The Veridian Empire
"Duty, Honor, Valor, and a reason of your own. Maybe for family, a lover, or maybe simply money, I don't care. But that is what makes us Imperial Soldiers" -Commander Wes
The Veridian Empire is the primary political group on the Veridian Continent. It has the largest area of influence, highest population, and one of the largest militaries on the planet. Despite its formidable strength, the Empire is a relatively peaceful and prosperous nation. Its people enjoy most freedoms and safety from the threats of the wilderness outside the city walls, and are generally happy. Imperial citizens enjoy abundance in necessary and luxury goods and their voices are generally heard in the government, assuming they have the coin for it.
The DeWitt dynasty has ruled the Empire for about 5 generations now, and their rule is well received by the people. Through their rule, the Empire has prospered, expanded, and defended itself from threats, both internal and external.
Corruption is kept to a minimal, at least in public. Given the Empire's vast size, rule is divided into feudal regions. Most of the nobles in charge comply with Imperial laws, but sometimes their greed and lust for power get the better of them. The influence of these nobles can, at times, rival even the power of the High King.
Its capital, Felwinter, is a large trade hub due to being situated on the Cobalt River which connects it to the ocean in the north. Starlight Bay is another large city that specializes in tourism and sea travel. Oxfront is notable due to its renowned university.
Structure
The Veridian Empire is governed by the High King (or Queen) who sits on the throne in Felwinter. The High King has their advisors and the High Commander. The High Commander is responsible for all military actions by the Empire while the king is responsible for the political actions.
The High King is replaced by an heir upon death. The heir is typically the firstborn child of the High King, usually not discriminated by gender.
Public Agenda
The Empire seeks the unification of the Veridian Continent and the assured prosperity of its citizens.
History
Officially founded in 800 CE, the Veridian Empire originally consisted of a number of independent city states that collectively agreed to band together for military and economical benefits. The strongest of these city-states, Felwinter was established as the capital and center of power, and its leader would become the High King.
Since then, the Empire has grown to encompass almost half of the Veridian Continent. Much of its expansion was into unclaimed territory, but there were a few independent states that resisted the Empire's advances. However, these states alone could not match the skill and strength of the Empire's military and were quickly annexed into the Empire's ever growing borders.
The only true threat the Empire sees is the high elves of the Alvarian Dominion. Untrusting of the elves, and making no effort to improve relations, combined with a radical political shift in the Dominion, tensions between the nations worsened until a brief war broke out in 1414 CE. This war ultimately ended in a stalemate, since the Empire's army was able to prevent landfall by the Alvarian navy, but likewise the Imperial navy could not get past the Alvarian ships.
Today, the Empire has, for the most part, established their borders with no plans to expand. The only growing threat now, is threat from within...
Territories
The Veridian Empire controls the North and East portions of the Veridian Continent, forming a crescent shape from Starlight Bay, across the Cobalt river, encompassing the Veridian Expanse, and south of Oxfront to the edge of Porval Swamps. The territory from Felwinter to Oxfront was part of the original Empire, much of the rest were obtained through absorbing independent states, sometimes by force.
Military
The Veridian military is regarded as one of the most professional and largest force in the known world. All military operations are conducted by the High Commander, who is appointed by the High King. The High Commander has full control of the military and its actions, but general actions must be approved by the High King.
The military has developed their own sense of culture and community which separates them from standard citizens. Once someone joins the military, they typically stay for most of the time they are able to serve, despite there being no mandatory service period. Military families also tend to stay military families; the kin of a soldier enlists into service to follow in their parent's footsteps.
Veridian soldiers uphold three major virtues: Duty, Honor, and Valor. Duty is the first and most important; it represents the duty that all soldiers have to protecting and serving the citizens of the Empire. Honor represents the code of conduct expected of a soldier; a soldier must not lie or steal from another soldier and they must respect all opponents they face, for they too are fighting for the same reason they are. Valor is the final virtue, and it represents the strength and determination with which Imperial soldiers fight. A true soldier fights for all these virtues and at least reason of their own, whether that be someone important, or simply the money..
Religion
Most prime deities are worshipped in the Empire, primarily Pelor, god of the sun, and Erathis, goddess of civilization. The only worship not permitted in the Empire is the worship of deities generally considered evil. In particular, the worship of fiends is considered a very serious offence, given that the Empire has had a rather poor history with fiendish influences. Unknown or unpopular deities, while not outlawed, are often viewed with suspicion and the Empire keeps a close eye on those who follow them.
Foreign Relations
The Empire considers itself a major world power and has dedicated itself to the defense of its people against evil and injustice. It's most relevant political neighbors are the Ironwood Province and the Osmad Sultanate, both of which the Empire has good relations with. By the year 1440, the three nations of the Veridian continent created a mutual defense agreement, spearheaded by High King Christopher DeWitt III and Sultana Nala Al-Sharaf to combat any significant crisis.
As for its oversea relationships, the Empire considers the elven nation of Alvaria its long time rival and enemy. Any other nation based on other continents does trade with the Empire and both the Empire and the other nations usually do not interact much more than this. Despite this, The Empire does not trust the Vertox Monarchy due to their militaristic tendencies and their use of slavery, but as far as the Empire is concerned, the Vertox are too busy dealing with their rival to pose a threat.
Duty, Honor, and Valor
Founding Date
800CE
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
The Empire
Training Level
Trained
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Judicial Body
The Empire's court system runs on a per-locale level. Most major cities have a local court which handles most legal disputes ranging from simple business disagreements to moderately severe crimes such as assault. Court cases are overseen by a single judge, nobles appointed by the regional governor and given the title of Iudex. The Iudex proceeds over the case as the affected parties are given a chance to state their case. Often times, clerics are employed for their use of divination magic, if a party is suspected of being dishonest. The Iudex's decision is usually final.
For particularly heinous crimes or for significant cases, the trial is conducted by the Imperial High Court. Overseen by the High Iudex, appointed by the High King themself, the High Court resolves cases such as high treason and cases in which the Empire is involved. These cases are decisively final.
Some crimes and common punishment for such crimes include:
- Theft - 10 day incarceration and a fine
- Worship of Evil Deities - 100 day incarceration and 1,000 gp fine
- Tax Evasion - 12 day incarceration and repossession of property
- Unlawful Use of Magic - 30 day incarceration and a fine up to 500 gp
- Unlawful Use of Necromancy or Enchantment Magic - 100 day incarceration and 2,000 gp fine
- Assault - 30 to 200 day incarceration and a fine of up to 2,000 gp
- Murder - 5 to 50 years incarceration or life imprisonment or public execution
- Treason - Life imprisonment or public execution
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Defense Agreement
The Empire and the Sultanate have had productive trade deals and long-standing friendly relations.
Trade Dealings
Trade Dealings
Both nations have sent well-received delegations.
Neutral
The Monarchy sees the Empire as a potential threat, both having comparable military strength.
Rival
The Dominion sees themselves as superior to the human nation of the Empire.
Tensions linger from a recent war.
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