Echelion
"Some call us the 'last.' They may be proven right, in time, but if they are, it will be because we are the last standing in this world as it dies around us. We bear a glorious burden as the surviving example of civilization in this world. We operate under sometimes-onerous rules, it is true, but the rewards for obedience are tangible to all: education, food on the table, threats kept beyond the walls, money in the pocket, and peace in the land. We have yet to lose ground to the wilderness around us, and, with Bimseri as my witness, none of you shall play any part in breaking that pattern. Leave your doubts and questions at the entryway, cadets, and open your hearts and ears. Follow my instruction, and I promise you not one of you shall see the empire falter!"
-opening address to a new group of trainees for the Gryphon Knights
Freedom's Advance
Echelion is called 'The Last Empire,' by both detractors and supporters. Those who spit the name are suspicious and distrusting of the law-heavy culture, especially with its emphasis on expansion. Its citizens say the name proudly, implying through the phrase that the empire shall not perish. Even those proud citizens do not deny the expansionist plans of the empire; most intercultural interactions with a Chelian include their assertion or implication that the other culture will be subsumed at some point. Boasting the largest standing army in the known world, the Gryphon Knights, as well as the largest navy, the nation may be well-reasoned in assuming its eventual governance of all the known lands. It bears another name, as well, spoken mostly among slaves: 'Freedom's Advance.' Echelion's laws hold zero tolerance for slavery, and its armed forces zealously pursue the implementation of those edicts. Any vessel found sailing within their national waters is subject to a random boarding and search at the discretion of a Chelian captain who spies them, and any slaves found are immediately taken aboard the Chelian vessel and set free; slavers are put in irons to stand trial in the capital city of Laman. These laws were originally put into place partially as a form of tribute to the vanished northern neighbor of Talia Carte, which bore similar policies, but the zealous dedication with which they are carried out shows an intensity purely Chelian in nature. Echelion has plenty of reason other than their standing forces to be confident of their continued advance; the growing empire is flush with resources, and each carefully-planned and -executed expansion only adds to their stockpile. The forests in their northeast territories and beyond their borders provide a seemingly-endless amount of heavy timber, which serves to construct their naval vessels while leaving enough supply for large amounts of trade. Rolling plains and wetlands in their central areas provide large amounts of land suitable for farming and herding, which are utilized with the empire's trademark efficiency. On the western border, the Spider Spires offer veins of iron and silver; officially-sponsored mining expeditions are as carefully carried out as any other government actions, protected from the mountains' namesake arachnids by large groups of the Gryphon Knights. All of these advantages are further enhanced by a well-maintained network of paved roads, regularly patrolled and kept in repair by the Gryphon Knights, which connect even the smallest of hamlets with the capital of Laman. Casters under the employ of the Chelian government follow behind stonemasons as the roads are being laid, enchanting the entire length with minor effects to enhance the materials' durability. Citizens are expected to keep to the left side of a road while traveling it, allowing riders and drawn vehicles to advance along the routes at high speed with little concern for accidental injuries. The defining characteristic of the nation is, of course, their laws. Bimseri's church is the official state religion, and many government officials are also ordained members of her clergy. While the laws are not so omnipresent in topic as to send someone to jail for an improper sneeze (a commonly-told dismissive joke about the empire), they are absolute. There are a noble class and ruling monarchy, but they exercise their advantages over lower classes within the laws in existence, always careful to wield their influence such that enacted policies continue to favor them over the working-class and destitute. Visitors to the empire who use magic heavily are especially-encouraged to study the nation's laws; some uses of magic are heavily proscribed unless authorized or carried out by a government representative or member of the Gryphon Knights. Most notably, any effects which affect others' reasoning or decision-making abilities, commonly called 'charming' or 'dominating,' carry heavy penalties for illegal usage.
"Always Forward"
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
The Last Empire
Demonym
Chelian
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Subsidiary Organizations
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Comments