Imperial Shou Lang
Overview
Once the seat of a huge and cohesive empire, the Imperial Heartlands of Shou Lang now reflect a nation in decay. Since the departure of Emperor Jianlong in 1199 AC, the Regency Council has reigned in his absence, clinging to power while the empire stagnates. The heartlands have been weakened by political infighting, corruption, and indecision, which has left its citizens disillusioned and made its borders more susceptible to outside influences. Despite this decline, the heartlands retain remnants of their former glory. Grand cities with ornate architecture, bustling ports, and a storied military tradition testify to the empire’s historical might. However, cracks in the foundation are evident—while regional governors struggle to manage dissent and economic stagnation, former provinces like the Citizen’s Republic of Xa Hoi and the People's Republic of Bachuan have declared independence and thrived. The once-venerated imperial throne now stands as a symbol of both unity and the paralysis gripping the heartlands.The Regency Council
In the absence of a sovereign, the Imperial Heartlands are governed by the Regency Council, which was established following the disappearance of Emperor Jianlong in 1199 AC. Originally created as a short-term solution to maintain stability, the council has solidified over the last 20 years, becoming a convoluted and divisive institution of government. High-ranking nobles, top bureaucrats, military commanders, and religious leaders make up the council, which is an awkward coalition of conflicting interests trying to maintain the appearance of collective leadership while fighting for influence. The council's decision-making process is notoriously delayed, as different groups struggle over policies, appointments, and the empire's future. Corruption is widespread, with councilors putting personal money and regional power ahead of the welfare of the heartlands. While some members strive for reforms to revitalize the country, others hold onto archaic traditions, afraid that change will undermine their influence. The absence of a clear successor to the imperial throne has worsened the council's dysfunction. Efforts to find or create an heir have failed, putting the heartlands in political limbo. Though the Regency Council presents an image of imperial continuity, its failure to solve the empire's difficulties has resulted in growing populist unrest and reduced the heartlands' global influence.A Land Politically Torn Apart
While the Regency Council has nominal authority, a number of powerful factions beyond its ranks wield influence, battling for dominance or pursuing their own goals. These organizations thrive in the chaotic vacuum created by the emperor's disappearance and the council's inaction, further destabilizing the heartlands.Regional Governors and Local Warlords
With the council preoccupied with internal disagreements, many provincial governors and military leaders have established quasi-independent realms. These leaders frequently have greater direct control over their regions than the central government, collecting taxes, maintaining militias, and enforcing their own laws. Some governors still give lip respect to the empire, while others openly disobey the council and rule as de facto warlords.Merchant Consortiums
The riches of the heartlands are being channeled through powerful trade guilds and consortiums. These organizations, based in important cities such as Lo Fen and Tsingtao, have considerable economic power. Many powerful companies fund their own private armies and bribe council members to safeguard trade interests or maintain monopolies. As the empire's economy falters, the consortiums frequently have more control over daily life than imperial officials.Revolution Brewing
The imperial regime's stagnation and corruption have sparked underground movements demanding dramatic reform. Revolutionary cells work in secret, arranging strikes, uprisings, and assassinations to destabilize the current regime. Inspired by beliefs from splinter republics such as Bachuan, these groups seek to demolish the aristocracy and redistribute authority to the ordinary people.Draconic Cults
The holy territory of Po Li, located to the northeast, is still a center of dragon worship. Though Po Li is entirely autonomous, its religious influence stretches far into the heartlands, particularly among pious inhabitants eager for the return of the Dragon Emperors of old. The cults revere ancient dragons who have taken up regency in Po Li, and view the empire's stagnation as divine punishment. Some elements within these cults call for a draconic messiah to restore the throne, undermining the Regency Council's authority.Life in the Imperial Heartlands
The daily lives of those in Shou Lang are defined by a combination of remaining imperial customs and the gradual breakdown of centralized administration. For the common person, life is still inextricably linked to ancient practices, yet weaknesses in the empire's basis have brought challenges, instability, and change. Urban centers retain the magnificence of Shou Lang's golden age. Ornate temples, enormous markets, and towering imperial palaces dominate the landscape, yet there are symptoms of decline: deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowded areas, and a widening gap between the wealthy elite and the destitute masses. City life is centered around bustling trade centers, where merchants sell items from all around the empire and beyond. The streets are bustling with performers, professors debating philosophy, and workers working in craft workshops. However, behind the facade of affluence, crime syndicates and revolutionary cells operate in the shadows, benefiting from the empire's stagnation. Life in the rural heartlands is slower, but not without difficulty. The majority of residents are farmers who raise rice, millet, and tea. Their lives revolve on the seasons, with festivals honoring local Yokai, ancestors, and the Nine Immortals. However, imperial officials are progressively neglecting the countryside. Tax collectors frequently take more than they deserve, and security from robbers or raiding warlords is limited. Many villages rely on their own militias or hire mercenaries for defense, instilling a sense of self-reliance. Shou Lang maintains its respect for education and the arts. Wealthy families send their children to academies to learn ancient texts, poetry, and calligraphy. While the relevance of imperial examinations has waned, they continue to function as a route to power for those who can afford to pursue an education. For the average person, schooling is more practical, focused on farming techniques, trade skills, or martial training. Traveling storytellers and village elders pass on oral histories and folklore, sustaining the empire's cultural heritage even while its political systems deteriorated.Caste System
The ancient imperial caste system is still a defining aspect of society. Nobles and bureaucrats are at the very top, enjoying privileges and wealth. Farmers and workers come behind artisans, merchants, and academics. The "unregistered," or people without legal status, are at the bottom of the social ladder, struggling to make ends meet. Social mobility is constrained, but not impossible. Scholarly tests, while increasingly corrupt, continue to provide a means for talented individuals to advance through the ranks. Martial prowess and service in a governor's militia can also improve one's standing, but this is typically laden with risk.Demography and Population
Total Population : 3,427,170 citizens in 1200 AC
Races (Citizen) -
79% Human (Majority Shou, Minority Rashemi, Turami, Bedine, Calishite, etc)
7% Dwarves (Majority Mountain Dwarf, Minority Wild Dwarf)
7% Beastfolk (Majority Kitsune and Nekojin, minority all others)
4% Elves and Half Elves.
3% All others
Founding Date
293 BC
Capital
Demonym
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
Coffee, Tea, Porcelain, Rice and Millet, Spices, Timber, Art
Major Imports
Rare Metals, Horses, Glassware, Luxury Fabric, Coal
Official State Religion
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
