BLO | Ashmedean Empire
A vast, powerful and ancient Empire that views the Kingdom as an irritating upstart in world affairs. Nine hundred years ago, starting from the central city-state of Ashmede, the Empire expanded outwards and conquered several much larger countries, seeming unstoppable. A mountain range known as the Daggertops forms a natural border between the Empire and the Kingdom, preventing the Kingdom from being conquered in similar fashion.
The current Emperor Shemorath II is weak, cruel and irrational. As a result the Empire has largely fallen under control of a few powerful Generals. Nowadays, the Empire is a decaying relic of its former glory, more concerned with endless internal squabbling than conquering others… although it’s still terrifyingly powerful when roused to anger.
Nevertheless, the Ashmedeans remember the days when they could have conquered the world, and maintain a proud military tradition (even if the army these days is corrupt and despised by the commonfolk). They will always be a threat to the Kingdom - if a stronger Emperor ever ascends to the throne and turns his eye north, the resultant war could be devastating.
