Altruis
"Altruis! It's the center of the world, in every sense! If you can't find it here, then it probably doesn't exist, or you can only get it from heathen non-humans. Visit our great capital city, swim in the crystal clear waters off the shore, explore our mysterious mountain ranges. There's something here for everyone!"Center of human civilisation, the oldest, largest and most powerful of all human states. Altruis suddenly appeared 627 years ago, the Stratum upon which it and its eponymous island sit sited in the center of known reality, exactly halfway between the Source and the Void. Since its sudden arrival, it has expanded outwards, its explorers and traders visiting many different Strata and dozens of colonies, both independent and not, have sprung up. It is known for its centres of learning, particularly Altruis College of Magic, but has a mixed reputation amongst non-human nations, most of whom distrust human imperialism and greed.
Structure
The Kingdom of Altruis is, despite some democratic aspects, an absolute monarchy in that the Kyrios has absolute power over all aspects of the nation's decisions, laws and almost all of the tax collection. The Kyrios is a hereditary position, although technically the Kyrios can appoint whomever they wish as their successor, it has almost always been a relative of the Kyrios. The Kyrios has supreme command of the Altruisian army and navy, and retains the right to veto the succession of any nobles that have pledged fealty to the Kingdom of Altruis.
The Kyrios is surrounded by the Kyrios' Court; a collection of powerful individuals who advise and help the Kyrios with the every day duties of state. Most of the Court are appointed by the Kyrios directly, or by the preceeding Kyrios, but a few important roles hold their position due to their role being appointed by other means. The leader of the Kyrios Guard, the Admiral of the Fleet, and the Chief Tax Collector are all positions that are outside of the Kyrios power to appoint. The Court also acts as a jury in legal cases presented to them, typically when the outcome of the case affects the nation as a whole, or sets new and unusual precedent.
Beneath the court is the Forum of Nobles, although some members of the forum can also be member of the Court. The Forum meets on an irregular basis to propose and vote on new laws and changes, which they then give to the Kyrios. Although the Kyrios is not obligated to even consider proposals of the Forum, it is a foolish Kyrios who ignores the forum altogther. Keeping the nobles in line is an important part of the Kyrios' role, as nobles can have much wealth and military power themselves. The number of nobles varies due to the various noble houses' rise and fall in fortune, and the extinction and creation of houses themselves. Most noble houses has extensive land holdings, but a rising number owe their position to wealth alone, obtained mainly through trade or crafting, and do not hold vast amounts of land.
Those nobles with land holdings have authority over the commoners than live on their land, and are free to rule and tax them as they see fit. A proportion of the lord's income must be given to the Kyrios; this is not a fixed amount, and will vary with the fortunes of the noble house and can be given in either money, trade goods, or people, most of whom will join the Altruisian army or navy. Nobles are also free to allocate positions of importance of their own, so long as ultimate allegiance is given to the Kyrios.
Sitting outside of this structure is the Altruisian Tax Office, who are responsible for gathering taxes from all parts of the population, from the richest noble to the poorest farmer. Payment is often affordable, although in times of war, the amount can escalate quickly. Payment does not also have to be in money, as goods or labour are also accepted.
Demography and Population
The vast majority of the population is Altruisian, itself a mix of the various ethnicities that were in Altruis at the time of its arrival. In the 600 plus years since, the population has largely homogenised, although there are a few parts of Altruis that pride themselves on 'pure' bloodlines, and a couple of noble houses that claim 'untainted' lineage.
Current estimates of the population put it at about 11 million; in the east this is mainly on the coasts and around the major waterways as the interior of eastern Altruis is notoriously dry and hot. In the west, the population is more evenly spread, apart from the far western shore, where the forests are particularly dense.
Foreign Relations
Altruis retains largely cordial relations with all of the human colonies that have been created in the last six hundred years so so, despite the acrimony over some of their foundings. It's closest ally is the oldest independent nation of Myrmis, and the two enjoy close cooperation on a number of issues. Relations are strained with Sakre, the next oldest, largely due to Sakre's theocratic rulers and its treatment of its people.
Relations with non-human factions varies wildly, although for the most part, Altruis adopts a live and let live approach, only interacting with non-humans when necessary for resources.
Maps
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Altruis
The Kingdom of Atruis
Founding Date
1 AA
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Altruisian
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Atrusian Drachma
6 Obols = 1 Drachma
24 Tetartemorion = 1 Drachma
4 Tetartemorion = 1 Obol
6 Obols = 1 Drachma
24 Tetartemorion = 1 Drachma
4 Tetartemorion = 1 Obol
Legislative Body
The Noble Forum
Judicial Body
Kyrios' Court
Executive Body
Kyrios of Altruis
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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