The Empire of Thrymir

Imperial High

Laetannian(Rare)

Called by many names such as the **"Empire",** the **"Empire of Man"**, the **"Kingdom of Thrymir"** and as the **"Holy Thrymirain Empire",** The Thrymir Empireas it's name would suggest, at one time once controlled all of Thrymir under the rule of the Abbergenien Dynasty and was considered at one point, the one true empire that represented western mankind however in the current day and age of the Thrymir Empire, it is but just a remnant of a once mighty and powerful empire that is broken and stuck in a age best left forgotten.

## Geography

Located in southern Thrymir on the borders of the Chou mountain ranges and the mountain ranges of Brulgron, the Thrymir Empire enjoys a position of prosperity and defenses of it's nearby mountain ranges, granting great protection against the Chou Empire and the underground kingdoms of Brulgron with the Zhang Men valley being the only entry way into Chou and southern Thrymir. Within deep of the Empire itself lays dozens of miles of thick forests with it's outer borders covering flat grassland and plains.

## Locations

### **Imperial Providences**

* **The Kingdom of Dovengrade -** Owns Dovengrade, Omarsa and Melar
* **The Kingdom of** **Carleond -** Owns Carleond, Kirkand and Chartesus
* **The Kingdom of** **Highengar -** Owns Highengar, Maydenburgh and Osterenheim' ***'***
* **The Kingdom of** **Ilerda -** Owns Ilerda, Nulvania and Tentyra

### **Cities,Towns and other places of interest**

**Dovengrade -** The oldest city within the Empire by far and quite possibly the oldest city still standing in the fifth era, Dovengrade was the original capital of the Empire and the first ever city controlled by the Empire during the Dark Ages under the rulership of Athruis Abbergenien. The City was seemingly abandoned during the late stages of the Dark Ages when it was nearly destroyed by the Corrupted Dragon, Kloaazrah, The Sand God of Mercy. The City was rebuilt sometime in the closing days of the Dark Ages and functions today as the the cultural capital of the Empire. Many flock to the city to see it's many, scattered ruins around the area and in the city, it is also the headquarters of the Bishalm Equites. Dovengrade is the capital of the Dovengrade providence within the Empire and is governed by the Imperator Titus Augustus with Dovengrade ruled by Countess Milleuda III Viridia. Dovengrade is located in the southern mountains within the Zhang Men valley on the border with Chou

**Omarsa -** Located in southern Thrymir near Dovengrade, Omarsa is one of the oldest city of the Thrymir, built roughly at the same time of Melar during the late Dark Ages. Omarsa is famous for it's many craftsmen and smiths to the pont, it's the dominant trade in the city due to the large deposits of metals. Omarsa resides in the Dovengrade Providence and is ruled by the Count Sildger Demon-slayer

**Melar -** An agricultural city within the Dovengrade providence, Melar is renowned for it's many monastery's dedicated to the Imperial Divines. Melar is ruled by the Count Amulius Galerius and by the Grand Abbot and Grand Abess when the Count and his wife is not present.

**Carleond -** Known as the **"Imperial City"** and more famously as the **"Silver City"** due to Carleond's silver Gothic architectural, CarleondIs the Imperial Capital of the Empire and the high seat of the Grand Imperator. Drachma Aurelius as well as the capital of the Carleond Providence. Carleond is located in the heart of the empire, at the center of the Oldela forest. located on a island with a massive moat that's similar in size to a lake. During the opening days of the fifth era, Carleond was constructed to replace Dovengrade as the capital of the Empire due to Dovengrade's obsolete design, making it difficult to defend and being built on a side of a mountain made it difficult to expand.

**Kirkand -** A successor to Dovengrade in terms of city design, Kirkand is located in western Thrymir at the base of the Brulgron mountains with the city of Kirkand itself located at the base of the mountains with Yrore Keep, a massive fortress castle built into the mountain itself to where Count Davik Octavianus or better known as the **"Iron Equites"** resides. Kirkand is within the Carleond providence and therefor is under the control of the Imperial Grand Imperator.

**Chartesus -** Known as the **"City that never sleeps",** Chartesus isLocated in northern Thrymir near the border with the Thrymir Kingdoms, Chartesus functions as one of the Empire's trading cities due to it's location on the border/ As a result. Chartesus is widely different compared to other cities of the Empire in terms of culture. Chartesus resides within the Carleond Providence and is under the control of the Grand Imperator with the city of Chartesus ruled by Countless Laetoria Tartius

**Highengar -** Capital of the Highengar providence under the governance Imperator, Quintis Otacilius, Highengar lies upon in eastern Thrymir on the edge of the Oldela forest near Bermon and is under the rule of the Bishalm Equite Commander, Count Hilaire Broussard. Despite the Bishalm Order having a detachment of Equites within the city to keep civil order between the nobles and the efforts of Count Hilaire, the city has become infamous for rivalries between nobles and their families to the point betrayals and assassinations are common place.

**Maydenburgh -** A massive trade city located on the north eastern border of the Empire that borders the Aklator Mountains and Bermon, Maydenburgh functions similar to Chartesus as a trade city as well as one of the few legal routes into the Empire. Maydenburgh is heavily fortified and has a large military force to control the large amount of immigrants whom flock to the city. Maydenburgh lies within the Highengar prodivence and is ruled by the Count, Laurencius Tilmann

**Osterenheim -** Nicknamed as the **"City of Heroes"** and as the **"City of the Damned",** Osterenheim is a city that was built in the center of a massive fortress that is tasked with protecting the eastern borders against Bermon but most importantly, to hold off any Vyreadra invasion although the eastern side of the city is common for being assaulted by many greenskin invasions. Osterenheim is so well fortified along with it's three enormous walls that surrounds the entire city, that Osterenheim is considered one of the most impenetrable locations on Athrunial, so much so that in it's history, not once has an enemy ever taken the outer wall. Osterenheim also functions as the headquarters of the Imperial Army as well as the training grounds for new Legionaries and Equites whom take their military seriously. The people of Osterenheim are highly patriotic of their home and considered their city state to the pride of the Imperial army since Osterenheim often produces the most skilled soldiers within the Empire and are usually by far, the best equipped soldiers of the Empire. Soldiers of Osterenheim are famous for being some of the most disciplined and coordinated troops in all of the Empire and Thrymir. Osterenheim lies within the Highengar providence and is ruled by the Imperator, Tiberius Oculatus

**Ilerda -** Often refereed as the **"City of the Dead"** and as the **"City of Shadows"** due to Ilerda's creeping misters, shifting shadows and ebony like tree's as well as occasional sight of the undead, Illerda is the capital of the IIerda providence whom is governed by the Imperator, Regina Gemunsen and the city is ruled by the Imperator's sister, Countess Charlotte Gemunsen. Ilerda is located within the south eastern parts of the Oldela forests known as the Ebony Forests due to the bark of the tree's being nearly ebony in color and being resistant to corruption. IIerda was originally a place where those whom were honoured in life were buried and due to this, IIerda is known to have many cemeteries however this was halted when it was revealed traces of dark magic was found in the ebony forest, occasionally resurrecting the dead to awaken, walk and cause mayhem wherever they walked. Since the undead have begun to walk, an order of Equites have made it their duty to keep a watchful eye on IIerda and the ebony forest.

**Nulvania -** A city located in eastern Thrymir at the base of the Chou mountains and near the border of Bermon, Nulvania is a city dedicated to mining and refining metals into stronger alloys, as a result, a large amount of craftsmen live within the city. Nulvania is under the IIerda providence and is ruled by Count Julianus Hosidius.

**Tentyra -** Located in southern Thrymir against the Chou mountains, Tentyra functions as a city dedicated to mining as well as the study and advancement of sciences and engineering due to the large amount of metals and others rare materials common. Tentyra belongs to the Ilerda providence however no one rules the city as of 5E 1200 due to the assassination of the royal family in 5E 1198

**Boletarian Fortress -** An ancient fortress infamously called the **"Fortress of the Gods".** Supposedly built by the Divine Bengs as a proving grounds to test the most hardened of heroes whom wish to become the chosen, the Boletarian Fortress is enormous fortress inhabited by dangerous beasts, undead, and even Deadra as well as being littered with countless puzzles, traps and environmental hazards that line hallways and pits such as dark energy corruption, poison etc. The gates of the fortress has always been opened to all but this massive death traps has taken the lives of thousands and is considered a taboo location by those in the empire.

**Brightstone Altar -** Located at the top of the Boletarian Fortress is a massive shrine dedicated to the Divine Beings of old, it is said when someone whom has traversed the Fortress successfully without cheating and preys at the alter within the shrine, they will be greeted by one of higher power.

**Mausoleum of the Imperial Emperors -** Located near Carleond, considered the holiest place by the people of the Thrymir Empire, this massive mausoleum holds the remains of all the Emperors of the Empire and is even said to hold the remains of Athruis Abbergenien as well as his personal arms and armour. maintained by hundreds of monks and nuns and protected by the Hokuten Templars,

## Government and politics

The Government was once by lead the demi-god warriors of the Abbergenien Dynasty whom were the direct descendants of the legendary hero, Athruis Abbergenien however after the extinction of the Abbergenien Dynasty and the countless civil wars fought between the nobles of Thrymir for the throne, the Imperial Army was forced to take control and crown their own Imperator ruler for the sake of the Empire. As a result of this over five hundred years ago, The Grand Imperator has became the absolute monarch of Thrymir since the loss of it's warrior emperor's and has complete control of the Thrymir Empire over all matters. Being a Grand Imperator however, the position of ruler is not hereditary like other monarchs of other countries, instead when a a Grand Imperator dies, a Imperator from the Imperial Army is elected as Grand Imperator through the Imperator Council, made up of entirely Imperators whom are Generals and Governors within the Thrymir Empire. Once a Grand Imperator is elected, they rule the Thrymir Empire until their death although they may surrender the throne if they wish or can be removed from power by majority vote from the Imperator Council.

Under the Grand Imperator whom rules the Thrymir Empire is the Imperator Council whom are the leaders of the Imperial Army and function as Governors and Supreme Judges in times of peace. They are the personal advisers of the Grand Imperator and aid in all matters relating to the state and the people such as putting in place new policies and laws to handling and important judicial case that demands their attention.

Below the Imperator Council are the local nobility and knights whom run the cities, towns and other locations of interests, These nobles are than under the jurisdiction of an Imperator and and must take orders directly from them or be faced with treason.

## Economy

Due to it's location being surrounded by mountains shared with Chou and Brulgron, the Thrymir Empire is rich in common metal materials such as copper, iron, gold, silver etc. As a result, The Thrymir Empire almost entirely controls the normal metal trade within the region of Thrymir. It also has significant amount of trade with Chou where it exports large amount of Thrymirian lumber and produce only found in Thrymir such as the massive, white colored Nesataberry and the Vedeya Rose, a small purple flower that has healing properties when mixed together to make healing herbs. The Thrymir also has limited exported warhorses and other livestock to Chou due to the rarity of horses in Chou although this is uncommon.

## Education

Like the many kingdoms within Thrymir, the Thrymir Empire does not have a standard education system, or at least that benefits the masses. the Education system of the Empire is much more akin to a feudalism society where only the wealthy and the nobility can afford private tulege or education some place elsewhere such as Ivalice. This is largely due to the Grand Imperator and as Empire as a whole emphasizing the young to enlist in the Imperial Army and serve until they are no longer able. Those whom serve in the Imperial Army for any significant amount of time are often trained to fulfill any civil duty that the Imperial Army requires such as smiting and construction. Those within the Imperial Army enjoy a far higher standard of living and even receive pay after retirement If they make it career.

## Society and culture

As expected of such a old Empire, the society of the Thrymir Empire is extremely rigid, stubborn and is dictated by military enlistment and duty. The structure of such society focused almost entirely on military enlistment and military duty. This is due to Thrymir's origins when it was founded during the Dark Ages where the people were forced to enlist and become soldiers If they had any hopes of surviving and pushing back the Darkness back into the realms of Oblivion, freeing Athrunial from the influence of the Deadra Lords. As a result of this, the Thrymir Empire retains much of the same mindset, even after the passing of the Emperors and due to the believe the Deadra Lords will return one day to either conquer or destroy Arthunial, the Thrymir Empire maintains the largest professional trained military on the planet with every capable person forced to enlisted when they come of age.

In the fifth era however, one who wasn't in the military, their family heredity, property and wealth as well as honor became extremely important as well. Society focused much on men whom were essentially forced to enlist in the military as soon as they were able while women were expected to stay home and be an eventual wife and mother although a woman could join if she proved able. Of course this was only accepted if the woman wasn't **"Feminine"** or desired in some way that prevented them looking after their family household or simply were too **"manly"**. Those whom served in the Imperial Army, whether male or female were respected in society and enjoyed a higher standard of living compared to the lower classes of society and was one of the few easier way to climb up in Thrymir society.

Within the society of he empire, it was quite easy to know what class one was part of by the possible telling of the color of their clothes such as

**Class of the Emperors -** Where all the Imperators belonged, those of this class could be identified easily by their golden yellow clothing or golden armor when performing their military duties

**Ascension Class -** Identified by their black cloaks with a red flame, only the most respected skilled Equites are part of this class as well as those whom live within the Temple of the One and chose/ are chosen to sacrifice themselves for all of Athrunial. The black represents the mass amounts of death they have already while the red flame represents the Eternal Fire and the blood they have spilled.

**Equites Class -** The default class of the Equites of the Empire, they are identified by their red cloaks with two golden strips

**Legionary Class -** obviously is the class of all Legionary's whom are not Equites or Imperators, they wear a red cloak.

**Fate Class -** Identified by their purple cloaks, these individuals were the Judges and lawyers

**Noble Class -** Those of noble birth whom do not serve in the military, they are identified by their purple or dark yellow clothing or cloaks. Women whom not married or still hold their chasity are expected to wear white.

**Alchemist Class -** Comprised of scientist, philosophers and engineers etc, they often wear blue cloaks or clothing

**Hammer and Coin Class -** Those whom chosen to be craftsmen and merchants are identified by their green clothes or cloaks

**Peasantry Class -** farmers, laborers, servants etc, they are identified by wearing brown, beige and similar other colors

**Slavers Class -** Those sold sold into slavery do not wear any color as they are not permitted to wear any clothing until they have proven themselves to able servants.

These differences are strictly and legally enforced and are expected to follow without question. Even every class changed from the Emperors Class wearing highly expensive, finely crafted outfits while those of the Equites classes often wore ceremonial armor and Imperial outfits while merchants and peasants wore basic clothes fitting their status.

### **Vassalage**

Though the classes are strict, it does not mean the classes didn't interact, quite the opposite actually. It is very common for those of the same class or even lower to become vassals of ones in power such as a Equites serving a powerful noble. To become a Vassal of the one their swearing their loyalty to, the vassal and their **"Master"**, also refereed as **"Patron"**, would make a contract between the two and as long the the vassals performs their duties, the vassal in return is given what they request, whether be currency, food, protect or even some sort of legal help or even respect or political favors.

### **Advancement**

While under normal circumstances it is difficult to advance in society, it is certainly possible If one would put tremendous effort in although by far, the easiest way to advance in society is to serve in the Imperial Army and make it a career out of it. Other examples are such as a merchant owning such a significant amount of land and wealth, they could be made into a noble by a Imperator of their region and be given their family crest or a Legionary under the vassalage of a noble may be taken under their direct tutelage and eventually be promoted to become a Equites.

### **Imperial Law and Honor**

The Imperial Law covered everything from the everyday life of a Thrymirian, the crimes they weren't allowed to commit as well as the punishments that came along with performing such crimes. The Imperial Law also spoke of ownership of properties and businesses, sexuality and prostitution etc. Two notable Imperial laws that are well known is the forbidden of all classes of women from wearing any piece of clothing or armor that is revealing unless they were prostitutes and prostitutes are required to be registered by the state.

Unlike many other kingdoms, The Thrymir Empire has no central authority that handles Judicial matters, instead every town and city has it's own court and Judge whom is selected by the Imperator of their region. After a court hearing begins, the Judge will decide what punishment is decreed If found guilty after significant evidence has been showed. The empire is one of the few kingdoms to have lawyers to defend clients and for one to become a Judge, a Judge must have at one point, be a Laywer.

Although Honor is no longer as prominent as it once was in the fourth era and during the reign of the Emperors, honor is still a desired morale trait by the majority Thrymirian people, especially those in the military and the Equites. Those will no honor are often ignored and shunned in society, viewing them as little as trash and disposables. It is possible for one to regain their honor through good deeds and going beyond the call of duty however such things such as treason and murder are not actions that forgivable, one will only regain their honor back if they turn themselves in.

### **Jue Shi**

Often called as **"Jue Shi Kai"** and as **"Shi Kai"**, it is a term given to an ancient traditional honour duel that has it's roots in Tsou Chou and Maja. It is a honour duel for one's honour or one's family and is usually a friendly duel however duels to the death are not completely uncommon. Jue Shi's can also be used to decide important disputes between houses, nobles or warriors although this rare as well due to the fact a Jue Shi is a grave matter. Since Jue Shi's are a tradition of the past, Jue Shi's are extremely rare and are considered barbaric by those outside the military, Jue Shi's are only common amongst Equites and occasionally Legionares. When one issues a Jue Shi to another after being dishonoured or their family has been dishonoured, the other person cannot refuse the Jue Shi or they will lose their honour. Those whom win a Jue Shi may grant mercy or kill their opponent however no matter what choice they will make, they will regain their honour back. When a Jue Shi comes from one dishonoured house to another house, both may pick their combatants although it's usually encouraged for the rulers to participate in the Jue Shi instead. When a Jue Shi is to occur, both combatants will meet in a open area or a dueling arena that is fair to both parties.

## Religion

The Thrymir Empire is responsible for creating the Divine Being Pantheon, The Imperial Divines and still to this day, it is the primary worship of the Thrymir Empire. The Imperial Divine consist of

### **Hokuten**

Is the chief Divine Being of the Imperial Divines and is the Thrymir Empire's Divine Being of War and Order as well as the Divine Being of Righteous Rule and Heroes with some even worshiping and venerating him as the Divine Being of Humanity. He is by the far the most worshiped and venerated Divine Being in Thrymir, especially by Knights and Heroes whom wish to follow in his footsteps in life. It is said in life, Hokuten was the founder of the Thrymir Empire and the legendary hero, Athruis Abbergenien whom fought back the darkness and died after slaying the greatest of the Dark Lords, Beladriendel in single combat after a fierce battle with his lover Suzetta. For their service to Athrunial, in death, both became Divine Beings. Hokuten is often depicted as a Knight encased in full plate armor with some sort of great helmet.

### **Bakura**

Known as the **"Valkyrie Goddess",** BakuraIs a Divine Being of the Imperial Divine and is the ever devoting and loving wife of Hokuten. Despite her angelic and beautiful appearance, Bakura is the Divine Being of Protection and wrath and to an extent, female warriors. She is noted for granting protection against evil for those whom prey for her as well as those whom prey for her wrath in battle against large beast whom she hates with with a fiery passion.

As with Hokuten, it is said Bakura was once a demi-god warrior named Suzetta whom fought alongside Athruis Abbergenien and eventually became his lover before she help founded the Thrymir Empire and united the clans of Maja together before forming her own to keep order. It was said, she had died with her lover after they had killed Beladriendel in single combat. Bakura is often depicted as an angel with long, golden locks of hair,an angelic warrior doing battle with a large beast or far more rarely as a long, dark haired samurai warrior of Maja, akin to Suzetta's appearance.

### **Gawain**

The Alleged son of Hokuten and Bakura, Gawain is the Divine Being of Honor, Duty and Justice and is considered the Patron of all Knights within the Thrymir Empire and is even venerated within Laetannia due to his similarities to a Grail Knight of Laetannia. Gawain is credited with writing the Codex Eques, a holy text on how to organize and lead Knightly Orders into battle and is still used to this day. Much like a Laetannian Knight, Gawain is depicted as a Knight wearing steel armor with a surcoat overneath and chaimail underneath with a Great Helmet.

### **Themeya**

Known widely throughout the world as the **"Sage of the West"**, Themeya is the Divine Being of wisdom and is noted to be the founder and inventor of all forms of Alchemy as well as the wife of Gawain. She is highly worshiped and venerated in many other cultures, often under different names but her worshipers are often scientists, philosophers and occasionally crafters. Themeya is usually depicted wearing a beige toga robe and having long red hair of varies tints.

### **Fania**

Fania is the Divine Being of nature, Love and Fertility and is the younger sister of Themeya. It is said that Gawain had an affair with Fania after Themeya had greatly dishonored her husband after she had proclaimed logic will always triumph over honor. As a result, a love triangle formed between Gawain, Themeya and Fania whom fell in love with Gawain for his courage and being selflessness. Besides their love triangle, Fania and Themeya have a rivalry to best the other with Themeya trying to overwhelm mother nature with science and reasons and Fania proving to her sister, that no matter what she do, she never be able to manipulate nature as she see's fit. Fania is depicted as wearing a long yellow gown with beautiful, long chestnut hair with a pair of butterfly wings on her back.

### **Rednidheim**

Is the Diving Being of Vigilance, Truth and protection against the Dark Arts and the Deadra, Rednidheim is the protector and inquisitor of the Imperial Divines, using his power to protect the Imperial Divines from all threats and destroying any whom are tainted, including any of the Imperial Divines. During times of war, Rednidheim is Hokuten's war mount and considered Hokuten's closest alley. Rednidheim is almost always depicted as a large, crimson colored, fire breathing dragon.

### **Necris**

Technically an Elder Supreme Being, Necris is the Imperial Divine of Creation, Death and of course Change. Necris is without a doubt, the most respected Imperial Divine due in large part of him creating the world of Athrunial and giving life to all things on the planet. Unlike the other Imperial Divines, Necris has a special, unique temple called the **"Temple of the One"** at the center of the Aklator Mountain Wastes where Necris himself resides. This temple is solely dedicated to the worship of Necris however it's true purpose of the temple is to gather anyone whom is strong and wise and throw them into the Eternal Flame, Necris Soul. The victim and their soul is completely engulfed by the Eternal Flame, destroying their very soul and body but their sacrifice helps to keep Necris soul alive so that the planet of Athrunial isn't destroyed by the death of Necris. Necris is always depicted as a skull or a skeleton.

### **Archiss**

The Imperial Pantheon Divine Being of the seven deadly sins,  lust, greed, pride, envy, gluttony, sloth and wrath as well as murder and betrayal, Archiss is by far, the most least venerated and worshiped of the Divine Beings of the Imperial Pantheon due to the fact the Thrymir Empire outlawed the veneratorship and worship of Archiss to keep civil disorder down and keep the people of Thrymir civilized. From Imperial legends, it is stated Archiss was Hokuten's closest companion and later Oath Brothers whom aided each other greatly in fighting back Darkness with Hokuten even envying Archiss for his martial abilities and determination to destroy the darkness. This all changed when Archiss seemingly abandoned Hokuten and Bakura to their fates and allowed the both of them to die in battle against the Dark Lord, Beladriendel. After this event, Archiss was not seen for several hundred years but when he did return, Archiss struck down Necris and took a portion of his own power for himself, however for Archiss, Necris dark power was too much to control and Archiss completely fell to the darkness he had sworn to destroy. With this new power, Archiss seemingly shaped the world in his own dark image, giving into the normal pleasures of men before finally disappearing when Hokuten rose again, determined more than ever to kill his Oath Brother for the crimes he had committed as well as dishonouring him and his lover. There is no universally accepted depiction of Archiss, however, the few times he is depicted, he is often showed as a knight in ebony armor with orange glowing eyes appearing out from his helmet.

### **Temples and Monasteries**

To worship the Imperial Divines, many temples are dedicated to such worship throughout all Thrymir, not just the Empire and while uncommon, there can be temples dedicated to one Imperial Divine instead of a temple dedicated to all the Imperial Divines. All temples within the Empire and throughout Thrymir are maintained by Abbots and Abesses whom give themselves up completely to the worship of the Imperial Divines. Those whom join the Temples or exile themselves from society to dedicate themselves to the Imperial Divines are known as monks for men and nuns for women with Abbots being the male leaders and Abesses being the female leaders. Monks and Nuns often live in their own single gendered monasteries and temples although it isn't that rare for a temple or monasteries to have both. Anyone may become a Monk or Nun however in the process, they give up everything they have, from possessions to family and friends in hopes of becoming closes to the Imperial Divines.

## Military

The Thrymir Empire's main armed force is the large territorial military force named the Imperial Army, often refereed as the Imperial Legion or simply Legion for short. The Organization of the Imperial Army was relatively flat and simple.

* At the top is the **"Imperator"** whom are the highest ranking military officers within the Thrymir Empire as well as civil officers to where they are stationed at. Imperators are Generals of the Thrymir Empire that lead Legions which numbers anywhere from ten thousand to fifty thousand men and wherever the Imperator and his Legion is stationed at, the Imperator becomes the militarial and civil governor of that region within the Empire or otherwise and is responsible for not just his Legion but the well being of the region. If more than one Imperator is stationed in the same region than by military tradition, the more experienced Imperator would take command by right with the less experienced Imperator being forced to take orders from the Imperator now in charge however If one feels this is unjust, one Imperator may challenge a "**Jue Shi Kai"** to the right to lead. The Imperator Council, a council of the most experienced Imperators within the Imperial Army may also vote and select any Imperator to lead a region despite how many Imperators are stationed in the same area. The Imperator Council is the highest position of power within the Imperial Army whom's responsibility is to run, maintain and know where to deploy the Imperial Legions during wartime. The Imperator answer only to the Grand Imperator whom is the de'facto leader of the Empire itself. When a Grand Imperator dies, the Imperator Council will form the council and decide on the next Grand Imperator for the Empire. It is almost always a Imperator whom is chosen from the council however the Imperator Council may permit the former Grand Imperator's child take the position if they are deemed worthy.
* Below the Imperator is the **"Centurion"** whom is the Commander of the battalions whom command anywhere one thousand to ten thousand men and are responsible for their Battalion's training, maintenance and deployments.
* "**Equites"** also commonly refereed as **"Quaestors**" and by other medieval nations as **"Knights"** which has became common as well is a term given to the most elite and skilled soldiers of the Thrymir Empire. Warriors of noble birth, Equites are cavalry warriors focused on the charge with lances and spears and often function as line breakers however due to their skill in melee as well, they can also perform as shock troopers on the ground. The Equites are the only soldiers within the Empire fully equipped with runic steel plate armor. Equites also completely comprise the Praetorian Guard whom guard the Grand Imperator with their lives. While technically a Equites is below the rank of Centurion and serves under them, due to their noble status, a Equites may do as they see fit on the battlefield, making them unreliable warriors at times. With this freedom however, Equites are not given nor permitted to have leadership positions within their Legions besides their own Equites units under normal circumstances.
* Below the Centurian is the rank of **"Major"** whom functions as lower ranked officers of the Centurion whom is given command and responsibility of anywhere from five hundred to a thousand men and is common for Major's to command Auxiliary units.
* Below even further is the **"Legate"** whom controls from one hundred to five hundred men whom function as field commanders and right hands to their Major, carrying out tasks and duties presented by them.
* **"Praefects"** are the leaders below the Legate whom leads Cohort of fifty to a hundred men and serve directly under a Legate.
* "**Legionary Sergeants"** are the leaders of squads comprising of ten men and the right hands of the Praefects.
* **"Legionary's"** are the standard, fully trained professional troops of the Thrymir Empire
* "**Trainee"** is the lowest rank of the Imperial Army, they are the newly recruited soldiers of the Imperial Army and are undergoing training by a Legionary Sergeant.

### **Renown Thrymir Empire units**

* **Bishalm** **Equites -** An ancient military and chivalry order of Equites that dates back to the Dark Ages. In the fifth Era, the Bishalm Equites are a renowned Crusader force that travel anywhere to destroy any influence of the Darkness. Within the Imperial Army, they function as super heavy Calvary, often using blessed, weapons, armor and suburbly trained mounts. The Bishalm Equites are considered the orginal and oldest order of Equites within the history of the empire and are highly respected. It is said they are the descendants of the Equites of Saint Tryanna.
* **Praetorian Guard -** The bodyguard unit of the Grand Imperator, the Praetorian Guard is comprised almost entirely of the most skilled Equites within the Empire and are equipped with runic steel plate armor that give them high resistance to magic.
* **Equites of Saint Tryanna -** The oldest military Chivalry Order in the Empire's history, This order of Equites was originally a group Equites whom served directly under Athruis Abbergenien during his time serving Saint Tryanna as his personal unit. It was said these twelve heroes fought alongside Athruis Abbergenien in many battles and aided him in the founding of Thrymir until his death at hands of Beladriendel. Even after his death, the Equites continued to follow Saint Tryanna as an order of Equites until the seige of Glasuht where almost the entirety of the order was wiped out to the last man. Only three of the twelve heroes and a dozen or so Equites survived the battle and managed to make it back to Thrymir. The remaining heroes would aid in the construction of Thrymir and lead it into the future. It is said the remaining survivors of the order founded the Bishalm Equites. Though the Order is no more, the tales of the order are considered by many to be the stuff of legends.
* **Mortem Equites -** Commonly refereed as the **"Death Knights of Ilerda"** whom watch over the city of IIderda and the ebony forest, they are a order of Equites whom specialize in combating the undead and are known to wear blessed armor and weapons on the battlefield and just like the Legion of the Damned of Ivalice, the Mortem Equites fight in complete silence.
* **Hokuten Templars -** known as the **"Hokuten Equites"** and as the **"Hokuten Knights"**, The Hokuten Templars are an order of fanatical Equites whom are said to serve Hokuten himself whom have been tasked with the holy duty of protecting the Mausoleum of the Imperial Emperors from all threats. As a result, they do not participate in any military or civil activities. The Hokuten Templers are known to wear gold plated adamentium armor with runes carved into the armor. They are without a doubt the most skilled warriors within the entire Empire and perhaps all of Thrymir since it is said every single warrior of the order are directly chosen by Hokuten himself.