Sarathal

The Sarathal Dominion, also known as simply Sarathal, is one of the largest nations on the planet. Their immense size and power affording them the leading role on the world's stage. Occupying almost the entirety of the central continent their reach is expansive, bolstered by their advanced technology and unrivaled industry. It is not uncommon to hear it's citizens boast about how Sarathal could best the entire world should it choose, though such remarks have lessened in recent years.

## History

### Origin

Sarathal was founded in 2200 after a terrible civil war decimated the region and brought about the collapse of it's predecessor. It had shared it's home continent with dozens of other nations and wars among them were common. Over time Sarathal had slowly expanded it's empire through conquest until it eventually controlled almost the entire continent with only a few small ally nations sharing it. The religious fervor and hatred for magic festered and grew alongside the nation's territorial gains.

The government, backed by popular support, was strongly anti-magic. They fed the fear of magic that had long lingered in the people until it eventually boiled over. In 2448 the government officially outlawed magic and began hunting down and detaining those who could practice magic. These crusades slowly grew in scope and brutality until execution of those with simple magical potential was common place.

These crusades were fueled by the fear of another cataclysm as well as religious justification, decrying magic as sinful tools intended only to lead people to their doom. By the the 2500s magic users were virtually non-existent in the land's of Sarathal with rigorous inquisitorial campaigns keeping those that remained in hiding. With their domestic hunts all but over the nation turned their sights west on those mages that had fled during the crusades.

Conflict with their magic-loving neighbors was fairly common with several major campaigns taking place throughout history. In the early 2800s the international community began to decry Sarathal's wars against Velhellyiah and other nations utilizing magic and the nation was forced to forgo it's crusades out of fear of being the target of a coalition. Though in 2885 they were challenged by a rival superpower and were put on the defensive. This war lasted for twenty years before ending the rule of Sarathal over it's overseas territories.

While working to maintain their position as one of the leading powers of the world they also worked tirelessly on progressing their technological capabilities, having been bested by magic numerous times in the past. Sarathal's devotion to the sciences had paid off in the mid 2900s when it's advanced technologies allowed it to again go to war with Velhellyiah. However this time they far over-extended their reach and numerous nations declared war in response.

Despite their technological might they were incapable of fending off the coalition of nations and were forced to surrender. Since their defeat Sarathal has remained relatively peaceful as it worked hard to redeem itself in the eyes of the international community.

## Government and politics

Sarathal is governed by by an absolute ruler called the Saint Kaiser. Chosen by the Church and confirmed by the Senate they are believed to be a living Saint of Surik sent to guide his chosen people. They rule the sprawling empire for life and their word is absolute and none would defy them. It is through their divine mandates that dictate the course of the Dominion as a whole as they work to carry out Hila's will.

When the Kaiser dies a nation-wide time of mourning is held and it is during this time that they search for a replacement. The Church is responsible for locating the successor. The exact procedure of how this is done is a strictly guarded secret, but their search can last from weeks to years until they find a candidate that meets their requirements. Even once located by the Church, the newly chosen Saint must still be confirmed by the Senate. This check on the Church's power has led to some complications in the past, but it is generally very rare for the Senate to deny one of the Church's Saints.

The new Kaiser is given absolute authority to rule the nation as they see fit. They can never be removed from office or replaced unless they willingly abdicate the throne or pass away. This has lead to some troubling times throughout Sarathal's history, but through Surik's divine hand the nation has managed to stay the course with it's rulers, ultimately, guiding it towards prosperity.

### Senate

A Dominion as vast as Sarathal could never be governed by the Kaiser alone. To aid them in the management of the nation is a senate composed of like-wise elected officials. These senators will also serve for life, much like their Kaiser, however they can be removed from power. The Kaiser can revoke their status as a senator, or they can be voted out by their constituents, or removed if found to have committed a crime. Sathal people have a strong sense of godly entitlement and are known to vote to remove senators that fail to live up to the public's expectations. This culture has lead senators to hold themselves to a high standard for fear of losing their power.

The Senate is composed up of senators elected from the various regions and states that make up the Dominion. Numbering around 330 total senators they are responsible for coming up with laws and decisions for the Dominion. Though any decision they come to must ultimately meet the Kaiser's approval before being enacted.

### Church of Hila

Sarathal is a largely religious nation. While it does allow the worship of other faiths it is strongly discouraged and frowned upon. It's official state religion is that of Hila and the Church has strong ties with the government. Seen in how the Church plays a part in anointing the Saint Kaiser it's influence rivals that of the Senate. While the Senate focuses more on the practical day-to-day operations, the Church focuses it's guidance on the people themselves. It works through it's various offices to ensure Sathal culture remains dominant and pure. Within their official capacity in the government they stand parallel to the Senate, advising the Kaiser and proposing legislation, though the Church and Senate hold a rivalry with one another and seldom work together, instead opting to propose their own in-house debated legislation for the Kaiser's review.

### Other Sathal organizations

Sarathal relies strongly on various agencies and organizations to see to the smooth operations of the colossal world power. The most infamous, and very much unofficial of which is referred to as the Guild. An elite shadow agency that adheres to the Kaiser's words directly. Alongside them is the Senatorial Investigators, the Hilan Inquisitors, and the Office of the Kaiser's Interests.

## Economy

The economic might of Sarathal is never to be understated. They influence much of the world economy with the sheer scale of their industry and wealth. Sathal markets are a draw for foreign investment and exports fueling the nation's industries with raw materials and trade goods. The central continent on which Sarathal resides is also vast and rich in natural wealth to which they tap into. Sprawling industries churn out goods from domestic products to military weaponry for use both at home and as exports for nation's abroad. Many nations across the world make use of Sathal-engineered guns or armor for their own militaries. With the Dominion able to produce almost everything it could need within it's own borders it's able to manipulate it's exports and imports for maximum efficiency.

The currency used within the Dominion is the Doner (doh-nair). The Dominion Doner has a world-reaching weight behind it with it being the global currency of trade. Though recent conflicts have weakened this hold as the world community moves away from the Doner, Sarathal still maintains it's hegemony over the world economy and uses it to manipulate other countries. It is this economic power, alongside it's military, that allowed it to leave the last world war intact. The Doner, for simplicity's sake, made the jump from coin to paper several decades ago. The central banks of the Dominion printing out Doner bills in different denominations to be used.

## Society and culture

Sathal society varies widely due to the sheer scope of the nation however there are general traits shared amongst the population. They hold a strong disdain for all things magic due to constant reinforcements and fear mongering from their past. The last war has left the population with a strong anti-war sentiment, feeling that any involvement with magic users brings nothing but ill fortune.

As a whole the Sathal are fairly religious with the majority believing in Hila and while it guides many of the decisions in society they do not oppose the following of other religions. The importance of science is never understated in Sathal society and it is renowned for some of the best institutes of learning in the world.

### Slavery

Sarathal has a blanket ban on slavery. Viewing it as an abhorrent practice that goes against their values and religion they take a very aggressive stance against slave trades. Throughout their history the Dominion has abused it's overwhelming might to conquer entire countries for the sole purpose of dismantling their slave-based economies and incorporating them into the Dominion. So aggressive is the Sathal view on slavery that anyone caught owning or selling slaves is put to death as they believe there are few higher crimes one can commit than holding a person as cattle.

### Arts and media

While the love of art has waned among younger generations, Sarathal remains a nation that incorporates it's traditions into it's art. It's architecture is covered in moldings and statues that tell of their history with much of traditional Sathal art being focused on depicting that history. Vast monuments fill public squares as large theaters provide entertainment to the masses. While some might find their styling rather bare and utilitarian, the Sathal have long since held a more refined appreciation for their artistic expressions.

### Religion

Sarathal is a secular state by law, but with Hila dominating over 90% of it's population and the Church standing equal to the Senate in governance, such laws mean little beyond ensuring your safety. So profound is Hila's influence throughout the nation that it's used to justify many of the laws that govern the nation as well as it's long and storied history. Much of the Dominion's expansion can be attributed to the divine mandates of their God. You can sooner predict how Sarathal will move by studying their holy texts than their actual leaders.

## Military

The Sathal military is truly massive with a significant backing by the government. Even with their last defeat they have maintained a large and advanced military, fearful that other nations may invade otherwise. Sathal airships are the single most advanced conventional airship in the world. They are armored behemoths held aloft by mighty rotors and propelled by a series of winglets along their sides and top. They are armed with massive cannons along with numerous rapid-firing guns

The ground forces are equipped with clip-fed single shot rifles with more specialized groups fielding experimental automatic weapons. Sathal put a strong emphasis on elite special organizations to act out covert operations as their status as a major world power has them permanently in a spotlight.

These special organizations are given a high degree of freedom and funding, allowing them to field impressive weapons and undertake actions that may be deemed extremely illegal were they to come to light. The navy is vast however it is split between the east and west oceans. The naval vessals, like the airships, sport heavy armor plating and large conventional cannons and like the Calaens come in a wide variety.

Like many nations they put little stock in melee combatants, however some of their more experimental special forces organizations will field melee combatants. Much of Sathal weapons technology is designed to counter the magic and magitek employed by other nations and as such even the common footsoldier has access to a variety of anti-magic equipment.

## Science and technology

### Technology

Of all the world, Sathal engineering is the most advanced. The Sathal keep their technology a closely guarded secret, their scientists national treasures. So protective of their advances are they that it is not uncommon for scientists to commit suicide or for other countries to find an inconspicuous warehouse by the docks exploding in an accident. Sarathal will stop at nothing to ensure their technology remains in their hands alone.

Their advances in the sciences have afforded Sathal innumerable benefits, both to it's military and society at large. Electricity is fairly common with even the middle-class able to afford to light and heat their homes through electrical power. Early prototypes of motorized carriages are also a sight, although an extravagance reserved for the wealthy. Their military boasts powerful semi-automatic rifles and grenades with a segment of their advanced technology devoted to countering the magic employed by other nations.

### Transportation

Sarathal's vast land requires a sophisticated network of highways and rail-lines to move things along. Trains run between cities forming the veins that move vital supplies throughout the Dominion. Their large and powerful airships are likewise tooled to a heavy civilian market. Unlike other nations, the civilian air fleet is large in scope and advanced in technology. Large airships are a common sight among major cities ferrying both passengers and cargo alike. While slow in speed than trains, the sheer volume of goods they can hold as well as their ability to ignore terrain have made them a favorite among the Sathal with the airship industry growing by the year.

Given the scope of land possessed by the Dominion, naval transport is a lesser concern. Though with so much coastline it is by no means a neglected form of transport. Large freighters and passenger liners are constantly traversing the coasts, going from port to port to ferry their goods. So entrenched is their advances that it is very rare to encounter a Sathal who has not ridden on some form of transit at least once in their life. Though for the day-to-day living even they still mostly rely on carriages and simply walking to where they need to go.

### Weaponry

Sathal weapons are some of the best in the world with many nations glamoring to purchase what they can. While Sarathal is a large exporter of military hardware, they keep their latest for themselves. Their soldiers are fielded with semi-automatic rifles with 7-round clips. A stark upgrade to the single-shot firearms most nations employ. Their warships likewise possess powerful cannons. Massive weapons capable of propelling a shell beyond the horizon to devastating effect. Such weapons are typically mounted upon their ships, both air and sea, though it is not unheard of for the feared Sathal Armored Trains to field one of these cannons as well.

What is truly the Sathal's pride and joy is their anti-magic technology. An assortment of projects from defense to offense. But now days even your average soldier is fitted with aether-resistant armor and anti-mag grenades that, when detonated, displace the aether in an area depriving mages their ability to utilize magic. Many more methods are used to combat the magic employed by their enemies but the more prototypical weaponry is reserved for the secret agencies of the Dominion to field test.

## Geography

Sarathal is an expansive nation. Sprawling across the massive central continent it dwarfs most other nations on the planet. With large oceans flanking either side of the continent and sharing it's home with only a few small vassal-states, Sarathal is a highly defensible country. Given the scope of it's landmass it possesses every form of climate you could imagine. From frozen tundras to sweltering deserts to everything in between. It's Capital of Systane rests near the eastern coasts. The heart of Sathal power it is also the nation's largest city. With over 20-million people calling the city home it is the shining beacon of Sathal exceptionalism.