Kergrem Empire (\kər-ˈgrem\ \ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r\ , "Ker-grem Em-pie-er")
The Kergrem Empire is a country rule and inhabited mostly by goblinoids. Hobgoblins make up the backbone of the Kergrem Empire and maintain the majority of power within the country. It was a hobgoblin general by the name of Kerg who initially conquered and brought the other hobgoblin factions beneath his banner before marching out from the Bonnach Mountains to lay claim to the lands that now makeup the Empire. Since the establishment of the Kergrem Empire, it has been ruled by a single emperor who has had absolute power within the government.
The Emperor maintains his position for life, only being removed from power by death. There has never been a time when an emperor has stepped down nor has there ever been a vote or election to remove an emperor who has been deemed unfit to rule, trial by combat or assassination is the preferred method for removing an unfit emperor. When the emperor's position is vacant, a council is formed and candidates must go through a rigorous trial involving tests of political knowledge, military strategy, and diplomatic subterfuge. Once the final candidates have been chosen they are pitted against each other in an arena to battle to death. The last hobgoblin standing is crowned emperor. The position of emperor has never been held by anyone other than a hobgoblin and the majority of high ranking governmental positions are occupied by hobgoblins.
The Kergrem Empire is highly industrious and considered quite advanced. Most of this is all in the interests of bettering their military might. They have some of the most well-maintained roads to expedite troop movement, they have constructed aqueducts and other forms of irrigation to increase crop yield to feed their massive armies, and their mining operations are some of the most advanced in order to acquire the ores needed to outfit their soldiers. Alchemy and science are strongly promoted areas of study within the Kergrem Empire due to the fact that arcane magic is heavily frowned upon. The Kergrem Empire has strict laws and regulations in regards to the use of magic and the worship of Imeyar is strictly outlawed.
Hobgoblins are not the only goblinoids that call the Kergrem Empire home. Goblins are also quite common, however most are considered only a step above a slave. Goblins are forced to perform some of the most menial jobs and labor and are used as cannon fodder for the military. Bugbears maintain a significantly better position than goblins within the empire but rarely hold any political office. They often serve as spies, assassins, and scouts within the military.
Slavery is a thriving and integral practice within Kergrem Empire. Most slaves are members of other races that have either been taken during slave raids, prisoners of war, or serving sentences for one crime or another. There are non-goblinoid citizens that live freely within the Kergrem Empire but these citizens are considered lower class and rarely climb higher. They must also be very careful to adhere to Kerg laws and maintain proper documentation of citizenship. Travelers and traders may travel into and out of the Kergrem Empire so long as they make it a point to visit the first Kergrem keep or fortress they find within the Empire's borders so as to obtain proper documentation. Being caught without proper documentation can result in being deported, incarceration, slavery, or death.
Alignment:
Lawful Evil
Cultural Inspiration:
Ancient Rome
Lawful Evil
Cultural Inspiration:
Ancient Rome
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