United Cities
Peace Through Prosperity
The United Cities, known as The Empire internally, is a feudalistic slaver society that controls large portions of land across the continent. Most notably within The Great Desert and its surrounding regions as well as having a southern enclave encompassing the southwestern coastline. Ruled by Emperor Tengu, they are a highly corrupt empire and monetary worth is the prime measure of a person in their culture.
Culture
Though the United Cities are quite diverse, there is also a great deal of racial stratification. The nobility is comprised almost entirely of Scorchlander and Shek, while Hivers are disproportionately more likely to be peasants or slaves. Non-humans in general are derided in UC newspapers, and are at risk from being attacked by roaming vigilante mobs known as City Heroes. However, racism always comes second to the coin in your pocket in the UC and wealth has a direct correlation to power and respect. So much so, that being poor and hungry can get you arrested or processed into the large slave network within the Empire.
Technological Level
While the United Cities aren't exactly advanced they do have a bustling scrap trade. Skeletons are allowed within UC territory however they aren't exactly welcomed and many fall into scrapping schemes by the Tinkers Guild. The Second Empire remains in a state of War with the United Cities for this reason and hold a 10k gold bounty for the leader of the Tinkers. Emperor Tengu and other nobility demand the best in entertainment tech and many of their cities are covered in neon lights, bars, brothels and moving picture theaters.
The United Cities are the only place left on Kenshi where moving pictures are available to the public.
Laws
Three Pillars make up the governing council of The United Cities.
The First Pillar
The Sonae, the military branch of the UC, responsible for the defense of the Empire and the enforcement of its laws. Directly loyal to Tengu himself The Sonae stick to a code of absolute obedience to the Emperor and will sacrifice their lives to any cause in the name of Tengu.
The Second Pillar
The Traders Guild, responsible for maintaining the vast road network of the Empire. The guild brings vast wealth to the Empire through trade and distribute of "product". While the Traders Guild is a pillar of the United Cities they are an independant guild with their own finances and motivations.
The Third Pillar
The Noble Circle, comprised of Governors of every UC city, a cabal of extremely narcissistic, cruel, and entitled lords and ladies, led by Emperor Tengu himself, aloof and often found drunk. Many believe he was placed in power as a sort of puppet. Whatever the case, his authority is absolute and it is a crime punishable by death to look him in the eye.
Southern Cities
"Here in the South? We bow to Tengu, but we listen to Slim."
Capital
Predecessor Organization
Leader
Controlled Territories
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