Empire of Vodjin
Vodjin is one of the true successors to the Empire of Carodin and the one nation that kept the prestigious title of Emperor. The center of the realm lies along fertile lands the great steam Gallanye, which led to Vodjin beeing the most populous nation of the whole continent.
Structure
The Emperor of Vodjin is the leader of the unified country, elected by the Clan Council and empowered to levy taxes, distribute the spendings and lead the vodjite armies. He (or she) is also responsible for the diplomatic relations of the realms as well as the wellbeing of the vodjite people in general.
Below the emperor comes the Clan Council, constituted to vote about laws and electing the next emperor. It consists of seven factions, each representing a powerful clan. Smaller, less powerful clans join on of the seven major ones, creating power blocks. Proposals are discussed in each power-block first and decided with absolute majority. The decision is then carried to the Clan Council, where the representative of the power block (a member of the most powerful clan) votes as the power block has determined.
The Clans form the backbone of the realm, being the lowest, yet most important power structure at the same time. Each clan rules over a certain domain and has some independence regarding taxes and defence. The seven most powerful clans have a permanent seat at the Clan Council, with all other Clans joining on of the major ones. Each clan consists of several families, with one of them providing the Clan leader. Numerous advisors, usually consisting of members of all families of a Clan help the Clan leader in his daily tasks of ruling the domain.
Culture
The vodjite people are proud and sturdy, very much believing that their realm and their believes carry on the legacy of the destroyed Empire of Kharodin. The ideals of Vodjite society are rich in contrast and mostly beyond comprehension for outsiders: While the fullfilling of any task has to be done with absolute dedication to honour the realm, the way to a position may as well be achieved with intrigue and conspiracy. Neglect of ones duties is a terrible stain to honour, which, as most important social indicator, directly affects the place in society. The fights and betrayals to reach a position are therefore seen as a good way to prove dedication and determination. If someone who gets a position through intrigue fails to do the acquired tasks well, he/she automatically looses the desired influence and standing. Some even regard underhand practices as a vital part of the realm and often the only way to break up the inflexible legal systems and long lasting feuds with "creative solutions". In practice, many positions are still earned in a "fair" way through merit and honour, with higher positions of power usually more prone to be the cause for intrigues.
The Vodjites are particulary proud about their personal combat skills, considering fighting as integral part of their culture and mentality. Practice is mandatory for everyone from a very young age onwards. Each clan has a champion, who leads the troops in wars and trains the other soldiers of the clan. They are selected through the very popular, publicly held clan-wide tournaments and paid by the Clan leader for their services. An even more popular empire-wide tournament exists as well, determining the Champion of the Realm. This obviously prestigious title makes the owner not only a hero to all Vodjites but the captain of the imperial guard and protector of the Emperor as well. The title does however come with risks: While the owner has to be a very strong and honourable fighter (the fights have a strict set of rules and are monitored closely), the political system of the Empire makes him/her a powerful and influential individual, often in the thick of the court scheming and intrigues.
Assets
Every clan champion wields a weapon specific to the clan he/she represents. Those weapons are often old and highly cherished clan heirlooms and may only be wielded by the champion. The loss of such an item would be regarded as a terrible stain of honour.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Vodjite
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Legislative Body
The Clan Council decides about the creation of laws, the election of the next Emperor and also participates in the creation and cessation of taxes.
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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