Noctavian Empire
The Noctavian Empire is a continent-spanning authoritarian regime ruling over Noctavia, known also as the Shadowed Lands. While the Six Kingdoms—each governed by powerful monarchs and warlords—maintain control over their own twisted dominions, the Empire itself exerts direct control over the vast regions in between, acting as the binding force of dominion and dread.
Structure
- The Empire functions as a centralized imperial power, enforcing the will of the Dark Empress across Noctavia.
- The Six Kingdoms (The Bleak Iron Throne, Shadowfen, Emberfall, Iceshard Dominion, Withered Wilds, and Nightmarrow Isles) swear fealty to the Empress, but are given relative autonomy within their borders—provided they pay tribute, offer arcane tithes, and do not challenge imperial law.
- Outside these kingdoms, the Empire maintains direct rule over borderlands, dead zones, wastelands, and major crossroads. These areas are administered by Imperial Overseers, Void Priests, and Dreadwardens appointed by the Empress.
Religion
- Unity Through Fear: The Empire maintains peace by reminding every citizen that rebellion is futile, and hope is an illusion.
- Progress Through Sacrifice: Magic and technology evolve only through sacrifice—be it flesh, soul, or sanity.
- Eternal Dominion: The Empress’s reign is not a phase of history—it is history eternal, and her rule is the shape of destiny.
Laws
- Religion: Worship of the Dark Empress as a god-empress is mandatory. Her divine essence is believed to be the source of the world’s arcane imbalance and metaphysical storms.
- Magic: The use of magic is permitted but tightly regulated. Sorcery, necromancy, and warlock pacts are encouraged—if they are sanctioned. Unauthorized use is met with soul branding or execution.
- Surveillance & Order: Imperial Seers and Shadow Envoys observe society through enchanted mirrors and blood-scribed sigils. Rebellious thought itself is said to be hunted by dreambinders.
- Law & Punishment: Justice is swift and brutal. Trials by soul, where the accused must survive the manifestation of their guilt, are common. Public sacrifices are staged as warnings.
Infrastructure
- Soulroads: Enchanted highways built from obsidian and soulglass connect key regions. Ghostly chariots and spectral caravans move goods and knowledge.
- Citadels of Obedience: Fortresses-cathedrals that serve both as military bastions and temples to the Empress. They train inquisitors, necromancers, and divine agents of terror.
- Imperial Archives: Hidden libraries that house forbidden knowledge, spells of world-breaking potential, and the Empress's own decrees. Only the highest initiates may enter.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Leader
Founders
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Gazetteer
Imperial Territories (Outside the Six Kingdoms)
- The Obsidian Wastes: A scorched land of shattered glass and ash, once home to a rebellion now erased from memory. Imperial constructs and soul-bound guardians roam its scorched plains.
- The Black Veins: A massive cave system housing ancient machinery and soul forges, operated by the Empire’s Mechanists and Necro-Engineers.
- The Echoing Expanse: A vast plain of silence, where sound is devoured and thought echoes forever. Imperial inquisitors are rumored to imprison traitorous minds here.
- The Pale March: A tundra-blasted frontier held by frostbound legions. Military outposts here serve as staging grounds for assaults on rebel cells or foreign incursions.
- The Bleeding Spire: A metaphysical pillar of obsidian and bloodstone at the continent’s center, possibly the true seat of the Empress. Said to exist partially in another plane.
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments