The Second Empire of Elterlein

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Overview[edit | edit source]

The Second Empire of Elterlein is an expansive, ancient empire. Its history dates back to the middle of the Second Era, with a conquest of the Elten kingdoms. The Elten people are very proud of their nationality and see the Fandons, the royal family, as the symbol of all that is good in their empire. Most people see the Elten as stuck up and arrogant, due to their widespread belief that their empire is superior to any other. Its society has a large focus on innovation using the Arcane and discipline, with a very strict caste system and military draft.

The Elten military is world renowned for its top tier equipment, using special Elten Steel. In addition, they control Aevonhold's only military airship fleet, containing over a dozen airships. During battle, the Elten military utilizes this, along with their infantry, to use shock and awe tactics.

Government[edit | edit source]

The Elten government is ancient, having built on and changed the original ideas of the founders. It has a big emphasis on specific titles and protocols. Because of this, the government is very confusing and convoluted, with many of its members' families having held specific titles for centuries. All the Archdukes, Dukes, and important military officers sit on an Imperial Parliament, to help the Emperor decide on important decisions.

Emperor[edit | edit source]

The Emperor of Elterlein is the supreme ruler of the empire and all of its regions, duchies, and provinces. The current Imperial Royal family are the Fandons, as it has been since the empire's conception.

Archduke[edit | edit source]

The Archdukes are second only to the Emperor himself. Each owns one of the original kingoms that Elterlein conquered, though the families that hold them aren't the same as those who ruled originally. When Emperor Dorian Fandon I reformed the Empire, he put only those most loyal to him in power.

Duke[edit | edit source]

Dukes own divisions of land underneath Archdukes. Typically, the provinces are divided into five duchies, each with a Duke presiding. However, this varies bewtween provinces.

Count[edit | edit source]

Counts are landowners underneath the Dukes. Duchies are divided into even smaller counties, which Counts preside over.

Arcane Viceroy[edit | edit source]

The Arcane Viceroy is the head of Arcane affairs in the Empire. In the event of an Arcane disaster or any other matters that have to deal with the supernatural, the Arcane Viceroy ensures they are dealt with.

Imperial Minister of War[edit | edit source]

The Minister of War is the head of all military affairs in the Empire. All Imperial Generals and the High Imperial Admiral report directly to him, and he in turn advises the Emperor in all matters war.

High Imperial Admiral[edit | edit source]

The highest ranking officer in the Imperial Navy, the Admiral oversees all of the naval divisions as well as the highly prestigious Airship Division.

High Imperial General[edit | edit source]

The highest ranking military officer for the ground infantry. The High General typically goes into battle himself to directly oversee military matters.

Regions[edit | edit source]

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Arminia[edit | edit source]

Arminia is credited as the birthplace of Elterlein. Emperor Galen Fandon was born in the kingdom that originally resided here, and began his conquest. Arminia is full of ancient cities and keeps, with their histories dating back to its ancient kingdoms.

Geographically, Arminia contains cold pine forests and vast mountain ranges. These large mountainous areas are increasingly difficult to traverse on foot, especially in large numbers. Airships are frequently used to bypass this, but it makes these provinces difficult for invasion forces. A large portion of the Eastern Heartlands is a more temperate land, with forests and plains a common sight.

Eulyros[edit | edit source]

The second oldest province and the current seat of the Empire, Eulyros was the first region to fall to Galen's conquest. Eulyros contains the Imperial Capital, Vor'Daen, and several other large, bustling cities. The Imperial Palace, and the Imperial Parliament building are situated in separate estates.

Eulyros is very similar to Arminia, geographically. It contains similar vast forests and mountain ranges, though significantly less temperate forests and plains.

East and West Ganzania[edit | edit source]

The Provinces of East and West Ganzania is equally as harsh as the Heartlands and Eulyros, but in a much different manner. West Ganzania is situated to the south of Eulyros, and contains a forest belt on its northern border, which peters out into arid badlands, and eventually desert. Large cave systems run through the entire province, purportedly used by the indigenous native population before Elten war with their people. These caves are now used by imperial miners, and criminal individuals such as smugglers and wanted criminals. East Ganzania is south of Arminia. While it's geography remains similar to West Ganzania in several ways, it contains far less mountains and caves. Instead, there are larger pine forests and a large lumbering industry. 

The two provinces were split, originally, due to the fact that the single province produced more resources and made more money than Eulyros and Arminia combined. The Emperor decided it best to split the two, so as to balance things out. 

Isles of Archangel[edit | edit source]

The Isles are a string of large islands on the eastern coast of the Elten mainland. These islands are less harsh, and far more temperate, favoured by the upper echelons of Elten society, which gives it greater importance, despite its small size in comparison to other major provinces.

Kotimaa[edit | edit source]

Kotimaa is the northernmost province of Elterlein. It's almost entirely frigid, frozen mountains and contains almost no flat land. The people of Kotimaa have a very different culture than the rest of the Elten, and have retained it due to their willingness to comply peacefully.

Military[edit | edit source]

The Empire of Elterlein maintains a policy of a two year mandatory military service. This can be served at the age of sixteen, or at sixteen a Elten male can choose to attend one of the Empire’s universities. Upon graduation, the two years service will begin, but often this path will lead to an immediate officer rank. Due to the emphasis and national pride pertaining to the Imperial Military, often an individual will choose to serve for longer than the mandatory two years. Attaining a Knight rank within the military is a high honour within the empire, and is a goal set by many footmen. Knight-Captains, and even more so Knight-Commanders are highly respected within Elten society. Due to this cultural emphasis on the military, and the size of the Empire, the Elten Military is well funded, trained, disciplined and equipped.

Elten troops for the most part wear black coats with the Elten cross emblazoned in gold and red on the back. The cut of the coat differs with regiment and locale, and colours can also change. Elite guards of the Emperor and nobility wear gold coats, with the cross in black and red. Elten foot soldiers wear steel armoured leather gauntlets and boots, a steel breastplate with pauldrons, and a sallet helmet. Different units will wear different armaments, for instance crossbowmen wear open faced helmets for greater visibility. Heavy Knights go into battle with full plate armour. As these knights are often the elite of their unit, they are sometimes given a set of Elten steel full plate, though this is rare and generally reserved for high ranking officers.

The Empire’s military favour shock-and-awe tactics, often via airship bombardments and swift, relentless charges. Favouring melee combat, the bulk of their ground forces are footmen, typically armed with a hand weapon, most commonly a sword but some use axes, maces and the like, and a shield, and frequently a polearm, most often a pike, depending on situation. Crossbowmen generally operate in support roles, and are frequently less trained than the footmen, often conscript soldiers. Cavalry is the smallest portion of the army, with focus on supporting the foot troops by smashing into formations and splitting groups of enemies.

Scout squadrons are typically local recruits who are recruited in their locale during the campaign, as they are familiar with the terrain. That said, there are some scout units of full time Elten men, typically having been recruited in this manner and choosing to remain with the army. These squadrons tend to be more ethnically diverse, made up of a wide range of races to whom the Elten military offered a better way of life. In foreign territories, these experienced scouts will often accompany local scout recruits. A large number of scouts are of native Nobugohito heritage owing to its proximity to both Elterlein and Ulyssa and their natural talents and knowledge of a wide variety of terrain.

Despite the Empire’s high level of respect for military personnel, the lower ranks are generally seen as highly expendable. While they are all equipped to a decent standard and given a fair degree of training, often low ranking recruits and conscripts do not live long enough to distinguish themselves within both the military and Elten society as a whole. However, the chance to prove oneself is often jumped on to raise a soldier out of the gutter of the lower classes.

History[edit | edit source]

- Fandon's Conquest, 2E 1682 - 1694

Galen Fandon I begins a conquest of the Old Elten kingdoms. For twelve years the fighting rages, but eventually he is successful. The First Empire of Elterlein is established.

- First Border War, 2E 1801 - 1830

The great Empire of Ulyssa notices the growing Elten Empire and attacks, attempting to conquer them. For thirty years the war rages, but eventually Ulyssa's conquest is repelled. However, Elterlein has lost a lot of territory. Elten raiding parties would continue to make attacks, despite the war being officially over. Slowly, over time, much of the lost territory is regained.

- Great Rebellion, 2E 2377

Several of the Archdukes and old families band together to rebel against the Empire. The whole Empire is destroyed, with the Provinces each forming individual kingdoms. The First Empire of Elterlein falls.

- War of Widow's Lament, 3E 119 - 124

Dorian Fandon I gathers force and walks in his ancestor's footsteps, beginning the bloodiest and most brutal conquest in Aevonhold's history. Opposing generals and kings are executed, villages are razed and burned, and any who stand in his way are killed. The war would later be named for the widows made during this conquest. In only five years, he retakes the entirety of Elterlein's lands and establishes the Second Empire of Elterlein, ruling with an iron fist.

- Templari Crisis, 3E 204 - 215

A cultlike gathering of powerful mages gather, attempting to open Arcane Rifts between the realms so as to draw power from other realms. The effects of their power and meddling are felt all the way in Peramul, though southern Elterlein and northern Ulyssa take the worst of it.

- Second Border War, 3E 450 - 510

Growing fed up with Ulyssa's small border attacks, the Empire declares war. The Second Border War begins. After sixty years of fighting, both forces pull back. No clear victor emerged.

- First Airship, 3E 1093

Elterlein inventors discover a way to make a functional flying machine. The first airship is made, and production begins on more.

- Third Border War, 3E 1144 - 1180

The Ulyssian Empire, losing territory quickly to the Empire of Nobugo, decides to attempt to attack Elterlein. The Third Border War lasts for thirty-six years. It is the biggest defeat in Ulyssian history, with their borders being pushed back drastically.

Quirks[edit | edit source]

Overview[edit | edit source]

People of Elterlein are proud of their nationality and culture, and believe all other races inferior. Much of their culture is based around military strength and old traditions, and their greatest source of pride comes from their exceptionally armed and trained military.

Appearances[edit | edit source]

The Elten people are typically of average height and moderate build, though this varies greatly at times. Most Elten have pale skin and brown hair, though lighter colored hairs are also somewhat common. Their eyes range from brown to greys. Most have neat hair that fall under certain, specific styles. Being dirty or unkempt is a sign of a commoner.

Naming Conventions[edit | edit source]

The naming schemes are inspired from Germanic and Dutch cultures as well as anything reminiscent of the Holy Roman Empire. This link may provide one source of inspiration: [1]

Clothing[edit | edit source]

The Elten are known for their peculiar choice of clothing. They particularly favor lavish outfits, heavily adorned. Among the higher classes, epaulettes and sashes are very popular. The lower classes wear more simple outfits, however. Elten believe heavily in one's social status being instantly recognizable from their appearance.

Marriage[edit | edit source]

In Elterlein, a couple wishing to be married will first find a legally ordained officiant. Typically, once one is found, the couple is officially wed on the spot, at least legally. The real ceremony is held about a week later, though most Elten, surprisingly, prefer to have small ceremonies. Weddings are seen as very intimate and, for once, not a chance to show off one's wealth or status. Close friends and family are invited as witnesses, and a small feast is held afterwards. These feasts are traditional, dating back to the Old Elten kingdoms. The guests at the feast break plates and other tableware, save crystal and glasses. The newly married couple cleans up the pieces, showing that they are able to work together. It's said that it brings good luck to the couple.

An Elten engagement ring is a simple gold band worn on the non-dominant hand. It symbolizes the fact that a couple is serious, but not in its finality. Once married, the couple each wears a lavish, expensive wedding ring on their dominant hand.

Slavery[edit | edit source]

Slavery is seen as barbaric among the Eltens, something for the brainless Ulyssian to do. As such, slavery has never been a widespread practice. There are plenty of laws in place in Elterlein that forbid slavery and even indentured servitude, with all servants paid well for their service.

Folklore[edit | edit source]

The most common folklore in Elterlein are stories of legendary heroes and battles. Because the Empire puts a big focus on military strength and prowess, those who distinguish themselves are made into legendary figures of history. The most popular tales date back to the War of Widow's Lament and the Fandon's Conquest, of heroes who fought valiantly and battles that were won against all odds.

The most popular and widely known tale is of the Battle of Rorinburg. According to history, Galen Fandon's force was still recovering from a previous defeat. They took refuge in the small town of Rorinburg, when a Talverian force located them and marched. The town of Rorinburg had only one entrance, by bridge. Galen Fandon and his healthy men lined up on the bridge, armed only with crossbows and shields. They formed a shield wall and managed to hold off the entire force, only by firing in perfect form.

In addition to this story, there are several others similar to it. Of course, history has warped the details, but many Elten generals still try and base themselves off legendary figures.

Death[edit | edit source]

Death varies between social castes. The noble castes are more often than not interred into a family crypt, or even a family graveyard depending on wealth and influence. The upper classes tend to also have family crypts, however this is not always the case. Regardless, these classes are given proper burials and funeral services.

Military personnel are given full honours upon death, either being interred into a crypt depending on their family’s wealth and power or being buried in a military cemetery. The lower classes are either given a bare minimum graveyard burial or are cremated en masse to save space for those deemed “more deserving” of proper burials. Regardless of the deceased’s place in the social structure, if they die outside of Elten territories, they are often brought back to their motherland for a funeral. Eltens do not take the murder of their countrymen lightly, and will often swear long-standing oaths of vengeance.

Magic[edit | edit source]

Magic is widely acknowledged and used within the Empire. Several colleges and universities exist to teach magic, often a mandatory process. All practitioners are logged and recorded by the Imperial Magisterium by law, and any magic user above the age of eighteen without permit is to register with the Magisterium or be detained and processed. Registering does not press the mage into the Empire’s service, but merely records them for legal magic practice.

The Imperial Military recruits militant magic users, known as Knight-Magisters. Other magic users in service to the Emperor are simply Magisters, and operate the Imperial Magisterium.