.

Despite being under Montiac control for over 2 centuries, Isara still largely remains culturally independent. Monti is the official language but is mainly only spoken by politicians and the upper-class. Most Isaran residents instead speak Issaric, the native language of the Lepus. Isarans are also very hateful to outsiders, especially those of other species. Although not universal, many Isarans see themselves as the "pure" Lepus, and aspire to create a state of pure blooded Lepus. Isarans are usually formed into their own legions, separate from soldiers from other provinces.

Education is highly valued in the Montiac Empire. Libraries house ancient scrolls and manuscripts. Scholars study a range of subjects, including philosophy, history, and astronomy. citizens are well educated as a whole and are avid learners, and the pursuit of knowledge is considered a noble endeavor. The empire actively encourages cultural exchange with other races, fostering alliances and promoting intellectual growth. Accomplished individuals may become certified scholars.