The Empire of Khazanov

*"Вся власть нам товарищи. / All power to us comrades"*

*-Common greeting among Khazans*

## Tiamat Aftermath

During the Tiamat Crisis, Khazanov chose to not send support to the western powers that stood up against the Tyrannical Queen. believing they were too far north to feel the effects of her return to the world. When her prison raptured and she was released, the shifting of landmasses and earthquakes worked to the benefit of Khazanov. As now they had a direct connection via land to the western continent. After the defeat of Tiamat, and Sanctus decimated, Khazanov invaded the northern region via airships and gunpower and swiftly conquered a large swath of land to form their empire.

## Overview

Since the formation of the Empire, it has largely remained a realm governed by socialist ideals. Disciplined industry, gossip censorship and militaristic justice are a few decrees that the Kaiser demands. While Sanctus was the largest and feared nation of the west, the Empire has taken up that void. The people raised in the empire are tough and believe, mostly, in the strength of the Empire's strict regime. Khazanov takes pride in its hardy infantry and one of the few nations to host a fleet of airships. One of the first Air Corps to be used militarily.

***Structure:*** At the very top is the Kaiser, or emperor. They have absolute power, followed only by their direct family, the princes and princesses. Below the Kaiser's family is his military leaders such as the Field Marshals. They act similarly to Dukes that govern provinces of the Empire, although the stewards and chamberlains do more of the actual day to day governing of the lands. Nobles are only individuals that have earned the favour of the empire in some way by serving beyond their expected ability. They are given lands and wealth as a reward for their services, often enough to support three generations of their family.

***The Regime.*** Since its conquest, the Khazans have taken to renaming portions of the realm to better cement their rule while the conquered peoples are slowly taught the Language of the Empire. While it is not required to speak Khazan at all times in the provinces, when one speaks to a military authority or one of the public jurisdiction, it is required to speak Khazan. The people that live in the western provinces are often taxed higher than those in the Motherland, and stricter rations and curfews for them are in place.

## Economy and Culture

Khazanov still benefits greatly from its northern ether weave mines. However, since they have expanded to more hospitable lands, many railways were built to transport the raw crystals and other materials to be processed in less hazardous conditions in the provinces. While airships used to be a one of the two ways that Khazans used to travel from city to city, airships are now used strictly for military purposes. Instead now railways and trains are the only way to travel in the motherland.

***Motherland:*** Since most of the processing and manufacturing has been transitioned to the provinces, motherland Khazans have now had the privilege of working and being of service to less labour intensive roles in the empire, such as engineering, civil services, sciences and magic. While they still live in some of the harshest conditions and within walled cities blocked from the wilderness, the Motherland has felt the prosperity of the Empire. Here they enjoy more food rations thanks to the province farms and extended curfews.

***Provinces:*** The provinces have become the new backbone of the Empire. Since they are beyond the harsh frigid conditions, they provide the empire with an abundance of things such as livestock, farms, workers, taxes and trade. The provinces follow stricter laws and policies however. The people here are given less ration privileges based on their contribution role, with many young people having to serve minimum term conscription, higher taxes, as well as a steady flow of propaganda being implemented in the Empire. Various provinces have mixed emotions on the Empire. Some hate it, while others think them better rulers than Sanctus was. The people of the provinces are also notably more religious than those in the Motherland.

## Politics, Perception and Magic

The Empire has become arguably the largest power in the west. A looming figure for the rest of the Continental Sovereignties. The Empire is still ambitions, but has created a delict balancing act of power on the continent. Its politicians, ambassadors and spies are spread through the continent, bringing some sway and intrigue to the wars and relations being played out.

***Brute Force Magic:*** The common folk both hate and fear magic. Instead the Kaiser has their own Hexan Society. The Hexan Society is a group of mages that take in orphans, ruffians, criminals and other troublemakers with magical potential. Where they are rehabilitated into becoming loyal servants to the Empire and trained in the arcane. The majority of the common mages belonging to this guild are used more as weapons and tools for the Empire. And the majority of magic that is taught to the Hexan are destructive in nature. Most are elite soldiers with very few being used for utility such as scrying.

## Grymheim Activity

With the home front secure and its power cemented on the continent, the Empire has started setting up a port in Grymheim. With construction and settlement of a town a few miles away. The Empire and the native Gealdyr people have an antagonist and unfriendly relationship towards each other. Often expansion further inland has been halted by the Gealdyr and their few Continental allies.