Khannaean Empire

## The Khannaean Empire

The Khannaean Empire was born eight hundred years ago, when the Khalyn Imperium was split in two after the assassination of its Last Emperor. His twin children each laid claim to their father's empire, each backed by warriors and nobility in their hundreds. A great conflict ensued, one that left the old capital of Khelaran City utterly in ruin, and saw both claimants depart wounded but alive. The Emperor's son fled north, his daughter south, each vowing vengeance upon the other forevermore.

So it was that the Last Emperor's line split in two, each branch taking root in their own corners of the old Imperium, each consolidating their separate rules. War was joined between the pair again, and by their sons and daughters after them, but neither side would ever strike a decisive blow.

Today, the two empires continue their centuries-old war of attrition against each other, both of them eternally seeking an advantage over the other. In the lands of Khannaea, the Empress's authority rules absolute. The Black Raven flies from every tower, as her armies train to make war upon her foes. The Battalions of the Exalted Military of the True Imperium are among the most dedicated soldiers in Andura, blooded by centuries of conquest.

In the present, these soldiers hone themselves against rival kingdoms of the East, unifying them under Imperial rule so to add their strength to that of the Empress.  A mere twenty two years past, the crownlands of the Setirri were subjugated, and with them the last of the Drow's rebel kingdoms. Families were reunited, armies reassigned, and instigators hanged, while the Black Raven was raised once more over the Empress's new lands. More recently, the pyrrhic debacle that was the Evermarch Campaign was fought in that city of the same name only nine years ago. The Empress's attempt to seize control of the Last Free City of the Dominion was rebuffed by a coalition of all the southern nations, and the casualties on both sides were immense.

Tensions with Venaris are high, as ever, while the rival armies of East and West  duel in the Verden Wastes. It has been a century since a decisive battle was fought between the two, but no peace has yet been made. Arkhanagad too has become absorbed with its territories overseas, along with their various skirmishes with Taliquitan. In such periods of calm between the two, the remainder of the world can only breathe a sigh of relief.

In the cities of the Empress's people, life is regimented strictly, with everyone in their correct place: serving the Empire. Children are brought up to fill a space in the regime almost from birth, chosen to serve as soldiers, crafstmen, artisans or engineers; each according to their ability to serve the Empress' will.

It's armies are strictly organised according to class, with drow soldiers serving as the backbone of the archery corps, dragonborn forming heavy infantry, and humans making up the rest.

Beyond the roads and towns of the Empire, beasts and bandits lurk, as ever, each relentlessly pursued by Imperial Officers looking to distinguish themselves. Bands of outlaws find refuge in forests and highlands from the law, pushing back against the crushing hammer of Imperial Authority. Wood elves often assist such groups in their struggles, though they generally remain in an uneasy peace with the Empress's rule.

Khannaea's only Durgorahnt, Leriveil Wood, remains stubborn against Imperial Occupation, but has never proved enough of a threat to incite invasion. With other, less dangerous sources of wood nearby, the elves leave the Empress alone and the Empress the elves.

Rarely glimpsed without her silvery war veil, itself a garment only to be removed publicly when the Empire is at peace (or on occasion for important announcements), the Khannaean Empress is ever a striking figure. Whether she be garbed in armour or a well crafted gown, she leads her people with the imperious strength that has defined every Empress since Aranri.

Each Empress is proclaimed as Khela reborn when she first dons the war veil and amulet that are the symbols of her station. Each Empress is born to lead her country in war, every one of them proclaimed to be the heroine that will lead their nation to triumph over Arkhanagad once and for all.