Magvar Empire

Description

The Magvar Empire is a major power situated in The Broken Plains developed by the hobgoblins of the region. Their disciplined nature has led to a more civilized and industrious military society that has allowed them to remain strong despite being slightly smaller in number than for example the gnoll tribes that are also found in The Broken Plains.

Social Order

The society of the empire has a very clear caste system. At the top are the Steelborn, those who are eligible for military leadership, priesthood or other high governmental positions. At the middle are the Ironclad, who can be just workers, but also soldiers or merchants or even lower level government workers. Lastly are the Chained, the slave caste which are comprised mostly of other species, although hobgoblins who are caught in criminal acts can be demoted to this caste as well. Rising from the Chained is unheard of, but rising from Ironclad to Steelborn is quite common. Any individual who shows outstanding virtue whether it be in religious, mercantile or military affairs can be promoted and especially many of the more distinguished generals of the empire originate from the Ironclad. In the end, your caste and birth are merely a starting point to the citizens of the Magvar Empire, personal merit ends up mattering far more over the course of a lifetime.

Politics

Leadership within the Magvar Empire has been separated between two political bodies: the Military Council and the Council of Twelve. The Council of Twelve is responsible for most of the day-to-day live and general laws of the empire. It is comprised of twelve of the most influential hobgoblins within the empire, some of which represent the original clans that raised the empire whereas others represent craftsmen or industrial guilds. However the influence of the Council of Twelve and its members tend to be diminished in times of conflict, when the Military Council tends to gain more authority again. This council is comprised of four of the most distinguished and capable generals of the empire, who are responsible for all matters of discipline, including maintaining public morals, ceremonial traditions and of course, military leadership.

Culture

Magvarian culture is strongly centered around order and discipline. The church of Iuras is the state religion and the citizens closely follow its teachings that state that if everyone were to follow the same established order, that will invariably lead to the greatest good for society as a whole. They follow their laws to the letter, providing no leniency to lawbreakers of any kind. They are very self-righteous, believing that every other society should follow the same laws as they do. They do not celebrate these beliefs in festive ways, but rather through continued diligent service.
The hobgoblins of the empire have an extensive history of enslaving and breeding other creatures, which has provided them with a significant labor force. Some races such as ogres can provide physical prowess that the hobgoblins normally couldn't themselves. This supply of cheap labor, combined with the hobgoblin's general discipline and industriousness has led to a rapid growth of their industrial sector, crowned by a recent discovery of steam power which few other civilizations of Levantis have access to yet. To further fund this expansion of industrial exploitation, their slaving attempts have become more numerous and aggressive, but their growth and influence is still limited by multiple factors.

Weaknesses and Geography

One factor is magic, or the lack thereof. Hobgoblins are warriors by nature, very few of them possess arcane talent. Magical slaves are also problematic as one that goes rogue could cause significant devastation, thus only some weaker ones are allowed for utility magic to help the industry. This lack of magical capacity within the empire means it is far behind other countries when it comes to arcane research and the benefits provided by it.
The geographical location of the Magvar Empire is also far from ideal, and not just due to the relatively infertile land. Expansion and raiding options are limited, with the south of The Broken Plains being blocked off by The Pale Mountains and the Dwarves that inhabit it. These passes are difficult to traverse and the Dwarves are their best trade partner at the moment. The Eastern Steppes past the eastern valleys are relatively spread out and reaching it means passing through territory that is filled with Gnoll tribes which makes it a dangerous journey to say the least. Lastly there is the option of raiding by sea, but the hobgoblins are not the most adept sailors of this world and those more adept such as Sulvari pirates could take down their ships. Even if that is not the case, sending a large amount of soldiers away overseas is dangerous, because if the gnoll tribes are ever united, the empire will need all its forces to hold back the assault they might face.
These issues not withstanding, the Magvar Empire is still one of the more powerful forces in the world and their booming industry is perceived as a serious threat by certain factions within the Dwarves and Middenland. Indeed, were it not for the possible threat of the combined might of the gnoll tribes, an invasion of the Magvar Empire could be a serious threat to the rest of the continent.

Military

Magvarian culture is highly militaristic, which is underlined by the importance they place on discipline and order. Being a soldier is traditionally considered the highest calling, although mercantile jobs have become more respected and popular due to the industrial advancements being made. Military service is also one of the more reliable paths of social advancement. Not only are soldiers generally treated well, those who excel and rise through the ranks are usually elevated in caste to match their military rank.
Many societal and economical institutions such as hospitals, farms, mills and factories are administered by military regiments, who work there in times of peace. This also means that the military has a lot of influence on day-to-day life in the empire. However, recently more private factories and other institutions have been raised with the money brought in by the advancing industry.
The military batallions of the Magvar Empire are divided in Legions, which are headed by Generals. Each General has multiple Captains below him, each of which again has multiple Sergeants below them. Each Captain heads a regiment which consists of multiple units, each of which is assigned to a single Sergeant. Due to their naturally cooperative nature, these Legions are highly organized and make good use of tactical formations. The most popular formation among the Magvarian military is the phalanx, which is a square unit of heavy infantry that protects each other using large tower shields while maintaining offensive presence and reach through use of pikes and spears.

Structure

Member of the Military Council: High Steel General
Member of the Council of Twelve: Iron Voice

Legion Structure: High Steel General, Tribune, Legate, Legionnaire.
Military Elite units not part of regular Legions: Praetorians (Royal Guard).

Priesthood Structure: Arch Lector, High Priest, Abbot, Chaplain, Priest, Priest Initiate.

Diplomatic Structure: Iron Voice, Governor, Ambassador, Emissary. These diplomats are also sometimes part of the Church of Iuras, in which case they are additionally referred to as 'Word of Iuras'.

Assets

Many slaves, mines, factories and smithies.
Farmland is more scarce, but also present.

Discipline, Virtue, Strength

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Alternative Names

The Iron Legion

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Demonym

Magvarian

Location

Broken Plains