Chudene (/choo-deen/)
The Empire of Chudene was a once mighty nation that controlled the entirety of the Kiyowon Peninsula. The lands that now make up the nations of Khergalan, Neburia, and Quranwei all belonged to the Chudenese Empire until the spirits of Quranwei rose up in rebellion. The emperors of the Lowang Dynasty ruled Chudene with an iron fist, using the combined powers of their strong magical lineage and their draconic allies. None know how or why they Lowang Dynasty was able to command the allegiance of so many dragons at the time. Through conquest they subjugated the peninsula and the surrounding islands. But their greed and cruelty eventually proved too much for the inhabitants of their empire.
Through an unlikely union between a powerful oni and equally powerful kami, the spirits all rose up in what is known as the Jīngnù War. It was a devastating and bloody war that ravaged the mainland of Chudene. The men and dragons of the Chudenese Empire fought and died to maintain the Lowang's grip on power. Meanwhile the commonfolk, oni, kami, and all manner of other creatures came together to overthrow the destructive and tyrannical dynasty. As the tide of the war shifted in favor of the rebellion and it seemed the last of the Lowang Dynasty would finally fall, a new member of the Lowang family rose to power. Empress Lowang Juwei was a powerful and brilliant leader that, until this point, none had heard of or seen before. But as more and more of the dynastic family were slain, she came forward from the shadows. Lowang Juwei first asserted her influence and dominance to what remained of the Lowang Dyansty and claimed the title of Empress for herself. She then exerted her power and brilliance in the theater of war by winning battle after battle against the rebel forces.
When at last the war came to a standstill, a peace was finally formed with the oni and kami being given the land that now makes up the nation of Quranwei. Over time Khergalan and Neburia also claimed their independence. Despite all of this having taken place hundreds of years ago, Empress Lowang Juwei is still in power. This has lead some to believe that the price the oni and kami paid for their independence was to grant the Empress immortality. Although she has not been seen in nearly a hundred years, her rule within Chudene remains absolute. She has lead the nation to reconquer the islands of Xen Qolyan and Baewang, both of which are allowed some autonomy in governing themselves but nevertheless remain a part of the Empire of Chudene. While Chudene has made several attempts to claim Okunan, it has thus far failed and currently has a tentative alliance with its island neighbor in an attempt to gain control of Thovania.
Today the people of Chudene are an industrious and reverent people. Many revere the Empress as if she is a divine figure or even a deity. Over the years the Lowang Dynasty has slowly grown in numbers and many of the family's members hold positions of power, serving as the voice of the Empress. A large portion of the economy is directly mandated and controlled by the government, dictating to the populace what goods and services to provide. The majority of income the people generate is funneled through the palace and then redistributed as the Empress and her dignitaries see fit. For the most part, the populace sees this as her divine right to do so and that they are serving the greater good of the Empire. Many of the commonfolk find secondary means of income in order to have more wealth to take home, which the government doesn't discourage.
The people are encouraged to be fiercely nationalist and it is not uncommon for those seeking reward or to improve their station to turn in anyone who could be considered treasonous towards the Empress. Dragons also still play a prominent and active role in the politics of Chudene, many hold positions of power or govern tracts of land. Disputes between these dragons over territory, wealth, or even differences in political views don't often turn violent but it's not unheard of. When it does, they are allowed to play out their conflict only for as long as the Empress sees fit before she sends her emissaries to intervene. Dragons are not above her wrath and more than one has found that they are not immune to accusations of treason or rebellious intent, often leading to their disappearance or even public executions. Due to the abundance of dragons and their involvement in Chudenese society, half-dragons and those with draconic bloodlines are more common in Chudene than other nations.
Trade and travel is largely left open to and from Chudene, but foreigners are expected to adhere to the laws of the Empress. It is often said that paying the proper respect can mean the difference between life and death in Chudene. Any disrespect to the Empress, her servants, or other prominent members of Chudenese society can lead to imprisonment or worse. Claiming ignorance is not known to save many from such transgressions and will often incite feelings of further disrespect.
Alignment:
Lawful Evil
Cultural Inspiration:
Ancient China
Lawful Evil
Cultural Inspiration:
Ancient China
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