The Athelesian Empire (ah THUH lee zhin)

The Spear and Shield

CobaltDM - July 15, 2022

The Athelesian Empire is based in the continent of Atheles and some surrounding islands.

Demographics

The Empire has the largest Human population of any nation. However, it is a diverse nation that is home to all races of Mytkora. The other prominent races are Dwarves, Gnomes, Genasi, Barrowmen, Aasimar, and Tieflings. The majority of the population consists of lower class laborers and craftsmen. Soldiers are slightly above them socioeconomically, then specialized craftsmen, merchants, politicans, and then members of the extended royal family.

Government

The government can be described as Imperial. The Warrior-Queen Natalia Adames is the Empress of Atheles and has lead for over twenty years. When she steps down, her eldest child Zera will take on the responsibilities of Empress. Members of the royal family are generally disbursed among the settlements to act as sovereign Lords and Ladies over whatever region to which they are assigned. Natalia consults a High Council, which consists of officials elected by the educated public to advise her on their different stations, such as infrastructure or agriculture. Voting eligibility is determined by income, and only residents of the capital city of Atheles can vote.

Defences

The Imperial Army is the largest standing army in Mytkora. They have powerful legions that fight in powerful phalanx formation, with impressive chariot riders and sharpshooting crossbowmen to support. Queen Natalia is considered to be one of the brightest tactical minds of the Age of Silence, and she has seven respected Generals that lead her armies and navy. The Imperial Navy has dozens of terrifying warships that patrol the North Sea, ruthlessly destroying pirates or invaders who dare sail their waters without permission.
The capital city of Atheles has strong natural defenses in the form of a mountain range that it is built in the middle of. Additionally, every major city has massive walls built for defense, and the northern cities accustomed to war with Cadros have extra defenses, including ballistae, moats, and reinforced gates. Villages commonly have wooden palisades and a watchtower at minimum, although the southern settlements of the Empire are more lax in their defenses.

Industry & Trade

The Empire has many exports, although its primary industries are as follows:

• Timber, from Onseria, Tersa, and Tyros and their surrounding villages
• Furs, from Kaphos and Keim
• Iron, from Orsimum
• Silver, from Atheles and Persimum

Atheles consists of rich farmland, profitable mines, and bountiful rivers and bays. Within Atheles, much of the trade centers around fish, wool, wheat and other major crops, and stone quarried from the south. The most common craftsmen are to be expected for a functioning nation of this size: carpenters, stonemasons, engineers, and many other vital professions.

Infrastructure

The Empire has had a series of dedicated Castle Dwarves overseeing its infrastructure, and has benefited greatly from their diligence. Paved stone roads wind across the Imperial countryside. Bridges are well-maintained, cities have excellent sewer systems, and efficient shipyards dot the coastline to build and repair the massive ships of the Imperial Navy. Overall, the Empire is considered the second best at maintaining their infrastructure next to the Kingdom of Cadros.

History

The Athelesian Empire was founded by humans in the early 4th century After Creation (AC). Since then, it has grown in strength and dominated much of the continent of Atheles until the middle of the 6th century when Cadros began expanding his territories. Much of southern Atheles was conquered, but the capital city never fell despite a two year siege led by the famous Dwarven commander Orrig Steelfist. After Orrig's defeat, the Cadrosian armies retreated to north and the Empire was able to reclaim the south. Over the next century, Atheles slowly carved away at Cadros' lands until the current borders were established. Finally at peace again after nearly 130 years of war, they were able to reinforce its defenses and built a massive border wall spanning from the northeast Ocean of Mists to the Bright Woad northeast of the city of Atheles.
in the centuries that followed, a proper dynasty was established by the Adames House. Natalia is the 15th Sovereign of Atheles and took on the mantle of ruler in the 67th Year of Silence (67 YS).

Architecture

It is clear when visiting Atheles that function is prioritized over form in almost every conceivable way. Buildings are rigid and square, made mostly of stone and wood, and rarely have any semblance of opulence. Most decorations are found on the interior, as families see the insides of the houses as homes rather than the outside. In the villages, most roofs are straw or thatch, while some have tiles or wooden shingles. Houses in some villages can be brightly colored, though this is uncommon at best.

Founding Date

312 AC

Population

Over 3 million

Inhabitant Demonym

Imperial