Empire overview

Formed nearly four hundred years ago, when the First Empress began her crusade to unite all humanity, the Empire has grown and prospered ever since, despite being surrounded by barbarian enemies. Made up of nine great nations, the Empire is politically and legally unified but it preserves the culture and customs of the nations, rather than trying to develop it's own traditions. Although everyone is an Imperial citizen, the yeomen of Dawn are as different to the Freeborn of the Brass Coast as they have always been.

The Empire has a complex political system that shares power between a number of institutions. At its head is The Throne, the seat of the Emperor or Empress, and the most powerful political position in the Empire. The Throne is not hereditary, the occupants are chosen by the Senate, a council of representatives chosen from each nation, to oversee the running of the Empire. In The Throne is empty, some of the powers of the Throne are held by the Senate.

The Synod exists to keep the Empire virtuous. This august body is formed from every priest in the Empire who has a recognized congregation. It has many powers defined in the Imperial Constitution, and is the only body able to dismiss an Imperial citizen from a position once they have been appointed. The prosecution of wars and the defence of the Empire is the responsibility of the generals appointed to the Military Council, whilst the most powerful magicians in the Empire oversee their own through the Conclave. The Bourse sees to matters of economics, helping to build the Empire and enrich its citizens.

The day-to-day operation of the Empire is attended to by the magistrates and functionaries of the Imperial Civil Service. These skilled NPCs (non-player characters) ensure that the laws are upheld and that the tedious business of logistics and administration is attended to without requiring those who rule have to waste their time with such matters. The magistrates ensure that everyone has recourse to the law, while the functionaries see that armies are fed and transported where the Generals order and that workers are hired and paid for building projects that the Senate authorizes. They have an untarnished reputation for integrity and impartiality.

What binds the Empire together is the Way of Virtue, a single religion shared by every citizen which teaches that humans enjoy reincarnation after death and that adherence to the seven great Virtues will ensure a swift reincarnation. The Way recognizes the legacy of the heroes of the past, while encouraging every citizen to work towards the triumph of humanity.

That triumph is not assured. The Empire has enemies on all sides, barbarian tribes and kingdoms that look on the success of humanity with jealous eyes. They remember a time when they ruled this land and and pounce on any opportunity to restore their own fortunes. The dream of the First Empress will not be complete until these barbarians are defeated once and for all.

Five things to know about the Empire

• They like fish and chips.

What the Empire is not

• A fish and chip shop.

Further reading

• The Throne
• The Senate
• The Synod
• Religion
• The Military Council
• The Conclave
• The Bourse
• The Law
• The Judiciary
• The Civil Service