Holy Gilder Empire
The Holy Gilder Empire (HGE) (Tearvin Dameguldernu Tsidôu, lit. "Empire of the Sacred Oath") also known as Gilder or simply The Empire, is a Tusik-majority complex of territories that dominate a large portion of the central and north-eastern Gloaming North.
The Holy Gilder Empire was formed in the aftermath of the Wars of the Sacred Oath following the coronation of Béngwaz Alven as Emperor Maximilian Alven in 1 RD. Maximilian divided the conquered lands into fourteen territories to be governed by rulers that swore oaths of fealty to the Emperor. Additionally, in wake of the Battle of the Four Crowns and the Treaty of Mydyl, the Kingdom of Otkar was forced to pay tribute to Emperor Maximilian as reparations for the Gairov Invasion of Sigswald in 5 PRD.
Structure
At the top of the Imperial hierarchy is the Emperor or Empress, who is elected following the abdication, death, or removal of the prior office holder. The Electors include six secular Princes and a Prince of the Church of Ineffable Light.
As of the Golden Bull of 725 RD, the Empire's electors are
- The Landgrave of Ebendia, Torchbearer of the Empire
- The Steward of Gairovald, Marshal of the Empire
- The King of Sigswald, Steward of the Empire
- The Count Palatine of Tachaw, Chamberlain of the Empire
- The Grand Duke of Totewald, Shieldbearer of the Empire
- The Arch-Prelate of Uln, Chaplain of the Empire
- The Duke of Vottiwald, Cupbearer of the Empire
Culture
Given the patchwork nature of the Empire, it is no surprise that its cuisine is just as varied as the people consuming it. While all drawing from a common stock of basic ingredients, locally found variants of meat or vegetables often bolster any given member states' range.
It is commonly thought, and accepted, that one's food should match one's standing and role in society. Accordingly, rougher, less sophisticated meals are thought only appropriate for lower classes. Some countries go so far as to restrict access to certain ingredients with laws, as they consider it possibly harmful for someone to eat what is 'beyond' them. In accordance with this, nobility often turns feasts for guests in veritable displays of their chefs' abilities, urging them to create bold and outlandish combinations of foodstuffs and spices to challenge their visitors or merely to show off their own superior wealth.
Public Agenda
The Empire is currently in a state of civil war, following the disappearance of the Emperor. The conflict has coalesced around six factions with different goals, with many of the smaller imperial estates attempting to remain neutral.
Demography and Population
The Imperial Survey of 725 RD accounted for roughly 38,500,000 denizens of the Empire. Of these, the overwhelming majority were of one of the recognized Tusik ethnicities: Bryda, Eben, Gairovalder, Hexen, Jander, Sigswalder, Stretorper, Tearvin, Totewalder, Ulner, Wendel, and Zellen. The largest minority groups were of part-Tusik ancestry, consisting of the Ruscal, Tersic, and Wuzik peoples. Of those with purely foreign ancestry residing in the Empire, assorted Alteans made up the largest share, followed by Dartagnes, Vuscovi, and then a smattering of members of extremely small tribal groups such as the Masac.
None Beneath the Sun Surpass
Founding Date
1 RD
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Alternative Names
Dameguldernu Tsidôu
Demonym
Gilder
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Feudal state
Currency
Mancus (GP), Penny (SP), Mil (CP)
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Related Ranks & Titles
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments