Empire of Xiros

## The Empire of Xiros

### **General:**

The Xirosian Empire is a Democratic Monarchy in a desert. Despite looking relatively calm and uneventful at first, the empire is ridden with problems.

### **Landscape:**

The Xirosian Empire is located in a vast desert-like wasteland. The capital “Petrelum” was built on a huge oasis near the center. Since the empire extends across the entire continent, caravans are the only way to safely cross the desert. On the coasts, the wasteland only merges into water, with the exception of the somewhat greener east coast.

### Technology & Industry:

At the time of the first chapter, the country was in the midst of an industrial revolution technologically. Steam-powered machines became increasingly popular and everything is made from the minerals “T’seraret”, “Saalk”, “T’nemest” and “T’sukitsalp” that they found under the desert. Large mines can be found in the desert if you walk long enough, and factories were suddenly springing up in the cities. At the time of the action, a new steam-powered transportation method through pipes called DATKA (Imperial Order Steam-Powered Alternative Transit Method) is in development to make the arduous journey through the desert easier. However, things like exotic fruits, leather, etc. had to be imported. The Xirosian Empire has had an active trade agreement with the nearby Evimer Federation for several decades, which remains stable to this day.

Population: Due to the region's Xirosian topography and climate, Xirosians are mostly dark-skinned. In addition, each Xirosian has some kind of birthmark, although the exact origin is a mystery. The outside world often perceives them as arrogant and know-it-alls, but they themselves are simply loyal to the Empire and are more careful about who they trust.

Religion: The predominant religion is the semi-monotheistic belief in the now fallen “First”. He was the first emperor, a prophet and established the politics and mentality of the empire. In many stories about him he is also referred to as the "Father of Xiros", sometimes he is portrayed as Xiros himself, the spirit of the land personified. The first is the only “god” in religion who is part of the mentality of the country. There is no one to trust except the will of the First, which has always been what is best for the Empire. It is a mixture of atheism and nationalism. There are also no places of worship. Before every meal there is a vow to the first, an ancient ritual that is still popular today and that all members of a family recite. It goes something like this, although there are a few variations here or there:

Mentality & Rules: The mentality of the Xirosian imperial line was once just as nationalistic as that of the citizens. It is always focused on the well-being of the empire and its people, they show a strong sense of pride and almost seem a bit stubborn at first.

The basic rules, as laid down by the First Himself, contain these laws of being human:

Everyone should treat others the way they would like to be treated themselves. There are no limits, discrimination or abuse makes you inhumane.

Everyone must respect the ownership restriction. Theft or misuse of property makes one inhumane.

Everyone has a right to equal opportunities, fairness, health, truth and education. Anyone who fights against this right should be considered inhumane.

Those deemed inhumane must be punished according to their offense.

Systems and politics: Time is measured in “Imperial Cycles” (I.Z. for short). An imperial cycle is complete when the current emperor's reign is over and the next one is introduced, which in our time system takes approximately 4 years (672 days). The timescale counts down from the Imperial Cycle of the Praised Fallen First. An I.Z. is divided into 24 segments each 28 days long, similar to months. An example of a date in this calendar is the 8th day of the 24th segment of the 61st IZ, which is the date of the first chapter.