Qi Empire
The Qi Empire is the dominant geopolitical force in Qi, at least ostensibly ruling the majority of the continent.
History
The Qi Empire was formally founded in 14 Empyrean following the surrender of the Naxan city states to the First Emperor. The Empire's original model permitted relative self-governance for the Naxan cities, with strict provisos around the maintenance of trade without sanction or tariff; the payment of annual taxes to the Emperor; and the provision of Naxan warriors to the Emperor's armies. These boons were vital in permitting the further expansion of the Empire beyond the safe coastlines around Qi'Tien. Geography
To come. Politics
The Emperor is - in normal times - the undisputed ruler of the Qi Empire. In this task they are supported by an extensive court of loyal retainers, including those of the Imperial Treasury and the Ministries of Provision, Agriculture, War and Admiralty. But more important than these bureaucrats are the Occult Consortium. The Consortium were once just an assembly of mages pledged to the Emperor's service, but over time have expanded into a significant organisation which provides both counsel and magical support to the Emperor. Based near Qi'Tien, they always maintain a significant presence at the Imperial Court, and can readily demand the ear of an Emperor. Beyond this inner circle are a swathe of nobles and wealthy merchants who vie endlessly for power, influence and wealth. While the Mandate persisted these groups never truly threatened rebellion against the Emperor, though they frequently fought amongst themselves for dominance. Economy
The Qi economy most closely resembles that of our world's Iron Age civilisations. Most areas within the Middle and Outer Empire are relatively self-sufficient, producing enough food to provide for the local population, and using what other materials are available (most commonly wood and clay) to maintain towns and villages. For areas with larger settlements, feudal or barter arrangements ensure that food from rural areas is available to fuel urban growth, most commonly through a combination of grain or livestock taxes and trade. However, greater economic integration is needed to run an Empire - particularly during times of conflict and war. Armies must be fed, clothed and armed, requiring large amounts of food, textiles and metal; none of which are necessarily easily obtained in surplus. The Inner Empire is both too populated and too developed to operate in the same way as the Empire's outer reaches, and so is instead centrally managed by the Imperial Court. The fertile Yuanzhi Plains provide a great deal of food to support Qi'Tien, the other central cities and the Imperial Army. But even then, taxed grain and livestock from the outer provinces are needed to maintain the prosperity of the Inner Empire, particularly when armies are not on campaign. Wood, quality stone and iron ore are all in relatively short supply in the Inner Empire, so strong trade routes are vital to ensuring the flow of wealth and power inwards. Cotton is prevalent and widely grown in the Inner Empire, and textiles produced in the great cities are often exchanged for these vital materials. A variety of less vital but no-less-sought-after goods also flow between the Inner Empire and the Empire's periphery. The Inner Empire has a near-monopoly on the production of advanced magical goods, such as enchantments and alchemical substances, which are often traded for silk, spices, dyes and rare metals (such as empyrium and taenite.
The Qi Empire was formally founded in 14 Empyrean following the surrender of the Naxan city states to the First Emperor. The Empire's original model permitted relative self-governance for the Naxan cities, with strict provisos around the maintenance of trade without sanction or tariff; the payment of annual taxes to the Emperor; and the provision of Naxan warriors to the Emperor's armies. These boons were vital in permitting the further expansion of the Empire beyond the safe coastlines around Qi'Tien. Geography
To come. Politics
The Emperor is - in normal times - the undisputed ruler of the Qi Empire. In this task they are supported by an extensive court of loyal retainers, including those of the Imperial Treasury and the Ministries of Provision, Agriculture, War and Admiralty. But more important than these bureaucrats are the Occult Consortium. The Consortium were once just an assembly of mages pledged to the Emperor's service, but over time have expanded into a significant organisation which provides both counsel and magical support to the Emperor. Based near Qi'Tien, they always maintain a significant presence at the Imperial Court, and can readily demand the ear of an Emperor. Beyond this inner circle are a swathe of nobles and wealthy merchants who vie endlessly for power, influence and wealth. While the Mandate persisted these groups never truly threatened rebellion against the Emperor, though they frequently fought amongst themselves for dominance. Economy
The Qi economy most closely resembles that of our world's Iron Age civilisations. Most areas within the Middle and Outer Empire are relatively self-sufficient, producing enough food to provide for the local population, and using what other materials are available (most commonly wood and clay) to maintain towns and villages. For areas with larger settlements, feudal or barter arrangements ensure that food from rural areas is available to fuel urban growth, most commonly through a combination of grain or livestock taxes and trade. However, greater economic integration is needed to run an Empire - particularly during times of conflict and war. Armies must be fed, clothed and armed, requiring large amounts of food, textiles and metal; none of which are necessarily easily obtained in surplus. The Inner Empire is both too populated and too developed to operate in the same way as the Empire's outer reaches, and so is instead centrally managed by the Imperial Court. The fertile Yuanzhi Plains provide a great deal of food to support Qi'Tien, the other central cities and the Imperial Army. But even then, taxed grain and livestock from the outer provinces are needed to maintain the prosperity of the Inner Empire, particularly when armies are not on campaign. Wood, quality stone and iron ore are all in relatively short supply in the Inner Empire, so strong trade routes are vital to ensuring the flow of wealth and power inwards. Cotton is prevalent and widely grown in the Inner Empire, and textiles produced in the great cities are often exchanged for these vital materials. A variety of less vital but no-less-sought-after goods also flow between the Inner Empire and the Empire's periphery. The Inner Empire has a near-monopoly on the production of advanced magical goods, such as enchantments and alchemical substances, which are often traded for silk, spices, dyes and rare metals (such as empyrium and taenite.
Founding Date
14 Empyrean
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Demonym
Qi
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Traditional
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments