The Osshur Empire

## Logo, Symbol or Coat of Arms

The coat of arms depicts the three lotuses, which represent the patron gods, over the two elephants crossing a golden bridge, which symbolises wealth and prosperity, over a single passant chengal on the bottom, symbolising conquest of that which may threaten the empire.

## Location

The empire covers all of the Monsoon Lands and half of the Crystalline Lands.

### Climate(s)

Warm desert; warm semi-arid; tropical savannah; tropical monsoon.

## Political Map

The empire is divided into eight princedoms (black numbers), which are each divided into cirka four duchies (red and green numbers).

### Demonym

Osshurian or Imperial

The Osshur Empire is the largest empire and country on the Shard, stretching across the Monsoon Lands from Mons Divinus in the south to the sea in the north, and from the Chaparral in the east to the Crystal Sea in the west. The country spans six climate zones: warm desert or warm semi-arid in the far north bordering the sea; warm semi-arid and tropical savannah across the central plain; and tropical monsoon climate in the south; the far west has crystalline oceanic savannah; the far south has fungal humid grassland climate. Across these six zones, millions of humans, monsters and most other races all have settled in hope of building a good life.

The empire is under the rule of the *vur* Chakravarti royal family. The current emperor is His Glory Emperor Ossurman X *vur* Chakravarti, who rules the empire from the Eternal Palace in the capital Loharta. The empire is governed through a feudal system that divides power among eight princes (or princesses) or *rojas,* who in turn lord over four to seven duchies, or *thukars* each. A juggernaut of power and culture with a long and tumultuous history, the Empire is a mighty ally and a terrible enemy to face.

## Government Structure

The Osshur Empire is governed through a feudal system in which the emperor relies on the support and allegiance of eight princes or princesses (*rojas*), who in turn rely on dukes (*thukars*) and counts (*gujas*) beneath them. These princedoms (*rojalores*), duchies (*thukats*) and counties (*gujalores*) are all in reality independent of the emperor's orders, but know well that to break the contract of society is to turn everyone who follows it into enemies. The fear that the rest of the realm will turn against them if they grow *too* independent and the overall benefits of staying loyal to the Imperial Throne ensures the stability of the realm.

The *rojalores* of the empire are named as follows and ruled by the following families:

* Osshuria (nr. 1 on the political map): The central princedom. Its capital Loharta is the capital of the empire, and its land is fertile and well-developed. Ruled by House *vur* Chakravarti.
* Chandra (nr. 2): A large and dry region, Chandra is a region known for its diverse agricultural practices that seek to maximise the output during the monsoon seasons before the very long dry season. They are known for their diverse peoples and species on the countryside, among which are monkili and fire-blooded. Ruled by House *vur* Chandramaya.
* Rusajar (nr. 3): The agricultural centre of the empire, Rusajar is fantastically located between the tropical savannah and the monsoon climates, making most of the region fertile and farmeable for most of the year. It is also the most populous princedom, which necessitates more duchies to oversee the population. Ruled by House *vur* Rusajar.
* Ahd-Siria (nr. 4): A small, dry and harsh part of the empire which is nonetheless home to millions of people and, especially, monsters. For centuries, this princedom has been a safe haven for all monsters in the empire who have been exiled from everywhere else. Their access to the sea and the river known as the Blue Ribbon Sea provides them with plenty of fish, but the princedom is very overcrowded. Ruled by House *vur* Diamadaba.
* Luonnada (nr. 5): In terms of area, this is the largest princedom in the empire. Culturally, it is actually much closer to the Chaparral cultures than the Osshurian ones and several dukes are of Ursarun descent. Where it differs radically, though, is the region's extensive use of slaves in heavy labour. While this is common practice throughout the empire, Luonnada is especially prone to it. Ruled by House Dariosa.
## Laws

#### Slavery

Slavery is an accepted and encouraged custom of the Empire. There are two types of slaves in the Empire:

* Chattel slaves are employed as servants, miners, plantation workers, prostitutes and in other hard professions. These are bought and sold at slave fairs like commodities. The markets are sanctioned by the rulers, and are allowed almost everywhere except in certain duchies on the border with the Chapparal.
* Serfs are tied to the land they work, where they rent the soil and pay a percentage of their earnings to the landlord, who is usual a count or even a duke. These can, usually after saving for generations, buy their freedom and ascend to a non-enslaved profession such as a crafter; or, if they are lucky, they will purchase their own land and become a count themselves.