Zimea
Structure
Contrary to popular beliefs, the Empire of Zimea is not a nation ruled by a powerful central goverment but is in actuality a massive confederation of mostly independent provincial city-states. Reimar was a wise and calculating leader, and he had the foresight to recognize that the Empire was far too big to be ruled by a single man. And so he gave the title of Counts to all the tribal leaders, each responsible for managing his own territory but subject to the Emperor in matters relating to its rulership. Their independence was supposed to counterbalance the power of the Emperor should he proved too tyrannical as a leader, as well as to ensure mutual but non-violent competition amongst each of the Imperial Counts.
When it became known that Reimar did not have a heir to inherit the Imperial Thorne, the invention of the electoral system was successful in avoiding a Civil War amongst the various Counts, but it however complicated matters even further in creating and maintaining a successive ruler. Those ambitious Elector Counts that wish to become Emperor have been known to give away privilges, titles, and power to any man that will cast his vote for him. The interests of each voters were such that they seldom rallied around a strong candidate, for they may find another of his rivals far more "generous" in their "gifts", which has resulted in the weakening of the Imperial system. Even when the Imperial Throne is transferred to his heir by majority vote thanks to the previous Emperor's influence, voters were quick to remind the newly elected Emperor to renew the promises made by his predecessor.
While the Empire had a fair share of strong and highly competent Emperors ruling the Empire, many times have the Imperial Throne been occupied by a uncaring Lord who allows his subjects to steal and expliot the Imperial system and her people, often going as far as to ignore the Imperial Edicts once placed by wise and caring rulers of ages past. However, the Imperial System as a whole still continues to work for the Empire as was its purpose, allowing any wise and ambitious Emperor to take the throne and used its powers to better the people under his reign.
n theory, the Emperor is free to make whatever laws and regulations he or she wishes and have it apply to the whole of the Empire. The truth is more nuanced, for laws must pass the review of the Prime Estates, who report to the Electors. A bad report is often all the excuse an Elector needs to quietly not enforce the law or deny it altogether, in times of a weak emperor. In such cases, the Emperor, if he is determined to see the law obeyed, will exercise diplomatic and even public pressure on the recalcitrant Elector to come to heel. Often this is enough to gain grudging acceptance. But, if the Elector is determined, an Emperor may claim peremptory jurisdiction and have the case heard in his own courts. In rare cases, continued defiance by an Elector may merit military action.
History
Wild West
After the events that ended the Age of Dragons, the lands that would become Zimea were left without a force strong enough to fill the power vacuum left by the dragons that used to rule these lands. Chaos and anarchy took hold. Large groups of bandits ruled through fear and the people realized that most of them had simply traded one evil tyrant for another. Tribes of barbarians ran rampant, dedicated to fighting the magical beasts across the wilderness, making travel even more dangerous. Many warlords rose and fell trying to unite these untameable lands. The lands were eventually divided into separate states around the ten largest towns, where people could live in relative safety from the deadly wilderness.Rise of the First
It was from Zimmerheim that the legends arose of a man who could bring peace to all. The legends told of a man who had been chosen to rule the town of Zimmerheim for the greatness of his deeds rather than cruelty, which was the norm for warlords. Tales of his great 7 deeds traveled far and wide, along with his name. A name that would etch its name into history. Reimar the Great. Reimar Hammerkrach never craved power. He was content with his calm farmer's life outside of Zimmerheim. He was, however, gifted in the art of combat. He was stronger than the strongest barbarian and skilled beyond measure with a warhammer thanks to the training he received from a dwarven friend of his dad. Although he was never forced to use these skills. Not until a powerful warlord took up residence inside the city and began to extort the poor townsfolk for money. When they came knocking on Reimar's door, he simply refused to pay for their "protection". The bandits grew angry with him and attacked, but Reimar struck them down. Upon hearing about the defiant peasant outside his town who refuses to pay his "taxes", the warlord decides to pay him a visit himself along with his entire warband. The events that followed are counted as Reimar's first great deed. The warband was slaughtered in its entirety, effectively freeing the town of its oppressor. For this he was appointed the new lord of Zimmerheim by the townsfolk. Some time later Zimmerheim was attacked by a griffon with silvery grey feathers. Not only did Reimar confront the beast on his own, he did so unarmed. After wrestling the beast to the ground, he chose to spare it. The proud griffon was humbled by the ordeal and decided to with its new master. Reimar accepted the griffon and the two became not only mount and rider but inseparable friends. He named his friend Todclaue. This became Reimar's second great deed.An Empire is Born
As word of his deeds spread, Reimar also got word of the horrible deeds of other leaders from the other townships. Four of these warlords joined forces to try their luck against the legendary griffon-rider of Zimmerheim. A massive host marched towards the town. Reimar knew that he would not be able to defeat such a force in an open field. Therefore he chose to leave the safety of the town and rode out with his troops to ambush the enemy forces. In the forests along the borders of the township, his trap was sprung. The enemies were stunned by the fierceness of Reimar's small host as well as the power of Reimar himself. After a few hours of intense fighting, the enemy force began to waver as they now feared their foe more than they feared their master. Shortly thereafter the battle was over and Reimar faced his prisoners. The warlords were executed instantly. The soldiers were then given a choice. Either join Reimar and follow him, who promised to fairness and order, or follow their previous master in death. Almost all of them chose the former. This battle is counted among Reimar's third great deed. After his third deed Reimar had gathered five separate towns under his rule. The rest of the area's warlords became scared that he would attempt to conquer them and thus banded together with not only each other, but also the several barbarian tribes around the region. Thus they gathered an even larger army and marched towards Zimmerheim. Reimar chose to meet this host with his own forces just outside of Zimmerheim. The battle that followed was not only counted as Reimar's fourth great deed but also the start of an empire. When he had defeated his enemies, the newly freed people of the region's towns all chose Reimar as their new leader. Thus Reimar the Great became the first emperor of the federation between the small townships that later grew into city-states under Reimar's rule. Based in the town of Zimmerheim which grew into a large city under Reimar's rule. It also gave the empire its name, the Empire of Zimea. Knowing that he could not fairly rule all the city-states on his own he elected nine of his closest commanders as counts of the separate city-states. These counts were also given the authority to choose the next emperor following the current one's death.War with Chitax
In the year 2080 AM, the Zimean emperor Hans Rosseldorf declared war on the Citaxian theocracy, after witnessing the Joymaking on a diplomatic visit, which in and of itself was an odd occasion, and he was disgusted by the barbarous ways of the Kuthite worshippers. The invasion was in the end a fruitless endeavour. The dark powers of the Kuthite clergy made a direct invasion neigh impossible and the attempt to weaken the enemy through starvation, instigated by the valakian elector count, was fruitless due to the success of the druid Ghorus.Military
By decree of Reimar the Great, the military organization of the Empire of Zimea is a well-structured and disciplined force, designed to uphold the imperial authority and protect the realm from external threats. Drawing inspiration from historical models like the Holy Roman Empire and the Empire of Sigmar, the military of Zimea incorporates a blend of professional soldiers, noble knights, and well-trained mercenary landsknechts.
Imperial Army
The backbone of Zimea's military is the Imperial Army, a standing force of professional soldiers maintained by the empire. The army is organized into legions, each consisting of infantry, archers, cavalry, and siege units. These legions are led by experienced and skilled commanders appointed by the Emperor. The Imperial Army is responsible for maintaining order within the empire, defending its borders, and executing the will of the imperial authority. Knightly Orders
Noble knights play a crucial role in the military hierarchy of Zimea. They form various knightly orders, each with its own traditions, codes of conduct, and specialized training. These orders serve as a powerful cavalry force, capable of swift maneuvers on the battlefield. Knights often swear oaths of fealty to the Emperor or specific noble houses, creating a network of loyalty that reinforces the stability of the empire. City and Provincial Militias
To complement the standing army, each city and province within the Empire of Zimea maintains its own local militia. These militias are composed of able-bodied citizens who receive basic military training. While not as heavily armed or trained as the professional soldiers in the Imperial Army, these militias act as a crucial line of defence during emergencies, civil unrest, or localized threats. Imperial Wardens
The Imperial Wardens is an elite force directly responsible for the protection of the Emperor, the imperial family, and the capital city, Zimmerheim. Comprising highly skilled and loyal warriors riding war-trained gryhons, the Imperial Wardens acts as both a symbol of imperial authority and a formidable deterrent against any attempts to threaten the heart of the empire. Landsknecht Companies
In times of need, the Empire of Zimea may employ the many mercenary companies to bolster its military strength. These companies, comprised of skilled fighters and warriors for hire, are widespread throughout the empire and often travel beyond the empire's borders to bring riches back to their companies and families. They are often contracted for specific campaigns or to reinforce the imperial forces during times of war. Overall, the military organization of the Empire of Zimea is characterized by a balance between professional soldiers, noble knights, and local militias, creating a versatile and formidable force capable of protecting the empire's interests both within and beyond its borders. As well as having a standing army, the Empire has the ability to call up and use the warships of the Imperial Navy, which are divided amongst the First Fleet and Second Fleet, stationed within the southwestern provinces.
The backbone of Zimea's military is the Imperial Army, a standing force of professional soldiers maintained by the empire. The army is organized into legions, each consisting of infantry, archers, cavalry, and siege units. These legions are led by experienced and skilled commanders appointed by the Emperor. The Imperial Army is responsible for maintaining order within the empire, defending its borders, and executing the will of the imperial authority. Knightly Orders
Noble knights play a crucial role in the military hierarchy of Zimea. They form various knightly orders, each with its own traditions, codes of conduct, and specialized training. These orders serve as a powerful cavalry force, capable of swift maneuvers on the battlefield. Knights often swear oaths of fealty to the Emperor or specific noble houses, creating a network of loyalty that reinforces the stability of the empire. City and Provincial Militias
To complement the standing army, each city and province within the Empire of Zimea maintains its own local militia. These militias are composed of able-bodied citizens who receive basic military training. While not as heavily armed or trained as the professional soldiers in the Imperial Army, these militias act as a crucial line of defence during emergencies, civil unrest, or localized threats. Imperial Wardens
The Imperial Wardens is an elite force directly responsible for the protection of the Emperor, the imperial family, and the capital city, Zimmerheim. Comprising highly skilled and loyal warriors riding war-trained gryhons, the Imperial Wardens acts as both a symbol of imperial authority and a formidable deterrent against any attempts to threaten the heart of the empire. Landsknecht Companies
In times of need, the Empire of Zimea may employ the many mercenary companies to bolster its military strength. These companies, comprised of skilled fighters and warriors for hire, are widespread throughout the empire and often travel beyond the empire's borders to bring riches back to their companies and families. They are often contracted for specific campaigns or to reinforce the imperial forces during times of war. Overall, the military organization of the Empire of Zimea is characterized by a balance between professional soldiers, noble knights, and local militias, creating a versatile and formidable force capable of protecting the empire's interests both within and beyond its borders. As well as having a standing army, the Empire has the ability to call up and use the warships of the Imperial Navy, which are divided amongst the First Fleet and Second Fleet, stationed within the southwestern provinces.
With the Might of the Emperor
Maps
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Zimea
Founding Date
742 AM
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Demonym
Zimean
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Electocracy
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum Coins
Judicial Body
The Prime Estates of Zimmerheim and The Supreme Law Lord
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments