Commonwealth - Revision history

Twiggy at 01:37, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T01:37:25Z

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	==Terrain==		==Terrain==
	The Commonwealth lies to the south-east of the Empire, and takes many weeks of sailing by [[fleet\|boat]] to reach. It shares the same land-mass as the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and, while they do not share a border, their uncomfortable proximity leads great deal of friction between the two nations.		The Commonwealth lies to the south-east of the Empire, and takes many weeks of sailing by [[fleet\|boat]] to reach. It shares the same land-mass as the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and, while they do not share a border, their uncomfortable proximity leads to a great deal of friction between the two nations.

	==History==		==History==

Twiggy at 13:59, 13 March 2026

2026-03-13T13:59:38Z

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	The Commonwealth is a young nation, taking its first major steps on the world stage. Guided by a philosophy of the greatest good for the greatest number of people, the nation is convinced that it can make the world a better place - a conviction that makes its neighbours very nervous. Three times in the last fifty years, the Commonwealth has been at war with nearby countries and in each case they have been victorious. Yet, rather than turning their conquered enemies into vassals, they have done everything possible to incorporate them into the greater Commonwealth. Membership brings a level of freedom and comfort seen in few other places - provided one is prepared to accept the philosophy of the greater good.		The Commonwealth is a young nation, taking its first major steps on the world stage. Guided by a philosophy of the greatest good for the greatest number of people, the nation is convinced that it can make the world a better place - a conviction that makes its neighbours very nervous. Three times in the last fifty years, the Commonwealth has been at war with nearby countries and in each case they have been victorious. Yet, rather than turning their conquered enemies into vassals, they have done everything possible to incorporate them into the greater Commonwealth. Membership brings a level of freedom and comfort seen in few other places - provided one is prepared to accept the philosophy of the greater good.

	Like the Empire, the Commonwealth is dominated by humans (both [[lineage\|lineaged]] and unlineaged). Unlike the Empire, the Commonwealth population includes significant numbers of both [[orc\|orcs]] and [[daeva]] as well. Indeed, the Commonwealth recognises all sapient beings as having equal standing before their law, and equal opportunities within their society - a stance that contributes to their poor relations with the [[Principalities of Jarm]].</onlyinclude>		Like the Empire, the Commonwealth is dominated by humans (both [[lineage\|lineaged]] and unlineaged). Unlike the Empire, the Commonwealth population includes significant numbers of both [[orc\|orcs]] and [[#Look and Feel\|daeva]] as well. Indeed, the Commonwealth recognises all sapient beings as having equal standing before their law, and equal opportunities within their society - a stance that contributes to their poor relations with the [[Principalities of Jarm]].</onlyinclude>

	Of particular interest to Imperial citizens are the [[Commonwealth ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire.		Of particular interest to Imperial citizens are the [[Commonwealth ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T12:37:46Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:37, 15 January 2026
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	==Religion==		==Religion==
	The common good contains many ideas that the priests of [[the Way]] might recognise. It encourages [[loyalty]] and personal [[pride]]; it respects [[courage]], enshrines [[wisdom]] as a lofty ideal, and encourages [[prosperity]] and [[ambition]]. Yet it does not recognise these virtues as distinct - rather, it promotes the idea of living a good life, a life founded on ethical principles, that recognises both individual freedom and communal responsibility. Commonwealth priests have a not-entirely unearned reputation for being condescending to the "backwards" priests of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]].		The common good contains many ideas that the priests of [[the Way]] might recognise. It encourages [[loyalty]] and personal [[pride]]; it respects [[courage]], enshrines [[wisdom]] as a lofty ideal, and encourages [[prosperity]] and [[ambition]]. Yet it does not recognise these virtues as distinct - rather, it promotes the idea of living a good life, a life founded on ethical principles, that recognises both individual freedom and communal responsibility. Commonwealth priests have a not-entirely unearned reputation for being condescending to the "backwards" priests of the [[Synod]].

	Commonwealth priests are almost always philosophers and scholars. They promote ethical behaviour with an emphasis on both personal liberty and personal responsibility, whilst also encouraging community spirit and respect for other sapients. Many of these philosophers become chaplains, serving on the front lines as soldiers. Others engage in more pastoral care, tending to the spiritual needs of their communities, being particularly active in the role of educators and counsellors. While religious scholars all embrace the core philosophy of the greater good (as laid out by Altmann), there are several competing schools of thought as to how to put these ideas into practice. Most students of Altmann's philosophy agree, however, that the first step toward achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people lies in choosing to live an ethical life; to avoid causing suffering to others; and to actively reduce the suffering of other sapient peoples.		Commonwealth priests are almost always philosophers and scholars. They promote ethical behaviour with an emphasis on both personal liberty and personal responsibility, whilst also encouraging community spirit and respect for other sapients. Many of these philosophers become chaplains, serving on the front lines as soldiers. Others engage in more pastoral care, tending to the spiritual needs of their communities, being particularly active in the role of educators and counsellors. While religious scholars all embrace the core philosophy of the greater good (as laid out by Altmann), there are several competing schools of thought as to how to put these ideas into practice. Most students of Altmann's philosophy agree, however, that the first step toward achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people lies in choosing to live an ethical life; to avoid causing suffering to others; and to actively reduce the suffering of other sapient peoples.

GuiltyConscience: /* Look and Feel */

2025-08-14T15:13:30Z

Look and Feel

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	The Commonwealth tends to be cold, however, and whether armoured or off-duty, the people favour heavy fur-trimmed cloaks and fur-trimmed leather hats.		The Commonwealth tends to be cold, however, and whether armoured or off-duty, the people favour heavy fur-trimmed cloaks and fur-trimmed leather hats.

	Chaplains, academics, magicians, and many paladins favour an even more austere look; black robes are standard The gentleman on the left in this picture [http://orig09.deviantart.net/dd9e/f/2007/247/f/6/7th_sea__castille_by_teresenielsen.jpg from the Seventh Sea roleplaying game], represents the style embraced by the academics and those who favour the religious life (albeit they will recreate it in black). In character, it is modelled after the clothing worn by the philosopher Altmann who inspired the creation of the Commonwealth.		Chaplains, academics, magicians, and many paladins favour an even more austere look; black robes are standard. The gentleman on the left in this picture [http://orig09.deviantart.net/dd9e/f/2007/247/f/6/7th_sea__castille_by_teresenielsen.jpg from the Seventh Sea roleplaying game], represents the style embraced by the academics and those who favour the religious life (albeit they will recreate it in black). In character, it is modelled after the clothing worn by the philosopher Altmann who inspired the creation of the Commonwealth.

	When it comes to armour, a full harness of plate is common at all ranks. The armour often belongs to the army itself, and is loaned to the lower ranks. The Commonwealth prides itself on providing the best possible arms and armour to its soldiers - indeed, the common infantry in the Commonwealth are much more likely to have [[magic items]] than their counterparts in the Empire. In [http://orig15.deviantart.net/4920/f/2007/268/d/1/7th_sea__eisen_by_teresenielsen.jpg this image] the man on the left and the woman in the middle represent Commonwealth soldiers.		When it comes to armour, a full harness of plate is common at all ranks. The armour often belongs to the army itself, and is loaned to the lower ranks. The Commonwealth prides itself on providing the best possible arms and armour to its soldiers - indeed, the common infantry in the Commonwealth are much more likely to have [[magic items]] than their counterparts in the Empire. In [http://orig15.deviantart.net/4920/f/2007/268/d/1/7th_sea__eisen_by_teresenielsen.jpg this image] the man on the left and the woman in the middle represent Commonwealth soldiers.

Twiggy at 15:42, 4 August 2025

2025-08-04T15:42:50Z

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	==Magic==		==Magic==
	While the Commonwealth is militarily extremely powerful, and is well-respected for its commitment to learning and education, it has comparatively few magicians. Their ''Zauberer'' are expected to put their magic towards the service of the military, and there is a great emphasis on practical application over theory. Those who master [[Magical_skills#Ritual_Magic\|ritual magic]] - often given the ~~honourific~~ ''Zaubermeister'' - are very much in the minority. The majority of Commonwealth magicians focus on [[spellcasting]], or master a handful of low-magnitude rituals that can be performed without the need for a [[Coven#Covens\|coven]].		While the Commonwealth is militarily extremely powerful, and is well-respected for its commitment to learning and education, it has comparatively few magicians. Their ''Zauberer'' are expected to put their magic towards the service of the military, and there is a great emphasis on practical application over theory. Those who master [[Magical_skills#Ritual_Magic\|ritual magic]] - often given the honorific ''Zaubermeister'' - are very much in the minority. The majority of Commonwealth magicians focus on [[spellcasting]], or master a handful of low-magnitude rituals that can be performed without the need for a [[Coven#Covens\|coven]].

	More powerful groups of magicians do exist, but they are almost exclusively connected to one of the Commonwealth armies; they are soldiers, not scholars. Unsurprisingly, the Commonwealth focuses on magic of use on the battlefield - their most powerful ritual magicians master the lores of Autumn and Summer, and the healing powers of Spring. The rituals of Day and Night are seen as the province of philosophers, while the realm of Winter is seen as particularly suspect, and its use discouraged.		More powerful groups of magicians do exist, but they are almost exclusively connected to one of the Commonwealth armies; they are soldiers, not scholars. Unsurprisingly, the Commonwealth focuses on magic of use on the battlefield - their most powerful ritual magicians master the lores of Autumn and Summer, and the healing powers of Spring. The rituals of Day and Night are seen as the province of philosophers, while the realm of Winter is seen as particularly suspect, and its use discouraged.

Twiggy: /* Economics */

2025-07-29T16:24:57Z

Economics

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	At the lowest level, the economy of the Commonwealth is somewhat familiar. The civilian population maintain [[Resource\|resources]], and buy and sell goods to each other, and to the armies. All the mithril, white granite, weirwood, and ilium in the Commonwealth is ultimately controlled by the armies, however. The armies also have an entire class of structures that the Empire might call "intermediate Bourse resources" - large scale [[sinecure\|sinecures]] that secure additional resources for the armies. The armies use these resources to supply themselves, and to invest in projects suggested by the universities. The surplus is sold to the civilian population, and the money used to buy bread, shoes, and swords. This represents a form of "trickle down economics" but it is not that straightforward - the civilian buys Bourse resources from the army to improve their resource, and then they have more materials to sell to the military.		At the lowest level, the economy of the Commonwealth is somewhat familiar. The civilian population maintain [[Resource\|resources]], and buy and sell goods to each other, and to the armies. All the mithril, white granite, weirwood, and ilium in the Commonwealth is ultimately controlled by the armies, however. The armies also have an entire class of structures that the Empire might call "intermediate Bourse resources" - large scale [[sinecure\|sinecures]] that secure additional resources for the armies. The armies use these resources to supply themselves, and to invest in projects suggested by the universities. The surplus is sold to the civilian population, and the money used to buy bread, shoes, and swords. This represents a form of "trickle down economics" but it is not that straightforward - the civilian buys Bourse resources from the army to improve their resource, and then they have more materials to sell to the military.

	The Commonwealth invests heavily in infrastructure. The universities propose projects that they believe will improve life for the citizens in an area, and the generals determine how much their army is prepared to contribute to making that project a reality. The more impact the project has, and the more people it ~~effects~~, the more likely it is that enough generals will be invested enough in the outcome to invest in the project. This leads to a slightly paradoxical situation in which it is easier for the Commonwealth to build a [[great work]] than it is (for example) for you to get the potholes outside your house fixed.		The Commonwealth invests heavily in infrastructure. The universities propose projects that they believe will improve life for the citizens in an area, and the generals determine how much their army is prepared to contribute to making that project a reality. The more impact the project has, and the more people it affects, the more likely it is that enough generals will be invested enough in the outcome to invest in the project. This leads to a slightly paradoxical situation in which it is easier for the Commonwealth to build a [[great work]] than it is (for example) for you to get the potholes outside your house fixed.

	The ideals of the common good are held up in the economic arena as elsewhere; this is particularly apparent in foreign trade. The Commonwealth imposes punitive tariffs and import taxes on any nation that practices slavery, for example - when they are prepared to deal with them at all. The universities regularly debate the ethics of having ''anything'' to do with foreign nations that keep slaves, but the general consensus is that absolute sanctions would ultimately do more harm than good. Any merchant from [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asavea]] or [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]] had best get used to regular lectures about the evils of slavery if they wish to do any business in the Commonwealth - and few bother as there are better profits to be made elsewhere.		The ideals of the common good are held up in the economic arena as elsewhere; this is particularly apparent in foreign trade. The Commonwealth imposes punitive tariffs and import taxes on any nation that practices slavery, for example - when they are prepared to deal with them at all. The universities regularly debate the ethics of having ''anything'' to do with foreign nations that keep slaves, but the general consensus is that absolute sanctions would ultimately do more harm than good. Any merchant from [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asavea]] or [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]] had best get used to regular lectures about the evils of slavery if they wish to do any business in the Commonwealth - and few bother as there are better profits to be made elsewhere.

Rafferty: /* Religion */

2025-07-16T09:37:54Z

Religion

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	This philosophy is often seen by Imperial priests as being an expression of [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_.2F_Auran_Idolatry\|Lucidianism]], but the movements are unrelated. Lucidianism grows out of the desire to explore the seven virtues without the distractions caused by auras; the Commonwealth opposition to auras runs much deeper and is based around complex concepts of self-determination and the power of enlightened choice.		This philosophy is often seen by Imperial priests as being an expression of [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_.2F_Auran_Idolatry\|Lucidianism]], but the movements are unrelated. Lucidianism grows out of the desire to explore the seven virtues without the distractions caused by auras; the Commonwealth opposition to auras runs much deeper and is based around complex concepts of self-determination and the power of enlightened choice.

			In Summer 387YE, the [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] Finn Pridetalker made enquiries about orc spiritual beliefs and received a short summary of one of the most popular sects. There are further details in the '''[[Beat_of_your_drum#Spirits_and_Storms\|Beat of your drum]]''' wind of fortune.

	==Economics==		==Economics==

Rafferty: /* Look and Feel */

2025-06-28T10:15:26Z

Look and Feel

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	When it comes to armour, a full harness of plate is common at all ranks. The armour often belongs to the army itself, and is loaned to the lower ranks. The Commonwealth prides itself on providing the best possible arms and armour to its soldiers - indeed, the common infantry in the Commonwealth are much more likely to have [[magic items]] than their counterparts in the Empire. In [http://orig15.deviantart.net/4920/f/2007/268/d/1/7th_sea__eisen_by_teresenielsen.jpg this image] the man on the left and the woman in the middle represent Commonwealth soldiers.		When it comes to armour, a full harness of plate is common at all ranks. The armour often belongs to the army itself, and is loaned to the lower ranks. The Commonwealth prides itself on providing the best possible arms and armour to its soldiers - indeed, the common infantry in the Commonwealth are much more likely to have [[magic items]] than their counterparts in the Empire. In [http://orig15.deviantart.net/4920/f/2007/268/d/1/7th_sea__eisen_by_teresenielsen.jpg this image] the man on the left and the woman in the middle represent Commonwealth soldiers.
			{{Commonwealth Links}}
	<box>==An OOC Note on the Daeva==		<box>==An OOC Note on the Daeva==
	The daeva are a species, like humans and orcs. They are not found in the Empire, and are not known anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. We are still working on the precise details of this species, and wrangling over their appearance has been one of the factors that has delayed the Commonwealth for so long.		The daeva are a species, like humans and orcs. They are not found in the Empire, and are not known anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. We are still working on the precise details of this species, and wrangling over their appearance has been one of the factors that has delayed the Commonwealth for so long.

Dre at 21:33, 6 May 2025

2025-05-06T21:33:17Z

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	The soldiers of the Commonwealth - from the lowest footsoldier all the way up to the most powerful generals - swear an oath, not to the Commonwealth itself, but to the idea of the common good. This oath is fairly straightforward and can be summed up as "''Handle so, dass das größtmögliche Maß an Gutem für die größtmögliche Anzahl von Personen entsteht''" (Act according to the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number of people).		The soldiers of the Commonwealth - from the lowest footsoldier all the way up to the most powerful generals - swear an oath, not to the Commonwealth itself, but to the idea of the common good. This oath is fairly straightforward and can be summed up as "''Handle so, dass das größtmögliche Maß an Gutem für die größtmögliche Anzahl von Personen entsteht''" (Act according to the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number of people).

	In all cases, the Commonwealth select their own leaders: ultimate political power lies in the hands of the soldiers. For example, a unit of soldiers select their own captain from among their own ranks - not even the generals can appoint someone to a leadership position. This has ~~lead~~ to a more dynamic military that is largely free from the dangers of nepotism or corruption. Rather than spending their time attempting to impress their superiors, ambitious Commonwealth citizens spend their time gaining the confidence of their peers and proving their competence to those who will be most impacted by it. At the end of the day, the soldiers tend almost overwhelmingly to select leaders that they trust to make life-or-death decisions on a daily basis.		In all cases, the Commonwealth select their own leaders: ultimate political power lies in the hands of the soldiers. For example, a unit of soldiers select their own captain from among their own ranks - not even the generals can appoint someone to a leadership position. This has led to a more dynamic military that is largely free from the dangers of nepotism or corruption. Rather than spending their time attempting to impress their superiors, ambitious Commonwealth citizens spend their time gaining the confidence of their peers and proving their competence to those who will be most impacted by it. At the end of the day, the soldiers tend almost overwhelmingly to select leaders that they trust to make life-or-death decisions on a daily basis.

	The military council does not exist in a vacuum. If the Commonwealth's "military council" has ultimate executive and legislative power, the ultimate administrative power lies with the philosophers and academics. The universities work together to create a "second house" of government reminiscent of modern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_tank think tanks]. The universities present proposals for laws and building projects to the general council based on careful study and heated debate. Such projects often require extensive commitment of people and resources; the generals determine which projects will be implemented and which will be refused via complex funding agreements.		The military council does not exist in a vacuum. If the Commonwealth's "military council" has ultimate executive and legislative power, the ultimate administrative power lies with the philosophers and academics. The universities work together to create a "second house" of government reminiscent of modern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_tank think tanks]. The universities present proposals for laws and building projects to the general council based on careful study and heated debate. Such projects often require extensive commitment of people and resources; the generals determine which projects will be implemented and which will be refused via complex funding agreements.

Rafferty at 12:58, 16 July 2024

2024-07-16T12:58:48Z

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	{{ForeignNationWarning}}		{{ForeignNationWarning}}
	<~~onlyincludey~~>==Overview==		<onlyinclude>
			==Overview==
	The Commonwealth is a young nation, taking its first major steps on the world stage. Guided by a philosophy of the greatest good for the greatest number of people, the nation is convinced that it can make the world a better place - a conviction that makes its neighbours very nervous. Three times in the last fifty years, the Commonwealth has been at war with nearby countries and in each case they have been victorious. Yet, rather than turning their conquered enemies into vassals, they have done everything possible to incorporate them into the greater Commonwealth. Membership brings a level of freedom and comfort seen in few other places - provided one is prepared to accept the philosophy of the greater good.		The Commonwealth is a young nation, taking its first major steps on the world stage. Guided by a philosophy of the greatest good for the greatest number of people, the nation is convinced that it can make the world a better place - a conviction that makes its neighbours very nervous. Three times in the last fifty years, the Commonwealth has been at war with nearby countries and in each case they have been victorious. Yet, rather than turning their conquered enemies into vassals, they have done everything possible to incorporate them into the greater Commonwealth. Membership brings a level of freedom and comfort seen in few other places - provided one is prepared to accept the philosophy of the greater good.