The Empire of Kerdaante

Structure

The Emperor and the Empress have traditionally been the seat of the legislative power in the Kerdaantite Empire with the largest vote in the Empire's legislative council. Citizen hierarchy is divided between social and military ranks, and the degree to which these ranks are important depends on the context (for example, in a social context, citizens are expected to defer to other citizens who have higher social rank than them even if they rank higher in the military. However, all citizens regardless of rank are subordinate to the Imperial High Council, and the Emperor and Empress. Most of the legislative power of the Empire rests within Imperial hands. However, the Emperor and Empress also sit on the Imperial High Council, which is comprised of the leaders of the military and the sector governors (for example, the governors of Serdaante, Eïrdaante and of Kerdaante). The Imperial High Council holds all the executive power of the Empire. After this level of government, social and military government become distinct entities.

Culture

Members of the Daante empire, especially those from mainland Kerdaante, foster a strong sense of nationalism. It is considered one's duty to serve the Motherland in whatever way they can, and value is attributed to all members of society so long as they contribute. Urchins, criminals and leeches are generally despised. Since service is very important, most Kerdaantite citizens have some form of affiliation to the Kerdaantite government. All citizens must undergo basic military training from ages fourteen to eighteen. Those who show promise are then trained further, and redirected into army, navy or intelligence depending on the skills displayed. Those whose skills lay elsewhere may find tutors from the executive branch of government, or otherwise get apprenticed depending on their interests. Darsaism is an important part of Kerdaantite culture. Though the state is mostly secular, the Order of the Timekeepers have an important role to play in promoting the pragmatic mindset Kerdaantites are known for. Most Kerdaantite officials are Darsian, and will both participate in and help organize multiple religious festivals throughout the Daante empire. Few Kerdaantites are Vaëllian, as many of the values prioritized by that religion stand at odd with those prioritized by Kerdaante. The Order of the Timekeepers is one of the organizations within Kerdaante that is trusted to take care of and educate orphans, vagabonds or criminals. Kerdaante encourages strong familial relationships. It is expected for Kerdaantites to have children and encourage them down whatever route they show promise in. The Empire fosters a sense of duty within its citizens to have children, especially if the parents are notably successful or skilled. This means that homosexuality is generally frowned upon, as many feel that homosexuals do not fulfill their duty to the Motherland. This is especially true if the individuals have magic, are exceptionally skilled at a particular craft, or are particularly intelligent. Kerdaantites also harbor a lot of respect for their elders as repayment for their service to the Motherland. It is considered the duty of a family to provide for their elders, and if they cannot, their community will. Kerdaantites tend to dislike physical displays of affection in public. Culturally, there is a strong divide between the private and the public, with physical affection being something that belongs to the private sphere. Explicitly bawdy content in songs or plays is rare in Kerdaante, as it is considered scandalous and in poor taste. Some eroticism is permitted, so long as it is poetic rather than lewd. Verbal affirmations of affection are encouraged, and men and women alike are likely to affirm their feelings for their close ones repeatedly.

Public Agenda

The Empire's goal is self-fulfillment and self-improvement, as well as expansion and control of resources.

Assets

Kerdaante is known for its production of blown glass, wool from the north, and cotton from the south. It also produces freshwater pearls, and has a few silver and copper mines. One of its biggest assets is its proximity to the Tempest Rift to Thestra, which allowed Kerdaante to establish mining colonies and ensure a steady supply of astrumite to their nation. Kerdaante also has large deposits of marble, granite and travertine.

Demography and Population

Kerdaante's demography tends on the younger side. The average age of Kerdaantites is around 30-35. There is a steady birthrate thanks to governmental campaigns encouraging childbearing, with the optimal familial unit having two or more children, especially if the parents are successful. The average age of death is around 80 years old, as many elders are cared for by family members and society at large. Kerdaante's population tends to be centered around the big urban centers, as this is where the military and political academies are, as well as the cultural hubs where artists can gain proclivity. However, there are outposts throughout the Daante empire, especially near areas of economical, political and military significance. There are also multiple smaller towns located in richly agricultural areas in the South and around the mines in the North. Villages are interspersed throughout the land, and liked to bigger outposts and cities by stone-paved roads.

Territories

Made of three great states: Kerdaante, Serdaante and Eïrdaante, which were territories separated by the Daante Sea part of the ancient Daantite Empire. Kerdaante regained control of Serdaante and Eïrdaante gradually through a mix of conquest, political alliances, and assassinations.

Military

Kerdaante's military is split into three branches: navy, army, and intelligence. Each branch has one leader: the Supreme Commander for the navy, the General for the army, and the Spymaster for intelligence. The leaders largely cooperate with each other to coordinate operations throughout Andellion, though intelligence keeps more of an arm's length relationship for obvious reasons. The leaders all have an honorary seat on the Imperial Council, though they are not granted Councilmember status and must follow the Council's orders.

Religion

Although the Empire's state affairs are secular, it is extremely influenced by Darthiar.

Foreign Relations

Traditional enmity with Fyron due to opposing values on nearly all fronts. Entertains good relations with Aldron, which has been trying to separate from Fyron for a while, and good relations with Aquildia and certain political entities in Lemay. Show Spoiler

Also have posted highly trained spies and assassins in almost every major Andellian government.

Agriculture & Industry

Kerdaante has a good mix of agriculture and industry, a product of its desire to be as self-sufficient as possible. As it is rich in natural resources, it is able to provide the raw materials needed for the production of other materials. In terms of raw resources, Kerdaante mines silver, copper and steel; its climate allows for the production and harvest of wheat, barley, millet, pea, beans, flax, sesame, hemp, olives, pear, apples, figs, grapes, and plums in the south, the north producing more berries, medicinal herbs and many different types of cattle such as cows, pigs and chickens. It uses crop circles to ensure the renewal of its soil in its governmentally overseen, larger-scale farms of wheat, barley and hemp. They also have many saltwater pearls, which they farm on the south-eastern coast, large deposits of fine silica sand, and large hardwood forests in the North. Kerdaante also has large deposits of marble, granite and travertine. The Daante empire also produces cotton and linen in the South, and wool in the North. It imports silk from Aquildia and Lemay. It refines its fabrics to different degrees, and produces cashmere, merino wool, damask, velvet, satin, painted silk, chiffon and some lace. Kerdaante is known for its glass blowing, and its glass production. It also has a strong metalworking industry, and stone carvers. It exports its glass across Andellion, as well as sheets of purified metals.

Trade & Transport

Products are moved on land by convoys, often with Imperial guards to escort them. They often move along the main roads linking Kerdaante's major cities and towns. Trade of essential goods is conducted between Eirdaante, Serdaante and Kerdaante via Imperial trade vessels, vessels that are owned and operated by merchants with Imperial licenses. Some trade is conducted by private merchants, though this tends to be for luxury goods, as the trade of essential goods is closely regulated by the Empire. Some trade occurs off-world, on the storm-ridden planet of Thestra. Trade in Thestra primarily concerns itself with obtaining astrumite, as well as a variety of native plants with medicinal and toxic properties. Kerdaante engages in some trade with other Andellian countries, often using the opportunity to collect intelligence and covertly dispatch operatives. They have trade agreements with Aquildia, Lemay and Athor. The four countries exchange stone, textiles, metal, transformed metal products, beading, glasswork and some agricultural products at a preferential rate.

Education

The Daante empire ensures that all are educated in the history of Kerdaante, and know how to read and write. Traditional schooling begins at age six, and goes on until age fourteen. The emphasis is on literacy, basic mathematics, history and some philosophy and ethics. Schooling at these ages also seeks to ascertain whether children have a particular skill for any given discipline, so children are exposed to a variety of different jobs and skills, ranging from cooking to visual arts to music to fighting. At age fourteen, teenagers join Combat School, where they will stay until age eighteen. There, they learn basic fighting skills with a limited variety of weapons (spears, crossbows, arrows and some hand-to-hand combat). If they exhibit particular proclivities for combat, strategy or covert operations, they are funneled into the Military Academy and trained. Whilst at Combat School, they are also examined on other skills in which they showed promise while at traditional school. If Kerdaantites are not promising candidates for a military career, they are redirected either into politics, law, are apprenticed or sent to work in manual labor. Kerdaante's education system is not optional. If a family fails to send their child to school, Imperial officials will forcefully take the child from the family to ensure their schooling. Individuals of lower social classes are less likely to access a political or legal education, as little financial aid is provided for individuals who show promise in those areas.

Infrastructure

All basic infrastructure. Strong sewage systems, aqueducts systems as well as some plumbing, astrumite-powered lights, fortresses, bridges. Thorough road networks with Imperial inns posted throughout.

Worship

Whilst Darsarth does not demand worship, it is commonplace for the faithful to give thanks to the god when something good happens. Individuals will often send offerings to the god when they beseech him (ex: burning a candle and beseeching Darsarth to grant a loved one more time). One of the largest celebrations is the Renewal, which is celebrated over two days: the last day of the year, and the first day of the new year. The Renewal celebrates the cycle of time and the start of a new year. It is traditional to celebrate academic achievements and ponder history. Rituals include burning offerings to the god, producing public plays, lighting lanterns and dancing. Exercises of wit are also popular. It is also traditional for individuals to regroup on the second day and share a large meal.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Whilst the Daante empire is secular, the Darsian religion informs many of its morals, which in turns impacts its politics. As many of the political leaders of Kerdaante are Darsian, their faith influences their decisions. Many avoid actions that they know would upset the Keepers, and some seek counsel from them for matters of state. Keepers are often involved in State ceremonies, though never in any sort of official capacity.

Alzükoren, Agör ek (Strength and Order)

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Alternative Names

Daante Empire

Demonym

Kerdaantite, Daantite

Government System

Monarchy, Constitutional

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Mixed economy

Currency

Decimal currency 1 Daantine = 10 Serdaantines = 100 Eïrdaantines

Major Exports

Kerdaante's main exports are ore, especially marble and granite, blown glass, linen and wool.

Major Imports

Kerdaante is widely self-sufficient, but it relies on other countries to obtain certain luxury goods and certain metals, as well as agricultural products that they cannot grow themselves.

Legislative Body

In Kerdaante, laws are written by the Council of the Sages. These individuals are men and women who have studied extensively Kerdaante's history. They are expected to maintain and amend the Civil Code, a set of laws drafted at Kerdaante's inception. They ensure that the Code remains socially relevant, and tailor it to the goals of Kerdaante.

Judicial Body

Kerdaante has a court system with judges. There are four court divisions: municipal, divisional, appellate, and Imperial. Judges must study extensively the history of Kerdaante and its legal code before being granted the privilege to oversee the administration of justice. They must pass an exam which is administered by reigning judges to ensure their fitness for office. As one of the central tenets of Darsiasm is pragmatism, judges are expected to be objective and pragmatic in their consideration of facts. Preferred punishments tend to be social work and reform rather than incarceration. Where an individual is deemed impossible to reform, they are sentenced to work the remainder of their life in Kerdaante's mines, textile industries or agricultural enterprises. Depending on the crime, they may be executed. Judges are overseen by the Judicial Council and Imperial High Council. The Judicial Council is comprised of other judges, who monitor the behaviors and decisions of their peers. The Imperial High Council monitors the Judicial Council to ensure that the interpretations of the law are consistent with Kerdaante's objectives. The judiciary thus operates semi-independently.

Executive Body

Comprises of the Emperor, the Empress, and the Imperial High Council. The Emperor and Empress have final say in any legislative matter, though the level of involvement of the monarchs fluctuates depending on the individuals in power. The Imperial High Council can be trusted to make most decisions unhindered.

Official State Religion

Darsian religons

Subsidiary Organizations