Inheritors Empire
The Inheritors Empire is a powerful realm that was formed almost 200 years ago through the annexation of smaller kingdoms, fiefdoms, and other political entities, each with its own unique culture and customs. The Empire is geographically expansive, with borders stretching across many regions and landscapes. It includes diverse areas such as verdant forests, rugged mountain ranges, fertile farmland, bustling cities, and sprawling seaports.
Despite its size and diversity, the Empire is held together by a complex political structure. At the top of the hierarchy sits the Emperor Dante II of Spoletto. Below him are the various kingdoms and duchies rulers, organized with distinct systems of government. The Imperial Council, made up of representatives from each of these entities, advises the Emperor and helps to maintain order within the Empire.
The people of the Empire are a mix of farmers, craftsmen, merchants, soldiers, clergy people and nobles. Religion is an integral part of daily life for most citizens with the worship of the Five Martyrs being prevalent.
Despite its many strengths, the Empire faces several challenges. The Empire's different regions and peoples have their own identities, customs, and interests, which can lead to tensions and disputes. The Empire's rulers must navigate these conflicts carefully to maintain the stability and unity of the Empire. In particular, the Blasted Lands and their inhabitants pose a constant threat, as do various monsters and other supernatural beings that roam the land. In addition, political intrigue and conflict between the different kingdoms and factions are more than a common occurrence.
Presentation
Almost all people of the Empire practice the Five Martyrs religion and it is the only religion officially recognized by the state. They attend mass in public squares or churches, offer prayers and light candles to their patron saints, and participate in the annual pilgrimage to the holy sites in the barony of Willich. The most fervent followers observe strict fasting periods and follow moral codes of conduct outlined by the church.
One example of a religious rite practiced by citizens of the Empire is the Feast of the Five Martyrs, which is celebrated annually in honour of the five saints who were martyred for their faith: the Starved, the Flayed, the Hanged, the Hunted, and the Beholder. During the feast, people gather in public squares to participate in processions, hear sermons, and offer prayers of thanksgiving. The feast also involves sharing food and drinks, as people come together to celebrate their faith and community. In some regions, the feast also includes special rituals or performances, such as plays and dances, that tell the stories of the Martyrs and their devotion to their faith.
Rites and Beliefs
Fashion in the Inheritors Empire is a reflection of status and wealth. The upper-class people wear fine silks and velvets, adorned with intricate embroidery and gold and silver threads. Feminine dresses are typically fitted bodices with full skirts, often featuring exaggerated puffed sleeves and intricate lace details. Masculine clothing includes tailored doublets with breeches and hose, often accompanied by capes and wide-brimmed hats.
Rich colours such as deep reds, royal blues, and emerald greens are popular, often paired with gold or silver embellishments. The use of fur and feathers is also common, especially in collars and cuffs.
The common folks instead choose simpler fabrics like wool and linen, and their clothing is more practical in design, like long skirts with simple blouses, or tunics and trousers.
Accessories such as gloves, handbags, and jewelry are highly prized and often feature intricate designs and precious gems.
Aesthetics
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: André Langevin
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo : Yves Bériault
Photo: André Langevin
The Empire's political structure is complex and hierarchical, with power concentrated in the hands of the current Emperor, Dante II of Spoletto and his court. At the highest level, the Emperor rules over the entire nation, and is advised by a council of high-ranking officials and representatives of the most influential families and institutions.
Under the Emperor's authority, the Empire is divided into smaller administrative units such as kingdoms, duchies, fiefdoms, and baronies, each ruled by a local lord or noble who owes allegiance to the Emperor. These local rulers have significant autonomy in governing their territories but must also pay taxes and provide military support to the Emperor.
In addition to the local rulers, there are various institutions that wield significant power and influence in the Empire. The church, in particular, plays an essential role in the religious and moral life of the Empire, and has its own hierarchy and power structure.
Overall, the political structure of the Empire is characterized by a delicate balance of power between the various institutions and individuals who wield it. Political intrigue and maneuvering are common as different groups jockey for power and influence. At the same time, the stability and strength of the Empire rely on the cooperation and loyalty of its various constituent parts, and maintaining this delicate balance is a crucial challenge for those who hold power.
Organization
Black Sea Company: Thieves, all of them, since their emancipation.
Cities of Sinai: They are all one coin away from becoming slaves to the Damascene Bank.
City of Septis: Despite their strange customs, they can be formidable allies.
Dai Shikai Teikoku: Our doors are always open for them. A proud and noble people.
Forest Folks: If they can unite, they can finally support the cause.
Kingdom of Albion: By constantly looking at the past, many opportunities passed them by.
Kingdom of Thessaly: Generations of assassins; the Great Martyrs will have the upper hand in the end.
Kouznets Union: The leader they chose failed to protect them. This is what happens when we reject our legacies.
Relations with other nations
BOSMANS FAMILY
This family has a strong influence over the military and weapons manufacturers. They are known for producing some of the finest arms and armour in the Inheritors Empire and the entire continent of Argon, and for having a skilled and disciplined army. Scions of the Bosmans often hold essential military positions.
GIOVANNI FAMILY
The Giovanni family has control over information and the underworld of the Empire. They are involved in intelligence gathering, espionage, and organized crime. They are known for being secretive and ruthless.
GLÜCKSBURG FAMILY
This family has control over the finances and the economy of the Empire. They are involved in banking, trade, and commerce. They are known for being wealthy, influential, shrewd and calculating.
LEOZ FAMILY
This family's sphere of influence includes universities, education, and libraries in the Empire. They are involved in scholarship, research, and teaching. They are known for valuing knowledge and education and for being intellectual and curious. People all over the Empire seek the Leoz family for their counsel and guidance.
LOCKOWICZ FAMILY
This family is very influential in the high society of the Inheritors Empire. They have significant control over social events, cultural institutions, and other forms of social and artistic expression. They are generally wealthy and powerful, and have a keen sense of style and taste. The Lockowicz often dictate what the new trends and fads will be for the nobles of the Empire.
RUIZENDAAL FAMILY
This family is very prominent in the religious spheres of the Inheritors Empire. They have significant influence over the leadership and administration of the Church of the Five Martyrs, the interpretation and dissemination of religious teachings, and the promotion of spiritual values and practices. They are known for being profoundly devout and committed to the tenets of their faith. Having a Ruizendal descendant as your local preacher is a great honour.
ZENO FAMILY
This family strongly influences art and popular opinion in the Empire. They are involved in producing and disseminating literature, music, theatre, and other forms of artistic expression. They are known for being creative and innovative. Most of the famous bards and minstrels of the Empire claim lineage in the Zeno.
Inheritors Families
KINGDOM OF ALLENDORF
This kingdom is covered in dense forests, and home to some of the finest foresters in the Empire. The people of Allendorf are known for their skills in hunting and forestry, and they provide the Empire with some of its most important natural resources. Allendorf is a peaceful kingdom, but it is also prone to political infighting, as different factions vie for control of its resources.
KINGDOM OF SPOLETTO
This kingdom is home to the Empire's capital city, and as such, it is the heart of the nation. Spoletto is a bustling city filled with people from all over the Empire who come to trade, work, and seek their fortunes. The kingdom is relatively small but is the most densely populated region in the Empire. The people of Spoletto are proud of their city and their role in the Empire, and they take great care to maintain its beauty and cultural heritage.
DUCHY OF ASTURIA
This duchy is built on the ruins of an ancient city, which is said to be cursed. Once a year, the rulers open the ruins, and hordes of monsters pour out into the surrounding countryside, creating a horrific spectacle known as the Purga de ruinas. Despite the danger, the people of Asturia are proud of the heroes born there, and they work tirelessly to preserve the stories about them.
DUCHY OF NORCIA
This duchy is known for its large lake, which provides the people with a bountiful supply of fish. The people of Norcia are skilled fishers and boat-builders, and they are also known for their beautiful tapestries and weavings. The Duke Augustus Giovanni, a powerful and wealthy nobleman with many connections in the Empire, rules the region.
DUCHY OF TERNI
This duchy is home to many rivers and waterfalls, which power a variety of mills and smithies. The people of Terni are skilled crafters and artisans, producing some of the finest goods in the Empire. The region is also home to many vineyards and wineries, gaining the reputation of the most distinguished winemakers in Argon year after year.
BARONY OF WILLICH
This barony is filled with archaeological holy sites, which are constantly being excavated by scholars and adventurers. The land is characterized by its hilly and rocky terrain. The people of Willich are deeply connected to their history and heritage, and many of them work as archaeologists, historians, or curators. They are constantly digging out and preserving relics from the past. Pilgrims and followers of the Five Martyrs come from around the world to pay respect and pray in these ancient holy sites.
FIEFDOM OF BRASOV
This fiefdom is isolated in the mountains, and a mysterious and cruel lord rules over it. The people of Brasov are fiercely independent and self-sufficient, and they are known for their skills in mining and metallurgy. The region is also home to many strongholds and fortifications, which make it a valuable military asset for the empire.
THE MANY KINGDOM ISLE
The Many Kingdom Isle is a large island with hundreds of smaller kingdoms, each with unique culture and traditions. It is a diverse and vibrant land, home to bustling cities, picturesque villages, sprawling farmlands, and fortified cities. They are known for their intricate and often cutthroat political games with one another. While some kingdoms have formed alliances, many are at odds with their neighbours, and it's not uncommon for them to go to war over territory or resources. Despite this, trade and commerce between the Many Kingdoms are relatively strong, and the island is a hub of cultural exchange and innovation.
THE DRAGOVICH EXILES
The Dragovich Exiles are a group of people found throughout the Inheritors Empire who trace their roots back to the Dragovich Province. They are ostracized by society due to the betrayal of their ancestors, who sold a highly significant relic of the Followers of the Five Martyrs. This betrayal led to the downfall of the province, and the Dragovich Exiles have since been forced to live on the fringes of society, often looked down upon by others and treated with suspicion.
Despite their outcast status, the Dragovich Exilees have formed tight-knit communities and developed unique cultural practices and traditions. They often rely on each other for support and work together to survive in a society that does not fully accept them. Some Dragovich Exiles have even turned to a life of banditry or other illegal activities as a means of survival, while others seek to redeem their family's name and prove their loyalty to the Followers of the Five Martyrs.
THE BLASTED LANDS
The Blasted Lands are a desolate, barren wasteland south of the Many Kingdom Isle. The land is said to have been scarred and devastated by ancient magical wars, leaving it devoid of life and largely uninhabitable. The few who survive in this harsh and unforgiving environment are the Blasted Folks, a society of mutated raiders who have adapted to the nocive environment.
The Blasted Folks are known for their savage and brutal nature, often attacking travellers and settlements along the border. They are feared and despised by the people of the Empire, who view them as nothing more than savages and barbarians. However, some scholars and adventurers believe that there may be more to the Blasted Folks than meets the eye and that there may be valuable knowledge and artefacts hidden within the ruins of the Blasted Lands. Despite the risks, some brave souls venture into the Blasted Lands in search of these treasures, but few return to tell the tale.