Holy Illuminated Exeter Empire
The Holy Illuminated Exeter Empire is a nation on the continent of Exedilica. The Empire is a theocracy built around the Sun Faith.
Structure
Power is centralized with the Emperor himself. All decisions he makes are final and none
can challenge it. Imperial law is enforced by regional Exarchs and local Demarchs. The Emperor also leads an organized and widespread church system with members ranging from archbishops that advise the Emperor and run the country to lowly priests that help their village tend fields.
The country is largely socialistic and communistic, where little money is exchanged. Due to
the overwhelming acceptance of the Sun Faith, basic necessities are centralized and distributed equally. The clergy, along with the Exarchs and Demarachs, handle this distribution and, with very few exceptions, it is fair and equal. The only requirement for receiving basic goods is to contribute to society as best as one can.
Economy
Although it is largely communistic, the Empire does mint some money in the form of gold, silver, and copper coins. Platinum is not minted, but occasionally platinum coins recovered from pre-Devastation ruins are used in circulation. Money is used to buy luxury goods or non-essentials, and is frequently used by adventurers.Laws
Legislative power is shared by the clergy of the Sun Faith and the secular Exarchs and Demarchs that rule Exeter's towns and villages. The church is responsible for legislation that touches on moral issues, including setting criminal punishments, as well as for making determinations about the distribution of goods and services. The Exarchs and Demarchs are responsible for implementing the decisions of the church, developing local infrastructure, and providing for the general defense and well-being of their people. Civil disputes are heard by panels consisting of three judges - one appointed by the local Exarch or Demarch, one appointed by the church, and one elected by the people. Criminal disputes are generally decided by the Exarch or Demarch, but may be appealed to the full panel.History
Prior to The Devastation, the region now occupied by The Holy Illuminated Exeter Empire was a sparsely-populated collection of villages bound together by common worship of the sun as a creator deity. During The Devastation, these communities turned to mutual aid to help each other survive. After the end of The Devastation, these connections persisted, forming the underpinnings of the current Empire.
The Empire proper was founded nearly 80 years after the end of The Devastation by Milos Arkon, a priest of the Sun Faith. Initially the Empire consisted of an alliance between the emerging city states of Arcadia and Justik (now known as Peregnum). Due to the preexisting relationships formed in The Devastation, the Empire quickly and peaceable absorbed most of the settlements in the area, including many predominantly elven and halfling towns.
The Empire's first great test came in 43 FE when crop blight devastated the northern farming regions. The Empire's administrative and logistical infrastructure were pushed to their limits, but through cooperation and sacrifice the young nation managed to recover. Since then, the Empire has maintained significant emergency stores in case of another disaster. Fortunately for the Empire, the last 300 years have proven relatively bountiful. During this time, the Empire has undertaken many great works, building roads and aqueducts, irrigating fields, and establishing coastal and overland trade among its member cities.
In the last 50 years, the Empire has made an effort to extend it's borders to the south. This resulted in the construction and occupation of Fort Elos in the Longlands to the southeast and Fort Akrotiri on the Xothos Peninsula to the southwest. It has also led to greater conflict with the yuan-ti, orcs, and ogres in those areas. The Empire, being largely non-militaristic, has relied heavy on the Praxis Union and independent adventurers to provide protection against retaliation by these groups.
Demography and Population
The continent of Exedilica has a total population of around 7.4 million, with the vast majority, nearly 85%, being farmers, fishermen, and ranchers. The clergy is extremely popular and around 10% of the population can be found among them. The rest of the population can be found in the cities.
There are also sizable populations that do not recognize the authority of the Empire, such as rebel Humans, Orcs, Ogres, and Duergar. They are the primary threat to the populace. About 80% of non-natural deaths can be contributed to their activity. This leads to a healthy town guard presence as well as organized militias. Adventurers also flourish, competing with each other to make names for themselves.
Territories
The Empire claims the entire continent of Exedilica, and that claim is largely uncontested. In practice, though, the Empire mainly occupies the lowland and coastal areas in northern Exedilica. The central mountains and southern swamps and deserts are only sparsely populated, and those brave settlers generally do not think of themselves as particularly beholden to the Emperor.
Military
Being non-militaristic, there is no standing army in the Empire. However, most settlements have a well-organized militia that can be called upon in times of need. In addition, adventuring group and mercenary guilds are common, especially in frontier areas where raiding by outsiders is a continual problem.
Religion
There is only one major religion in the Holy Illuminated Exeter Empire: the Sun Faith. The overwhelming majority of the citizens--nearly 95%--follow the Faith. However, other faiths are allowed, and are treated fairly. The faith also dictates laws for the Empire, and are all fair but harsh, thereby discouraging crime. Most laws follow the eye for an eye methodology.
Foreign Relations
Until the last decade, the Empire had no contact with people outside its borders. Indeed, many Imperials wondered if they were they only remaining bastion of civilization on Ailar. That changed in 387 FE, when a strange and foreign ship sailed into port in Arcadia. The foreigners announced themselves to be envoys from the Kingdom of Wal in the Lanwan Archipelago. After some negotiations, trade routes were established and laws were written to accept these foreigners into society.
Praise the Sun
Founding Date
78 NE
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Capital
Demonym
Imperial
Leader
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Official State Religion
Location
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