EditThe Shining Empire- Tone: Thriving remnant of Ancient Sharmut, rotting slowly from within
- Timeframe: -4000 to -3050, territory of Sharmut. -3050 to -2907, succession wars. -2906 to present, Imperial Reign.
- Artifice: Standard
- Region: Civizia
- Capital: Carillon (~200,000)
- Notable Settlements: Borea (territory, ~175,000), Hilon (county, ~145,000), Izalia (county, ~130,000)
- Government: Hereditary Empire, with a representative Senate
- Ruler: Emperor Poh Esam XII, Child of the Sun
- Races: Human (~950,000), Cruacha (Elves ~300,000)
- Languages: Civizian (Primary). Scholars and tradesmen of the Empire tend to be fluent in languages from other regions. The aristocracy of Borea learn Sharmuta but rarely use it
- Religions: The Eldar Gods aka Ithus Pantheon; Carill and Suma are worshiped by Imperials and the old nobility, and Dryn is worshiped by the Cruacha. Cults to the Daemoness Ysolde are a recent and dangerous addition. Shrines can be found to pretty much all the gods of the Ithus / Elder God pantheon
- Coinage: Eagle (5gp), Noble (1gp), Moon (1sp), Half-moon (5cp)
EditSynopsisThe shining empire of Calamshar controls vast amounts of land, with villages and outposts ranging far and wide. The capital city Carillon is strategically situated on a large river-bound island, with districts on both sides of the river. The island is linked to each side of the river by five ancient bridges (three on the leeside, and two on the windward side) which can be raised to allow ships to pass, and two more bridges link the opposing shores above and below the island allowing congress across the river without crossing the inner city. The majority of the inner city is taken up by the Imperial Palace, the Senate, Universities, and the ancestral houses of the High Nobility.
The island was originally laid out for optimum defense, designed to funnel invaders to specific locations where defenders could easily overwhelm them. Over the last century new construction has negatively impacted the original configuration but can still be easily defended. The only armaments allowed on the island are in the hands of the Carillisius (Imperial Guard), highly trained soldiers specializing in heavy foot tactics with archer auxiliaries.
The unwalled outer city districts on each side of the river start with docks and shipwrights, then trading districts where it is said a man can find any commodity he desires, followed by residences. The bridges to the inner city are all heavily fortified with gatehouses on both sides of the river and sport huge stone curtain walls for a hundred feet to either side running sheer down past the waterline to prevent anyone from circumventing them. The gatehouses are always heavily defended, and the gates are closed and barred between dusk and dawn. Permits are required for entry into the inner city.
In PY-2, the weak and ineffectual Emperor Poh Esam XI and most of his family were assassinated by unknown parties. The young heir apparent, a mere ten years old at the time, was saved by his loyal bodyguard who has not left his side since. The new Emperor was woefully under-prepared to reign a powerful Empire, and the Senate and High Nobility have been running the nation based on their own selfish interests in the interim, forging reports to the Emperor and controlling every piece of information that reaches him. Taxes on the lower classes have been steadily increasing, and nobles have been carving out little fiefdoms to rule as their own.
Most disturbingly, Daemon cults dedicated to Ysolde have sprung up everywhere, even in the heart of the inner city. The cultists promise sensual delights beyond the pale of human experience and gather new converts every night.
Humans and Cruacha mix freely through the empire, although the Cruacha prefer the forests and tend to stay close to Borea, a beautiful city formed of living trees by the Drynach of Borea.
EditMagicMany Alchemists ply their trade in the outer city, selling their wares at whatever price the market will bear. The temples of Carill and Suma boast powerful Ecclesiasts. The Cruacha, primarily worshiping Dryn, also have many circles of Drynach protecting the forests.
EditDetails- Heraldry: Argent, an oak tree Vert, in chief a rayed sun gules (the rayed sun comes from the current regents family line).
The city's famous grand bridges were wrought by the artifice and magic of lost Sharmut, and are painstakingly maintained by a the powerful Arcorian Guild which jealously guards the secrets of the ancient artifice necessary to keep the bridges working.
The Arcorian Guild are also responsible for maintaining the extensive Imperial Catacombs below the island, which are protected from flooding by clever mechanical devices and magics of ancient Sharmutian manufacture.
The semi-autonomous Drynach of Borea is the most powerful person in the nation after the Emperor in both political theory and in practice, as they command the loyalty of almost all Cruacha in the nation in addition to ruling over the demesnes of Borea itself.
Though no formal measurements have ever been taken, the capital of Carillon is probably the largest living city in all of Barbarica in terms of both population and size, with more permanent residents than many lesser nations' entire populations. In addition to citizens and natural-born Calamshari there is a respectable permanent population of outlanders who find the city's culture and commercial stature favorable to their lifestyle.
EditAdventure Seeds The Catacombs: Rumor has it the catacombs under Carillon predate Sharmut, and may have entrances outside the island. They wealth of ages is stored there with the dead emperors, and perhaps artifacts from the ancient empire.
Cultists Galore: It seems the constabulary are unwilling or unable to curb the growth of the Ysolde cult.
Ever had an Emperor owe you a favor?: The Cruacha are very concerned about the state of the empire and fear that the young Emperor is being manipulated or kept in the dark. Someone should open his eyes.
Job Security: a disgruntled journeyman of the Arcorian Guild has disappeared. The Guild fears he will divulge some if its preciously held secrets and wants the man found and returned...or silenced. And any loose ends should also be...tidied up.
Elves
Humans
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