United Empire

Torrean

The United Empire is a multinational state encompassing the western half of the Tellurian continent. A federal monarchy, it is comprised of twelve autonomous regions. It is the largest and most populous sovereign state in existence and the world's dominant power.

## History

### Background

Prior to the formation of the United Empire, Telluria was divided into an array of independent kingdoms, principalities, duchies, and merchant republics. These states frequently waged war against one another over territory and resources, leading to large-scale loss of life.

As early as 500 BCE, prominent scholars and religious leaders were calling for an end to the anarchic geopolitical order and its replacement by a single Tellurian state. Most notably, the Supreme Pontiff at the time, Athanasius V, published numerous encyclicals calling on the Tellurian princes to put aside their differences and unite under a single banner.

Over the ensuing centuries, many of the independent states were incorporated into larger regional entities through dynastic unions, military conquest or other means. By 100 BCE, the regions of Occidentia, Meridia and Hesperia had each become unified kingdoms. The ruling dynasties of these states forged close ties with each other and intermarried, forming the Azurean Union.

### Unification

In 10 BCE, King Michael VIII ascended to the throne of Hesperia after the death of his mother, Queen Maria III. Soon afterwards, his father King Joseph X of Occidentia abdicated out of grief and Michael found himself ruler of two of the three Azurean kingdoms. He was also heir to the Meridian throne, since his uncle King Charles XI had no other heirs.

Having been educated by the Holy Order, Michael was profoundly influenced by the works of Athanasius and his successors. He aspired to bring an end to the violence and bloodshed associated with the anarchic order and unite the continent under a single political regime. Upon his ascension to the Occidentian and Hesperian thrones, he began drawing up plans to integrate the Azurean kingdoms into a single continental empire.

### First Millennium

For the first thousand years of its existence, the United Empire enjoyed a golden age of peace and prosperity. The lifting of trade restrictions between the Empire's constituent states contributed to an economic boom that lasted for centuries and helped the Empire cement its status as Eurusia's dominant power.

Towards the end of the millennium, tensions rose between the Empire and various independent regional states. Eventually, in the early half of the 11th century, a series of wars broke out between the Empire and a number of the independent states. Due to its unmatched military and economic might, the Empire won decisive victories in all of the conflicts and annexed many of its adversaries. In response, many of the remaining independent states joined together to form the Confederation of Free States.

## Politics

### Political system

The United Empire is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The head of state is the Emperor, who is elected for life by the Senate.

The Imperial Parliament is the bicameral legislature of the Empire. It is made up of the Senate, whose members are either appointed by the Emperor or hold their positions by right of office, and the Chamber of Deputies, whose members are elected by popular vote.

Executive power is vested in the Imperial Government, which is led by ministers appointed by the Emperor on the nomination of the Parliament. It is presided over by the Chancellor, who serves as head of government.

The Empire's legal system is based on civil law principles. There are three high courts: the Supreme Court of Justice (which serves as the court of last resort for civil and criminal cases), the Supreme Administrative Court (which handles cases relating to the exercise of public power) and the Constitutional Court (which rules on constitutional matters).

### Territorial organisation

The principal administrative units of the United Empire are the twelve regions. Under the Imperial Constitution, each region is granted a significant degree of autonomy over its internal affairs in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.

Below the regions are the provinces, which may be granted varying degrees of autonomy at the discretion of the imperial and regional authorities. The provinces are further divided into districts, which are subdivided into municipalities, and metropolitan municipalities, which are subdivided into municipal districts.

### Foreign relations

Relations between the United Empire and the Federation of Autonomous Nations have been characterized by continuous hostility and frequent conflict. The Empire and the Federation have fought numerous wars over control of Telluria and tensions continue to persist between the two powers.

### Armed forces

The Imperial Army is responsible for the defence of the United Empire. It is the largest standing army in existence and has played a key role in establishing the Empire as the world's dominant power. It consists of five service branches: the Land Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Space Force and the Cyber Force.

In wartime, the Army can be reinforced by the Imperial Guard, a separate military force responsible for internal security.